However remote we consider the situation in London, the fact is that there are lessons to be learnt from what has been described as Britain's worst rioting in a generation.That a country which prides itself as promoting civil obedience and adhering to law and order has found itself in the international limelight as a place that, until further notice, foreigners should take precaution when visiting, must act as a wake-up call for all other so-called decent and law-abiding nations to check themselves and immediately address any societal rumblings that have the potential to become unprecedented volcanic eruptions of lawlessness.
Not long ago
I do not subscribe to the view that what is happening in London and its surrounding districts could never occur in T&T because our history has shown "that what eh meet us, has not passed us."A little over 20 years ago, we had our dangerous taste of an attempt to overthrow the then government and today we continue to suffer from the ill-effects of a situation back then that remained largely unmonitored although there were clear signals of distress.If we let naivety get in the way of full appreciation of international events and their possible effect on the national landscape, then we may as well brace ourselves for the unexpected as well as the inevitable.We do not want to find ourselves in a déjà vu position which admittedly might present itself in a less violent manner but cause equal or worse loss and so it is incumbent about those in charge not only to read the riot act, but to rise to the challenge of providing leadership that attracts wide-spread public trust and confidence.
Leading the troops
The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, who leads a coa-lition government, has made no bones in stating categorically that the current social disorder in London and surrounding districts must stop with immediate effect.His clear message is one of zero tolerance for the hooliganism that is running rampage through the streets and causing law-abiding citizens great distress. Parliament has been called out from its recess and summer holidays for members have been cut short without due notice. Such is the decisive action to be taken in a time of turmoil.Mr Cameron is obviously aware that the British people are unhappy with some of his social policies that have resulted in significant cutbacks but he is not on a popularity campaign and certainly unprepared to compromise the interest of his country in order to score "quick wins" that will not last.Cameron has not held back the punches and rightly so because any sign of weakness at this crucial time will mark the beginning of the downfall of his government.So as Cameron dictates his unyielding position to fight back with full force, with "nothing off the table" for his consideration in order to restore peace and confidence on Britain's streets, the question is: if such a situation occurred here at home, would our leaders be able to take control of the matter?
For those who blindly support this administration without any regard for proper and objective assessment, the predictable answer would be an overwhelming "yes."Those who choose the route of independent and critical thinking before jumping to respond to such important and thought-provoking questions would perhaps be more concerned that there are certain sectors of society that are expressly dissatisfied with some of the policies, decisions and operations of this Government.And therefore the issue is not simply whether the Government is right on the various issues but, really, has enough been done in an open, fair and transparent manner to quell the concerns of a highly suspicious public that has grown to distrust the actions of those who hold high political office?
Brewing matters
The threat by some trade union leaders that unless their demands are met there will be a nation-wide shutdown that will come "like a thief in the night," has our citizenry under tremendous stress.The fact that little progress has been made in getting the relevant stakeholders to have a meeting of minds or to move forward at least on an interim basis is of continued public concern.The proposed action by some of those issuing the threats appears militant and the Prime Minister has indicated that contingency plans are in place to deal with the contemplated shutdown.In Britain the police are being heavily relied upon in order to restore law and order in the rioting districts. Despite the fact that the Metropolitan Police force flooded the streets with 16,000 officers, there was still no guarantee that such a massive show of strength would bring an end to the violence.My simple point is that should there be any rioting in any country, there is an automatic resort to law enforcement officers for immediate, if only temporary, relief and so all the troops must be up and running and not reflecting and resting.I say no more on the matter because the population is looking closely at the actions of all to determine who truly has the interest of the country at heart.
Missing people
The loss of a loved one is never easy to bear, especially if the individual has made a meaningful contribution on a national scale. At times when our nation seems under siege or particularly vulnerable, we look to those in our society who can bring reason and share views that will assist in facilitating good sense to pre- vail.Perhaps some of us have not been checking but we are slowly losing outstanding citizens who we have depended upon to articulate the voice of reason and to properly direct or persuade the minds of those who chart our destiny.The recent passing of Prof Julian Kenny is an extremely sad event, especially for his relatives and close friends and those who recognised the brilliance of this outstanding academic who was never too busy to act in the national interest at all levels.Prof Kenny and men and women like him are gifts from God to our nation and the best and most glowing tribute that can be given to such people is to honour their memory by adopting and implementing the suggestions that they have made on national issues during their lifetime, confidently knowing that this will be in the best interest of the country.