US Lt Gov weighs in on Trinidad curfew

Lt Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll was in Trinidad recently. She is the second in command of the third largest state in the US. In a Guardian exclusive, Lt Governor Carroll spoke on an array of global issues including the current state of emergency in her native land. “Drug interdiction is key to combating social problems in the region,” she stated, identifying countries such as Venezuela and Colombia as main transit points for illegal drugs into the US. Supportive of the recent law enforcement crackdown in Trinidad, she invoked the glory days of late police commissioner, Randolph Burroughs.

“I grew up when such social disorder would never be tolerated,” Carroll said. “The curfew should continue until there is a handle on the situation. “At that point, the public should throw its weight behind tough policing... Sometimes you have to be whipped back into shape.” She viewed an uncompromising approach to crime as imperative for T&T to regain its once wholesome image. A Carnival enthusiast and very keen on Caribbean politics and economics,  Carroll said she believed diversification was the key to employment opportunities and a life free from criminal activities, especially for young adults. A Republican, she touted fiscal and social conservatism, and noted that overspending had burdened many nations, including the US.

“When spending is part of a political agenda, you run into major problems... Spending on unsustainable programmes and over taxation cripples the free market,” she said. She credited her parental upbringing and T&T educational system in shaping her philosophy and accomplishments, which also includes more than two decades in the US military where she retired as a Lt Commander. “There were no handouts when I grew up there,” Carroll said. “Your determination is what carried you... This is conservatism in action. “Trinidad must look at the bigger picture. “What will the 22nd century look like in terms of industry? If the dollars are there now, is the country saving for the future?

“The answers may lead to unpopular decisions but in the long run you will see the wisdom to such an approach.” With regards to Caricom, the 18th Lt Governor of Florida lamented its “politics as usual” approach and believed in an era where regional blocs are jockeying for political and economic leverage on the world stage, more should be done for the Caribbean body to assert and project its presence. In addition to economic development, critical areas such as the space and defence industries are under her portfolio as Lt Governor. She said the war on terror, albeit unique, “because of the uncertainty and shadowy nature of the enemy,” is winnable.

“To the extent that we have not been hit again is positive,” Carroll said. “And I can tell you, based on Intel, that we are doing a great job disrupting attacks in the US and other parts of the world. The US can fight and be victorious on multiple fronts... History has proven that.” She avoided discussing political office in her native land, offering instead support and kudos for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. “She is doing a good job and I anticipate meeting her at next year’s trade mission to the island,” she said.

“Based on what I have heard, she has a vision and is determined... I admire that quality.” And in a less than subtle jab at her male counterparts, she said: “That is why corporate America is now hiring more females. “We are always open to honest negotiations in the best interest of those we serve,” she added.
“In the end it does not matter who gets the credit.”