Bdos: Crime in the Caribbean

RESULTS of recent surveys in parts of this region do not suggest very bright election prospects for political parties which appear to be either soft on, or are ineffectual in dealing with drug-related crimes and other outlawry.

The predicament of the Jamaica’s ruling People’s National Party (PNP) is well known in this regard, despite obvious deficiencies of the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the alleged “unelectability” of its leader for the prime ministership.

St. Lucia is in slightly better condition, there being far less crime in that country, although the level is rising as it is worldwide.

The same favourable qualification cannot be offered for Trinidad and Tobago. Prime Minister Mr. Patrick Manning is in the unenviable position of having his lowest approval rating in opinion polls (32 per cent) since returning to office. This is reportedly lower than either his Jamaica or St. Lucia counterpart.

The People’s National Movement (PNM) is seen as particularly impotent in the face of spiralling crime, including a preponderance of the drug-related variety, as well as drug abuse among schoolchildren.

Perhaps as troubling as most breaches is a virtual growth industry in kidnaps for ransom that exceed the prevalence of this evil activity even in Guyana. A complicating factor seems to be that both jurisdictions are deeply divided along ethnic lines.

Makes a person wonder if the kidnapping trend in TT began with Guyanese illegal aliens. I say this because, while TT had crime, kidnapping wasn't a local thug sport. Well, looks like they've learnt right quick.

Read the rest of the editorial. It tends to focus on TT, though.