Once again I feel that our country’s systemic divisions, mostly based on party support, and lack of leadership, has forced me to speak out.
On one side you have leaders rightfully calling for an investigation into what took place when four divers tragically lost their lives, but regrettably, some high-profile members of their party, as well as supporters have already pronounced guilt, and are calling for prosecutions.
On the other side you have our country’s Minister of National Security making the vilest and most divisive comments on his Facebook page, which is attached to this release as a picture below. Hypocritically, he attempts to call out the UNC’s politicization of the tragedy while also politicizing it himself.
And while I agree with the principle that an investigation is the only true way to determine what actually occurred, just as I did with another unfortunate event when a child was killed during a chase involving members of the Coast Guard; this administration’s track record on appointing investigators will have even their most ardent supporter asking questions.
As an example, in response to the national blackout, which occurred about two weeks ago, the government appointed a three member panel of investigators, one of which is a special branch officer who personally guards PM Keith Rowley.
Even more egregious is the fact that this individual has no training in handling a national disaster, or in crisis management. He knows nothing about an emergency response and coordinating the different arms of the protective services, so it begs the question on what basis was he appointed.
The fact of the matter is that this government has a credibility problem because of their undemocratic practices of always trying to interfere with the operations of independent institutions and their activities.
From the DSS matter, the AV drilling case, and the withdrawal of the Malcolm Jones case, to the Barrington and Stanley John reports, the public has seen how the long undemocratic hand of this leadership interferes, to ensure an outcome that is favourable to the government, and their financiers, or which is about attempting to stain political enemies, and those they can’t control.
So let me reiterate my support for an investigation and for a lowering of temperatures whilst that investigation occurs. I will however add, that having lost credibility with the majority of the public, because they keep using the same play from their political handbook, make appointments of persons to investigate the divers’ deaths that are above reproach, and who can stand up to any scrutiny. Not ones who might have their party cards buried deep in the pockets of the PNM leadership, or ones that report directly to Keith Rowley himself, like the guy they appointed to investigate the nationwide blackout.
By Gary Griffith