It is an accepted fact that over the last 30 years there has been an exponential increase in crime through the use of technology; therefore, a lot of problems that we face in society today didn't happen overnight. History would record that the PNM-led administration was operating the Strategic Intelligence Agency (SIA) and illegally wire-tapping and bugging the citizens of this country.
Back then, T&T had passed no such laws, leading to a breach in the Constitution regarding the right of the individual to "respect for his private and family life."The illegal wiretapping of phone calls, text messages and emails of citizens by the SIA exposed a horrendous attack on the nation's democracy by the PNM government.
These activities were allowed to happen, leaving no way to safeguard the flow of sensitive information in T&T.It was the PP government that amended the bill so that the Chief of Defence Staff, Commissioner of Police and Director of the Strategic Service Agency are the lawful officers to authorise the interception of private communications, and not the National Security Minister.
With this change, although a judicial warrant is not needed for interception being used for gathering intelligence, a citizen is now protected by the fact that the intercepted communication is not admissible in a court of law.We must recall that in 2014, T&T recorded the lowest number of serious crimes in 31 years. The NOC/E999 system/Highway Patrol/Rapid Response Unit/Community Comfort Patrol strategy matrix, has caused an increased response times and are sustaining the highest visibility of law enforcement ever seen, acting as a major deterrents to crime.
These are just a few of the initiatives. Recently, the Government announced the arrival of the first of the Damen vessels that will provide a state-of-the art and well-maintained maritime security wall for our nation.These vessels carry a 20mm gun and other armaments that has the capability of undertaking patrol duties.
They are also fitted with fire-fighting equipment, a towing hook and a heavy-duty crane and will permit a variety of tasks to be undertaken, such as vessel recovery, buoy maintenance and oil spill emergencies and training.They are strong, have modern capabilities with state-of-the art electronics and navigation devices, and will be used in disaster relief both locally and regionally.
The total cost of these vital assets to the people of T&T is TT$1.358 billion. This is very cost effective compared to the TT$2.314 billion for three offshore patrol vessels which only had long-range capabilities and could not assist in securing the nation's coasts because they were not teamed with smaller vessels as in the Damen contract.Although the past is still affecting the present, we are seeing significant reduction in every facet of crime in T&T.
Jennifer John
Maraval