New York-In a T&T Guardian exclusive, general secretary of the People's National Movement (PNM) Ashton Ford blasted the ruling People's Partnership for its handling of the recent crime wave on the Caribbean island. In New York at the invitation of PNM International, Ford called the imposition of a state of emergency unconstitutional and challenged the Government to review its policies. Accompanied by deputy leader Joan Yuille-Williams, he derided the emergency measure, referring to it as a "state of excuse". He said: "It is becoming clearer that the Government had no justification in taking such an action. "The Constitution allows for this drastic measure only when the country is threatened as it was in 1970 and 1990."
Ford, who assumed the position as general secretary in last March, questioned why the crime problem could not have been effectively addressed with existing laws. "What is now being heard is that the emergency was implemented because of a possible outbreak of gang warfare between Colombian and Trinidad gangs over a seized shipment of cocaine. "If that's the case, law enforcement should know who these gang members are and take action." When asked about popular support for the curfew and emergency measures, he conceded that many would welcome any action that would relieve an untenable situation. However, he outlined existing laws, such as the anti-gang law that could have been employed without violating the Constitution. "This law has sufficient teeth to clean up this mess," he added.
He touted the anti-kidnapping law that was fully employed by his party with remarkable results. He said: "People forget that when we left office, kidnapping was practically non-existent, down from 100 a year to under five. We accomplished this by using the laws on the books." Ford viewed the strategic location of Trinidad as the main reason for the burgeoning drug trade and questioned why areas such as Icacos, Moruga, Cedros and Toco were not designated "hot spots". He said: "We, like other islands, are a transit point for illegal activity. That is why when we were in office we spent money on patrol vessels. "Strangely, the Government discontinued the programme, only to place an ad recently for information in order to purchase these very boats.
"There is no logic or explanation for these policies. They are unsustainable. In fact, the damage to our image worldwide is done by the emergency. "Every one is suffering-from the small worker to the country - in terms of investment. We have lost on every level," he added. Ford also raised the issue of civil liberties, stating that hundreds were arbitrarily arrested, even inhumanely treated. He said: "Innocent people are being caught up in this dragnet. "People are being thrown into the back of vans and handcuffed. Mothers don't have information on the whereabouts of their children. "Civil rights are being violated here but we have a team of lawyers who are working to ensure that everyone will be treated equitably."