Commentary: Time to Call Elections

By Dr Neil Gosine

All we need is the right people in place; the right government to overcome these challenges. A major challenge in this country is crime and gang violence.

This government and its leadership has failed us miserably. They have shown that they are not serious about tackling the spiraling crime and violence that plague this country. How many more people must die? Take for example, the recent shooting on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway where four people were shot down in cold blood, including an innocent bystander. Confirming what we all fear, a country out of control, where gangs/criminals run rampant without fear of arrest or prosecution.

“Highway Carnage” or “Innocent Woman Killed”, headlines that indicate the anarchy and lawlessness that we have descended into in the last few years, making it alarmingly clear that the criminals are at our doorsteps. We are a country held hostage by gangsters that can’t seem to be stopped and who can terrorize citizens at will.

Bold and fearless, they openly put out videos on TikTok or X (formerly known as Twitter) brandishing their automatic weapons and massive gold chains, hanging like trophies around their necks. These displays of  “power” and “influence” attracting wayward, susceptible youth, teaching them that there’s no need to work hard, you can simply take what you want by force, consequences be damned, if there are any consequences at all. 

Let’s face it, the people have been abandoned by their Government in the fight against crime and now they want out. They want change, they want action. 

Recently, an opposition senator made the suggestion of engaging youth in “hotspot” areas, and I agree. Outside of sanctions against delinquent and gang related behaviour being put in place and enforced we must educate and engage.

Educate young people about the impact crime, delinquent behaviour and gang activities can have on their family, society and themselves and engage them with alternative outlets like sports and other recreational activities, where they can develop key skills like conflict resolution, leadership and much more.   

However, it takes a village, every stakeholder must do their part. Parents need to ensure there is proper supervision especially after school, schools and communities should maintain proper academic and non academic programmes that engage students meaningfully and the Government needs to provide proper training, funding and infrastructure to aid in these efforts. 

It is time to tackle these social issues head on, we the people are officially fed up! As I said before, we want change and soon. Maybe the prime minister should call elections, I do believe the country deserves a new year’s gift!

Neil Gosine is an insurance executive. He 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.