A government seemingly incapable of tackling the nation's woes was removed and one that promised betterment was voted in. Today we see the same huge potholes, traffic jams, road carnage, high inflation, hospital woes and the very burning issue of high crime.
More than two years after being voted into office on a promise of safety for citizens, it is sad and disappointing to see this administration giving out more handouts than previous governments, indirectly putting more money in the hands of the criminals, providing opportunities for the additional acquisition of illegal guns, which they use to rob and kill citizens.
The brutal, callous murder of a 14-year-old tells the story of the vicious killer. But that is not all. There are groups in this country that will go all out to preserve and protect this killer if and when he is caught. Killers are treated like they are the endangered species. We keep them in prison as if to make choka.
No amount of money or technology will stop them if it is not supported with the implementation of the death penalty. Governments will change because of crime. We can change every national security minister, we can build hundreds of courts and double the police force, but as long as these initiatives are not supported with the strictest of punishment, they will not work.
Recently a rapist was sentenced to 26 years in prison. Even that is not enough. At a time when crime is so rampant we should not be talking about the pardoning of prisoners. This is insensitive to the feelings of the public. The families of criminals, misguided human rights activists, defence lawyers and others who benefit from the proceeds of crime will all be up in arms, but we must tell them that walking is too slow and that they should instead fly.
We must stop the old talk, stop the delay and pursue the implementation of the death penalty for there to be any sanity here.
Ramesh Marajh
Palo Seco