There are many things in need of reform and which require upgrade and perhaps before we embark on big plans we ought to address a very fundamental question: If we are not starving for ideas, and clearly we are not, because raw talent abounds in our nation, why does it take so long for viable solutions for major problems to be implemented? The crises we face in the sectors of national security and heath are not of recent vintage and yet with promises that change is in the air we continue to be confronted with challenges that we seem unable to overcome. This is not an indictment against the current regime which admittedly has inherited a dungeon filled with skeletons that continue to haunt the sanest of minds. But that having been said, there is so much work that has to be done to restore public trust and confidence in institutions that are supposed to safeguard and benefit the community that even the most intense public relations campaign that promotes form rather than substance will eventually be exposed for what it really is-a national gimmick.
Raising the bar
If individuals are truly committed to improving the unsatisfactory standards by which we currently operate, then there is no room for political game playing by any person who operates in this arena in which the bar has been set too low for quite some time. While it may be argued that politics has a morality of its own, there will be no change in the way politicians operate unless there is acceptance of the fundamental principle that integrity must reign supreme. To use this article to develop this particular topic further may result in more than a teacup affair, so I hope that the point being made is not lost on the heads of those prefer to "move on" without learning the important lessons from their mistakes. Those who hold high office must be prepared to raise the bar and set new and higher standards for the assessment of their performance. Only then will the words transparency and accountability in office have true meaning. This is the kind of reform that is required in politics and this regime that has enunciated adherence to the noble principles of honesty and truth must act as mentors in this regard and rise to the occasion.
Reformed thinking
Technology has provided avenues for thousands to be kept in the loop and to exchange ideas and views but if this enhancement of instantaneous mass communication is used to brainwash rather than to engage in meaningful discussion and debate, then we will continue to suffer the ill effects of widespread societal deterioration. Contributors to talk programmes on the television and radio still seem boxed into views that are reflective of the stands taken by the political directorate of the parties to which they belong and not as articulators of views, however diverse, based on independent and rational thinking. Perhaps this is the way it is supposed to be, that politicians are entitled to have blind loyalists bleating incessantly in their favour without determining the merit of the given script. And maybe because perception is considered reality in politics, the constant chanting of a particular message that bears little truth will, in a world consumed by politics, be accepted as fact though actually fiction.
But let it be remembered that although we squander the ability, we are capable of mature thinking and that we are not always led astray, as evidenced by the results of the last general election. Our collective thinking has to change because we need to be more analytical and objective in our thought process. We are far too intelligent to allow ourselves to be caught in intellectual compromise for the sake of personal gain. There are several examples of people who have suddenly gone remarkably quiet although the causes for which they were once noticeably outspoken remain alive and unattended issues. I am sure that there is good reason for their silence and that their consciences allow them to sleep well at night.
Upgrading justice. The Minister of Justice has stated explicitly that there will be a fundamental overhaul of the criminal justice system to ensure that justice is made more accessible and affordable for all. The focus is also on swift justice and the removal of unnecessary delays in the administration of criminal justice.
In this regard Minister Volney has intensified the pace to draft legislation that will abolish preliminary enquires, thereby enabling magistrates to hear trials as they sit in their summary jurisdiction.
The commitment is that more courts will be built throughout T&T and that resources will be given to find suitable people to fill the expanded complements in the institutions and departments involved in the delivery of justice. The minister ought to be congratulated for running at a fast pace on a track that has been calling for attention for some time and he is respectfully advised that there are other runners alongside whose input and efforts must be considered if he is to run the race to the finish. Important matters such as the role of the police as prosecutors in the magistrates' courts and the need for more prosecutors in the Office of the DPP must be addressed, as well as the need for comprehensive case management. Stakeholders at all levels must be consulted as the upgrade will affect all parties involved in the criminal justice process. The public must be well informed and properly educated so that the reform is truly appreciated and fulfils its objectives. Communication is the key and there should be little difficulty in obtaining national "buy in" for a product that augurs well for the entire society.
Welcome change
Change is good and there is high expectation amongst the population that this Government will outdo past regimes in terms of performance and delivery. There are no stated benchmarks but this Government promised when on the campaign trail that there would be internal and external methods, including the process of recall, to ensure that its ministers and representatives of the people are performing their duties in accordance with their oaths of office. It is presumed that some independent system is being used to rate and track ministers so that those who are at the head of the class can be used as role models and mentors for those lagging behind. It is hoped that the process of assessment will not be flawed and that there will be no unfairness when the scores are tallied. Let a jack be called a jack and given the appropriate praise.