Stop playing politics with crime

THE EDITOR, Sir: IT’S JUST amazing how some politicians can make an ass of themselves in trying to oppose or stick to party lines. Most shocking is the fact that of all issues, they choose crime as the topic to play around with.

Now, after making a fuss about why measures to address crime in the country are languishing, the same opposition are complaining about the swiftness with which the Government’s legislative crime plan tools are coming to fruition. Am I hearing correctly? Are they serious?

Be reminded that in 2010, while crime was been addressed in Tivoli and an extension was asked for in Parliament to move into other places, garrisons and parishes to clamp down on crime, it was the very same persons who prevented it – leading to gangs being rebuilt or strengthened. However, today, seven years later, they are talking about the proliferation of crime when they blocked measures sought to address it. How hypocritical!

HUNGRY FOR SOUND BITES

Can one group be so hungry or desperate for sound bytes? Are they blind or is playing politics and opposing more important to them than fixing the state of the country? I wonder.

I would urge the Government to press on with their crime plan. The crime gardens are ripe for picking, but the labourers are few. Enough is enough, and in this context I’m referring to the detractors, some of whom are in Parliament and some who are hiding behind special-interest groups. The truth is that they live in gated communities, have bodyguards, high walls, alarm on their homes, highprofile lawyers in their pockets and dual citizenship. The ordinary Joe or Jill has none. He or she must be protected by the State. They are humans who are just as valuable as the aristocrats.

JOSEPH EDWARDS