Horrifying comments by Rowley

THE EDITOR: This PNM administration has been criticised for its handling of the crime situation. Repeatedly, Prime Minister Rowley and his cabinet shift the blame of crime to the public.

He said our music made us criminals, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said we should close our windows if we don’t want our homes invaded, Social Development and Family Services Minister Donna Cox blamed neighbours for not reporting suspicious activity in the Valsayn child abuse case (despite reports showing that they did file reports), etc.

Many have labelled their attitude as negligent, shameful and disturbing. However, the comments made by the Prime Minister during the opening of Agri Expo 2024 last week may be the most horrifying thing any country leader has said.

During his ramble the Prime Minister felt it appropriate to address several tragic incidents involving young people killed in confrontations with the police, such as the recent Freeport shooting when six alleged bandits, including several young people, were killed.

Dr Rowley issued a threat to all youth in the country. He said, “The police are trained to shoot and they will shoot to kill” and will do so if you arm yourselves or threaten them. This intimidation act betrays the PM’s own personal ignorance and negligence toward the systemic issues behind crime and demonstrates his unwillingness to provide a more nuanced approach to youth crime.

Although his rhetoric was intended to caution youth away from criminality, it fundamentally fails to address the root causes of crime and, in fact, perpetuates a cycle of violence by seemingly inciting police officers to act as executioners.

Police officers are not judges. They are not a jury. They are not executioners. They are not supposed to be a gang. They do not have the legal right to gun down people indiscriminately on the streets for arming themselves when no crime has been committed. And despite the attempts of this government to prove us wrong, we are not in a dictatorship, where one man can issue such a decree.

The motto of the TTPS is “To protect and serve with pride” – not “To execute children.”

The people are begging for those in this government to acknowledge the actual issues for crime such as poverty, lack of educational and employment opportunities and systemic inequality rather than throwing out desperate attempts to save their own skin.

By focusing solely on the punitive aspects of crime and neglecting these underlying issues, Rowley just worsens the problem. He is deepening the divide between law enforcement and the communities they are meant to protect and serve.

He fails to recognise the crucial role of community and systemic support in preventing crime. The recent remarks align with the broader victim-blaming narrative, without providing substantial support or intervention.

Yes, accountability for actions is important, but it is equally critical to invest in preventative measures that address the provenance of criminal behaviour. This includes enhancing educational opportunities, expanding youth engagement programmes, and addressing economic disparities.

This type of indifference and disrespectful arrogance that we see from the Prime Minister and his cabinet directly hold us back from any progress. No other country would tolerate a leader who makes a mockery of his position in the way Rowley does.

It is time we genuinely acknowledge that this government has failed us. No prior government, PNM, UNC, or otherwise allowed the murder toll to regularly cross 400 – yet this Rowley-lead administration is nearing 600 per annum.

Come election day, when the people’s votes bring in a new administration, this Rowley-lead government will still be a stain on TT history.

STEVON JAGGASAR

via e-mail

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