Gaining From The State Of Emergency
When the National State of Emergency was first declared by the Prime Minister in August the Government enjoyed widespread support from the population and business community. Many expressed the view that it was long overdue, since criminals already appeared to have placed citizens under house arrest. Businesses, even those most affected by losses resulting from the original curfew hours of 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., namely sole traders, the self-employed, the hospitality and entertainment sectors, supported it as a measure to reign in runaway crime in the hope that the nation would once more feel a sense of safety. The Chamber, reflecting the views of our members, also lent support to the initial 15-day State of Emergency and attendant curfew in strategically identified hotspots.
The extension of the State of Emergency also received tacit support from the nation, evidence of both the level of discomfort from crime and goodwill towards the Government’s efforts to reduce crime. Since then, however, what we have seen is not a sustained dampening of criminal activities, but a creeping return to business as usual by criminal elements.
Although the Government has done its level best to keep disruption of business activity to a minimum, slightly relaxing curfew hours in the process, it is undeniable that businesses have been paying a heavy price. Some sole traders have had to curtail operations, other businesses have laid off employees and still others cut wages based on reduced production hours, all in an effort to keep the business going. The inevitable result has been that those least able to afford it have been the hardest hit.
Consequently, it is clear that public opinion is slowly turning against the State of Emergency and more specifically, the continuance of the curfew. While the Chamber has supported the extended State of Emergency and curfew as necessary evils, we have consistently expressed that such support is hinged on the ability of the Government, in collaboration with our security agencies, to develop and implement a sustainable national crime plan. Further, what must come out of this is that our law enforcement officers must be familiar with the application of the laws when they seek to enforce them.
Now, at the mid-point of the extended State of Emergency, the relevant authorities must start making preparations to face public scrutiny: what are the sustainable gains of the State of Emergency? Will policing become more effective as a result? Will the confidence of citizens be restored? Will people be able to return to freedom from fear?
One thing is certain: it would be imprudent to seek any extension of the State of Emergency beyond December 6th. As November rounds the corner, the Christmas and Carnival seasons will be upon us. These are peak seasons for sales in most categories of business and an opportunity for many workers to earn extra income. A further extension of the State of Emergency is certain to have a negative effect.
We fervently hope that the several measures referred to by the Prime Minister and other Ministers of Government to address crime form part of a specific anti-crime plan with stated targets. Even if such a plan cannot be shared at the moment, Trinidad and Tobago will be able to measure its success when crime has been brought down to manageable proportions.
