Trinidad and Tobago has insidious enemies, sneaky little rats working from the inside to bring down the state. They may not think they are enemies of the state, but their actions, day in and day out, reflect little good or beneficial to the country.
Case in point: The sneaky rat dunceys in the police service. This is a peeve of mine, that the 3 'O' levels required to get in simply brings the intellectual dregs into the police service. And then we rely on them to protect and serve.
From breaking the rules themselves, daily, to lack of professionalism and ethic in doing the job they're paid to do, the police service is an embarrassment to the entire nation, and no doubt has made us one and all a laughing stock in the international arena. Many a time I have seen police officers drinking on duty (in uniform), or shaking down 'PH' drivers for 'rum money'. Or driving with wailing sirens and forcing traffic aside when there is no emergency. Riding in air conditioned cars and staying in air conditioned stations when they are needed on patrols.
I shudder to think that had Bob Woolmer met his demise in Trinidad or Tobago what the resulting fiasco would be. We already have Akiel Chambers and Radha Pixie Lackhan to deal with on our conscience; sadly, they never are in the collective police conscience.
Then we have the ones who out and out abuse their power. Dave Burnett who shot and killed Kevin Cato at a fete; Police Constable Mihiset Greene was convicted of manslaughter for killing Neil Sutherland. The police officer Boodoosingh from Penal who shot a man in the face, and subsequently was found guilty later transferred all his assets to his wife to prevent compensation to the victim (as ordered by the court).
The actions of these officers are subsequently paid for by the state. No punitive measures are handed to the officers in question (Boodoosingh was actually promoted despite being found guilty of a criminal offence).
It is time to end immunity to police officers and let them face the consequences of their actions. When employed they are agents of the state, but since their abuse is not sanctioned by the state, it becomes individual actions. They become enemies of the state, working against its interests. Therefore they should have to face charges, or pay compensation out of their own pockets. And any black marks should be recorded in their personal files, and should be considered in promotions or career decisions.
Sadly, this will never come true. Because we still have 3 'O' level dunceys running the police service.
