The fault, dear Brutus, may be in our stars . . . but it can be remedied!

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t was uncanny. Two men I did not think shared much in common struck the same theme of national concerns within hours of each other at separate venues. I count myself lucky to have heard both commentaries on the current escalating crime situation. I feel luckier still that Brother Ignatius Flahive and George Odlum had in their time and on separate occasions, encouraged me to write and to do so truthfully and fearlessly. (I may soon have to add Rick Wayne.)

I refer to the comments by the last mentioned on his DBS-TV show last Thursday December 6, on the crime situation and the apparent ineffectiveness of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. Rick suggested that the seeming inability of the police to aggressively pursue criminals can be traced to the still unresolved IMPACS report relating to alleged illegal killings by some police officers. Rick also cited the work of lawyer Mary Francis, an advocate of human rights. Some love her while others despise her for what they erroneously perceive as her bias toward criminals at the expense of their victims.      

If I were a minister of national security or a prime minister, I would ensure that the police have all the equipment they need and every member of the force would know that I have their backs. I would make a point of providing the best insurance policy for police officers. Those harmed in the line of duty would have the full weight of my government on their side. Every citizen would be aware that I would never plead with any criminal “to give the people a chance to enjoy Christmas”, as did a prime minister several years ago. Never! I would encourage among the leadership of our force the attitude of Trinidad’s present police commissioner, Mr. Garry Griffith, toward criminals.    

At the funeral ceremony last Friday of my friend and former Forum colleague Eldon Mathurin, held at the St. Joseph the Worker Church in Gros Islet, Monsieur Patrick Anthony referred to this country’s crime situation: “How come Saint Lucia is capable of producing such men as Eldon Mathurin and other law-abiding citizens of international repute while tolerating this growing lawlessness? Where are the parents?” I was tempted to raise my hand and answer “Paba’s” questions, but a funeral was hardly the place for such an exchange.  

Yes, the narrative was crime but both Rick and the celebrant at Eldon’s funeral merely scratched the surface, perhaps for lack of time. If I were in charge, the arrest and speedy prosecution of those who commit crime, especially at this time of year, would top my list of priorities. Until we make an example of both our “gentlemen-criminals” who practise so-called white-collar crime, as well as the gunslinging Christmas-time burglars, right-thinking citizens will remain victims.

The morals and integrity of the society have been poisoned by these miscreants. But all is not lost. Crime functions best in an atmosphere of greed and selfishness. My solution to the rising tide of lawlessness would begin with compulsory national service. I would encourage participants to educate and train the more unfortunate and needy in our midst. They would be required to help keep their communities clean, assist farmers in their daily chores and help maintain discipline in schools and other public places.   

You know now, dear reader, why politicians who may mean well have so much trouble transforming the society. Too many associate national service with armies and dictators. Perhaps they need to read more on the history of the nations they slavishly monkey. As we contemplate our social situation and study the selfish, weak-kneed politicians still in our midst, we need to take time this Christmas season to acknowledge that while the fault, dear Brutus, may be in our stars, still we have the power to make things right!