The Devil’s Imp of Crime

A mere two weeks ago, thousands of masqueraders were already on the streets of the country, all fears about the lack of police presence cast aside. It was already clear that we would have a relatively safe and clean Carnival.

And indeed, from all appearances, it was a good Carnival.  Creativity and a high quality of workmanship were still evident in many costumes, especially the Queens, Kings and Kiddies; Brian McFarlane was rewarded with his fifth Band of the Year win.  The musical content was more encouraging and ‘delivered’ – from Machel Montano’s high-energy performances, the clever literacy of “Town Ting” to the performance of Calypso Monarch Karene Asche on Dimanche Gras.  But perhaps highest on the list, that busy devil’s imp – Crime, seemed to have been captured and chained, if only for a few days.

The newspapers over the Carnival weekend and Carnival days were full of reports of criminal incidents, with 150 arrests being made during J’Ouvert celebrations alone, for offences ranging from robbery, possession of weapons, possession of illegal drugs, wounding, larceny, etc.  Other reports referred to 120 being arrested in Port of Spain, and overflowing station cells.  On one hand, this looks alarming, but we view it in the positive context of the security forces’ willingness to adopt pre-emptive measures, such as confiscating knives and ice-picks, in addition to acting promptly on reports and observations.  Enforcement was apparent.  The Courts too did their part, continuing to sit despite the ongoing festivities.

For the second year running, commuters into the main hub of City Gates were routinely searched and scanned, and weapons – or potential weapons – seized.  Police visibility was high at pre-Carnival events and on the days themselves, with regular police officers working alongside the Municipal Police, Special Reserves and members of the Defence Force.  The CCTV cameras too, served well to help the police identify and apprehend some offenders.  From all reports, formal and informal, people were generally pleased with the presence and manner in which the police conducted their duties.

These efforts should not be underestimated, as crowd management and control of the type peculiar to Trinidad and Tobago at this time of year is not easy, and officers can court reprisals in their efforts.  We congratulate those loyal and dedicated officers who came out to in full force to ensure the law was upheld, and citizens and visitors kept safe – especially since widespread industrial action had been threatened by the Police Social and Welfare Association mere days before Carnival.

Yes, they did “put country first”.  Those who have the responsibility to do so must now create an environment where both sides can conduct wage negotiations respectfully and come to a workable solution in the shortest possible time.

Now that the season of revelry is over, wouldn’t it be wonderful if overall, the same creativity and generous spirit evident at Carnival time could be applied to other aspects of national life, bringing innovation, discipline and productivity into our everyday activities?

Let us reflect on what is needed to make T&T the greatest place to live and not just a place for the ‘greatest show on earth.’