By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE response of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to the scourge of home invasions does not offer hope for nationals who are under siege by brutal criminals.
This is according to Member of Parliament for Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal.
On Thursday, Dr Moonilal said his political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar stance on “Stand Your Ground” laws must be applauded as home invasions have now become a plague in Trinidad and Tobago which the TTPS on its own cannot contain.
“Mrs Kamla Persad Bissessar has made the courageous and clear statement calling on homeowners to defend themselves within the law,” he said.
Dr Moonilal referred to media releases by the TTPS, which paints the picture that the TTPS was doing a good job at dealing with crime.
One release issued on Wednesday that mentioned the arrests of ten persons states, “These arrests represent ongoing successes attributed to the strategies implemented by Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher and the executive of the TTPS aimed at reducing instances of home invasions, robberies, larcenies and increasing safety and security for all citizens.”
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The headline for that release also stated, “Ten Charged Under Anti-Gang Act Behind Bars Tonight – Southern Division Officers Solve Two More Home Invasions.”
In a statement, Dr Moonilal said, “The TTPS attempt to paint the issue as one in decline does not match the cold facts, in which innocent elderly citizens are being mercilessly assaulted and murdered in the sanctuary of their homes.
“Despite the TTPS assertion that there have been arrests of criminals, life has become a nightmare for citizens, who are forced to retreat into their homes early and limit their business and leisure hours.”
Dr Moonilal said it was now imperative that Stand Your Ground legislation was introduced in order to give law-abiding citizens an opportunity to defend themselves.
He said such legislation is on the law books of 38 US states, in several European countries and various other nations with many countries have labelling their respective laws as “a line in the sand” and “no retreat, no surrender.”
Dr Moonilal said, “The law has been upheld by Supreme Courts in several countries where there have been legal challenges. Legislations provide for people to respond to threats to their life, rape, or serious bodily injury with lethal force.
“Laws similar to that being proposed by the United National Congress have been proven to be effective in reducing crime rates in several jurisdictions and in safeguarding people’s security.”
He added that it was regrettable that the TTPS continued to communicate with the crime-ridden society in a detached manner and does not face the scrutiny of the media.
“The Commissioner of Police and the TTPS more than anyone else, must provide solutions and optimism to a besieged land by courageously facing critical examination, even criticisms,” Dr Moonilal said.
