Security and intelligence: A critical function
The People's Partnership and, by extension, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has a cardinal responsibility to monitor threats that may adversely impact on our national interests and our citizens. They must take action against those threats and they also have an obligation to contribute to international efforts to counter transnational organised crime, terrorism, arms and weapons sale, human trafficking and other similar activities.In this respect, the nation's security and intelligence community forms a vital component in the Government's efforts, and performs a critical function to protect the domestic interests of the nation as well as enhancing the assurance of public safety.
While the crucial work of security and intelligence is to contribute to the safety and security of nationals, other functions include producing intelligence that may be used by the Government for policy development and decision making. It also includes assessment of international concerns that may affect our national interests, and working with other countries and international organisations on matters of mutual concern.
Therefore, the security and intelligence community ought to be a significant contributor to improved public safety, as well as to providing information to law enforcement agencies about drug deals, importation of illegal drugs, as well as illegal arms, human smuggling and human trafficking. In light of the above mentioned statements, and the gravity of the national security scenario, would it not be prudent to question the effectiveness of these entities in the battle against transnational organised crime? How have we performed in the last year with all the intelligence capabilities?
Value of sound intelligenceto Government
The value of sound intelligence cannot be underestimated by any government. Reliable intelligence assists the Government with the scope and nature of specific threats facing Trinidad and Tobago, especially in the realm of transnational organised crime.The intelligence community can also assess international events and other matters that impact on our domestic interests, and also aid in the process of assisting the Government of formulating policies and legislations.
Blueprint for National Security
What is Trinidad and Tobago's National Security strategy? Such a strategy must commence with a mandate of clear objectives that are agreed upon, in large measure by the public, Government and Opposition.While there is no written National Security strategy as yet, a critical examination of our National Security Programme, "National Security Plan and Public Safety," would indicate that under the aegis of Martin Joseph, the former Minister of National Security, incorporated a professional blueprint and management approach to transform an institution from a pre-Cold War to post-Cold War and into the XXI century to meet the demands of this century. This refined and professional approach can be first seen in its Vision statement which states: "Trinidad and Tobago must be a society holding to the observance of the Rule of Law, in which the public has confidence in the effectiveness of National Security and Public Safety agencies to serve all communities with high standards, fairness and equity and ensuring that our sovereignty is protected and secured."
Second, in its (Public Sector Investment Program) PSIP-2008, under Governing Effectively (National Security and Public Safety), No (334) states:
"One of the major goals of this government is to ensure that citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are provided with a safe and secure environment," and No (337), "The Police Service will be able to provide stability and security to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago." That statement ought to be changed to "all persons, whatever status within the territorial jurisdiction of Trinidad and Tobago." However, behind the noble framework, there exist many complex issues which may retard the production of effective results.
Challenges with the blueprint
Central to addressing these challenges is the dire need to change the institutional, cultural and public service mentality from a colonial legacy to a post 9/11 international security environment. To ensure effective implementation of this blueprint there must be (a) adaptability and readiness to embrace needful changes (b) infusion of a new dynamic into a laissez-faire public service mentality, to one of service oriented, (c) mobilising the national will to aid in a new national security strategy, (d) a revitalised, well-co-ordinated and results-oriented intelligence service (e) removal of corrupt officers, and (f) establishment of a National Security Commission to deal with a variety of issues.
Need for NationalSecurity strategy
The People's Partnership may need to formulate a National Security Policy and Strategy whichoutlines a strategic framework and action plan designed to ensure that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago can prepare for and respond to current and future threats.
The policy must adopt an integrated approach to addressing security and intelligence issues across government, and must employ a flexible model that can adapt to changing circumstances. Also bearing in mind our constitutional values, respect for the rule of law and our multicultural diversity. Such a policy must focus on three broad national security concerns, namely:
• The protection of Trinidad and Tobago, its vital strategic and economic assets, safety and security of all within our borders;
• Fostering an integrated intelligence and law enforcement approach to counter and hopefully eliminate the scourge of transnational organised crime, in particular illegal drug trafficking, illegal importation of firearms, human smuggling and human trafficking and money laundering;
• Ensuring that we make a purposive and meaningful contribution to international security. We are still a long way in developing critical thinking to safeguard national security.