Prime Minister Patrick Manning has said crime was one of T&T?s major causes of concern. In his Independence Day address to the nation yesterday, Manning said of all the changes which the country had undergone over the last 42 years, the recent upsurge in violent criminal activity was the most unwelcome.
?Crime is a social disease that has to be treated from many angles,? he said.?Among other things, it results from the breakdown of values and morals in the society.
?As such, in addition to tougher policing measures to fight crime, we have introduced parenting and other social programmes to strengthen the family, mediation programmes to assist with conflict resolution, and male support programmes to bring about behavioural and attitudinal changes among our young and adult males.
?We have more fully engaged our community-based and non-governmental organisations in the battle against crime.
?Nonetheless, the criminal element continues to make life difficult and uncomfortable for our law-abiding citizens.
?What is certain is the Government?s commitment and determination to adopt the policy measures necessary.
?As a society, we have to get together to rid our nation of this menace, and we will triumph in the end as we adopt this course.?
He said much had been achieved since the country achieved Independence in 1962.
?We must all of us be happy that we took that step,? he said.
?Today, we are one nation and one people as we continue to strengthen the pillars of our democracy through freedom of the press; the right to worship the faith of our choice; equality before the law and observance of the separation of powers.
?With a mere population of just over one million, we have made a tremendous impact on the international community in the field of music, art and sport; the most recent example being George Bovell III.
?Today, we are far more appreciative of our culture and who we are. The world has begun to recognise us, not only for tremendous talent and ability, but also our determination to progress in every positive direction.
?We continue to make breakthroughs in the control of our economic destiny. Most importantly, we are still possessed of our self-assurance and our commitment to national oneness.?
Manning said the Government had been putting a framework in place for the transformation of the country into a developed nation on or before the year 2020.
?It is an initiative to significantly advance the well being of every citizen,? he said.
?We have begun the acceleration of the process in several areas, including health, education, housing and the social amenities.
?The basis is our belief and commitment to all people. We recognise our obligations in respect of every citizen, from the cradle to the grave.?
The PM said all citizens must contribute to the development of T&T.
?For our nation to develop fully, we must always give our best. In times of challenges, however great or small, we must redouble our efforts and commitment,? he said.
?Whilst there continues to be much more that will unite rather than divide us, we as a people know that given our achievements to date, there is truly no end to what we can do together.?
