The Opposition has called for Government to facilitate a local or regional consultation on crime and use citizens’ suggestions in addressing the problem.
In a statement, United National Congress chairman David Lee said: “At this point one can safely say that one of the basic constitutional rights is being violated as citizens no longer feel safe nor are they able to enjoy their property comfortably.
“It’s the role of Government to upkeep this right by strategically finding measures to battle the horrendous wave of crime plaguing T&T.
“The views, concerns and solutions of citizens are critical in the fight against crime. Crime is an issue which must never be politicised. However, there’s no denying it is the stringent role of politicians and those in authority to not only take responsibility but create measures to protect citizens.
“Government must, therefore, show an ‘all out’ attack on crime as well as criminal elements as we seek to protect the greatest asset of our nation, our human resource. It’s quite bewildering that Government’s approach at this time appears very laissez-faire and non-committal.”
He said the UNC would continue to offer its suggestions and solutions to fight crime.
Lee added: “My heart goes out to the families affected by crime due to murder of loved ones. The records will show that at this point in 2015 under the People’s Partnership, the murder rate was substantially lower than it is presently.”
In recent days, Prime Minister Keith Rowley has acknowledged that crime levels, particularly murders, were unacceptable. Following last month’s double murder of two schoolboys in Laventille, soldiers were called out to help patrol the crime hot spots.
Fix forex shortage
Apart from the crime problem facing T&T, Lee also said businesses and individuals were increasingly constrained by the minimal and nominal amounts of foreign exchange made available to them for purchase from commercial banks.
“The various Chambers of Commerce, such as those representing San Fernando, San Juan, Couva/Point Lisas and Chaguanas have all confirmed that businesses within their respective regions have been facing this dilemma.”
Lee said it was important to note that one of the major concerns raised by the business lobby groups was the allegations of inequitable distribution of foreign exchange by the Central Bank.
“Therefore, it is pertinent to the sustainability and protection of the economy that both Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance implement mechanisms which are geared to not only educing the shortage of foreign exchange, but ensuring equity as it relates to its distribution,” he said.
“It’s of public importance to have this rectified as soon as possible, as failure to do so will result in businesses and individuals being unable to honour their contractual and financial obligations to foreign suppliers.
“Further perpetuation presents disastrous repercussions, such as the collapse of businesses, loss of jobs, destabilisation of the economy, a loss of confidence in T&T by foreign investors and suppliers as well as an unprecedented plethora of social problems,” Lee said.
The Central Bank has reverted to the previous regime in distribution of foreign exchange to commercial banks after People’s National Movement assumed office in last September but business people are still complaining about the lack of foreign exchange available from their bankers.