Leader talks tough on crime

Lawyers’ launch Movement for National Development
Leader talks tough on crime

By Sheldon Osborne

WHEN Political Leader of the newly-launched Movement for National Development (MND) Gavin Nicholas addressed supporters and onlookers at the party’s official launch last Sunday, it was no surprise that the bulk of his address dealt with what he and his party plans to do about crime if and when they are elected to office.

The lawyer-turned-politician outlined the party’s anti-crime plans, which included a cleanup of the Police Service “to remove corrupt elements and reward committed officers,” and to “strengthen the Coast Guard” to reduce the flow of drugs.

He also mentioned a plan to deal with criminal deportees, and hinted that there must be more involvement by citizens in the fight against crime: “Marching alone will not do it,” he said.

Political Leader of the newly-founded Movement for National Development (MND) GARVIN NICHOLAS prepares to take the podium at the party’s launch last Sunday.

GARVIN NICHOLAS

Deputy Political Leader

MANDAVI TEWARIE

However, Nicholas’ maiden political speech as party leader didn’t go into much detail, or say exactly how the plans would be implemented.

On illegal firearms, Nicholas promised that he and his team would make illegal possession of a firearm a “non bailable” offence, punishable on conviction with life imprisonment.

This measure would be just one of several that would be put in place to remove illegal guns from the streets.

MND’s stated policy on foreign assistance in crime fighting and partnerships between local police and agencies in other countries aren’t much different to what obtains at present under the People’s National Movement (PNM) administration.

However, Nicholas stated that his party would be “committed to building our own law enforcement team that would be second to none in any part of the world”.

Nicholas also had a lot to say about corruption in the present administration. He labelled the Patrick Manning administration “the single most corrupt government in the history of Trinidad and Tobago”.

He continued: “Since independence, we have had administrations that have either been corrupt or inept.

“This administration (being both corrupt and inept) makes the George Chambers administration look good.”

He noted that five government ministers are before the Integrity Commission. He also invoked the Dhansam Dhansook issue, noting the Dhansook still holds the position of councillor and represents his district in the Rio Claro Regional Corporation despite admitting that he had paid and received bribes.

Nicholas blames the present administration’s high-levels of corruption for the country’s high crime rate: “People follow the example of their leaders.

Shiv Shakti Dancers

The small crowd responded
well to entertainment
provided by the
Shiv Shakti Dancers.

The small but lively crowd

The small but lively crowd responded enthusiastically to all that was said
at the meeting.

“Almost every Cabinet minister is a developer or a businessman.

“The conflicts of interests with land acquisition, planning permission, land use, financing, and infrastructure are enormous. “Where there isn’t illegality, there most certainly is immorality.”

Nicholas and his team also promised that their party would not enter into arrangements with criminal elements as the present government has been accused of doing: “We are committed to never entering into partnerships with criminal elements, so we will not have to reward, protect, or facilitate them.”

Members of the party’s executive were also presented at last weekend’s launch, including Deputy Political leader Mandavi Tewari, Party Chairman Rajendra Arjoon, Deputy Chairman Troy Alcantara, General Secretary Diana John, and Youth Officer Stacy La Roche.

Los Paramininos Parang Band and the Shiv Shakti dancers also entertained the small but lively audience at the launch.

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