Leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MJC), David Abdulah, has made a bold statement regarding the escalating crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) – he believes it’s beyond alarming. Abdulah expressed his concerns during the MSJ’s virtual Tuesday Talk on July 16, labeling the recent spike of 18 murders in just four days as “madness.” He went on to call for the Prime Minister to take responsibility and step down from his position.
Abdulah highlighted the urgent need for action, stressing that the lack of reassurance from the government and law enforcement has left citizens feeling vulnerable and afraid for their safety. He pointed out that the Prime Minister, as the chair of the National Security Council, holds a significant level of control over crime prevention policies and strategies.
During the discussion, Abdulah engaged with Malcolm “Jai” Kernahan, a community activist who advocated for the revitalization of East Port of Spain and neighboring areas as a means to combat violent crime. Kernahan emphasized the historical presence of criminal gangs in Trinidad, underlining the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address socio-economic disparities in vulnerable communities.
Both Abdulah and Kernahan criticized the government’s failure to deliver on promises made to uplift East Port of Spain, despite allocating funds for its development. Kernahan pointed out the discrepancy between the massive investments in other areas during the early 2000s, compared to the neglect faced by East Port of Spain.
As Kernahan addressed the complex root causes of criminal behavior, he highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the economic challenges faced by marginalized youth. While empathizing with the struggles of the unemployed, he made a clear distinction that violence is not the solution, and called for a holistic response that addresses both social and economic factors.
