IN a surprising turn of events, Canadian YouTuber Christopher Hughes, widely known by his online nickname Chris Must List, was charged with sedition in Trinidad and Tobago, sparking significant public debate and controversy.
The arrest has led many to question the priorities of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) given the country’s ongoing struggles with high levels of gang-related crime and violence.
Christopher Hughes, who has gained a lot of online traction for his commentary on various socio-political issues, was arrested under the Sedition Act, a law that has historically been used to curb dissent and suppress free speech in Trinidad and Tobago. The specific reasons for Hughes’ arrest remain somewhat hidden to the public, but it is believed that his content was perceived as threatening to public order or inciting hostility against the government. This sedition law is archaic and needs to be amended.
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Sedition laws, which date back to colonial times, are intended to prevent actions or speech that could incite rebellion against the state. In practice, these laws can be quite controversial, as they often straddle a fine line between maintaining public order and infringing upon freedom of expression. The average citizen is scratching his head asking why such laws can be used to silence political opponents or dissenters, stifling healthy democratic discourse.
Trinidad and Tobago has long been plagued by high levels of violent crime, murders, home invasions and particularly gang-related activities. These criminal enterprises are involved in various illicit activities, including drug trafficking, extortion of businesses, and violent clashes over turf. The murder rate in the country is among the highest in the Caribbean, and law abiding citizens often express concerns about their safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
Given this backdrop, the decision to charge a foreign YouTuber with sedition, rather than focusing on the rampant gang violence, has raised eyebrows and led to widespread criticism. Many citizens and commentators argue that the police should prioritise combating the more immediate and tangible threats posed by organised crime rather than pursuing a case that some view as politically motivated.
The TTPS has defended its actions, asserting that the arrest was made in accordance with the law and that no one is above the legal framework of the country. However, this stance has done little to alleviate public concerns about the major issue of crime and safety.
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Critics argue that the police force’s resources would be better spent tackling the pervasive issues of gang violence and organized crime, which have a far more direct and immediate impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
The perception that the police are targeting a relatively obscure YouTuber instead of addressing the more pressing crime issues has fueled skepticism and discontent.
What we all want and consider to be crucial for the TTPS and the government is for them to address these concerns transparently and ensure that their actions are seen as both fair and effective in tackling the root causes of crime and violence in Trinidad and Tobago, not targeting a foreign YouTuber with sedition charges.
Neil Gosine is an insurance executive. He was appointed a temporary Opposition Senator and is also the treasurer of the UNC and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, BSC in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited.
That should have been put down politics and start loving the country
In spite of Christopher arrest and release. He was given back his passport and was free to leave the country and return for the next court hearing. What people in this country fail to realize is how much foreigners loves this country. Christopher decided not to go back to Canada and remain till the next hearing. Doesn’t that speak millions. Its time people put down policies and start loving the country!