By Sue-Ann Wayow
WHEN you are faced with life and death, you will do whatever it takes to live.
This may mean using a weapon whether a firearm or otherwise, all your physical force and willpower to protect yourself, your loved ones and the things you have worked hard for.
Heads of some business organisations believe that the crime situation in 2023 justifies the call by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar to do whatever it takes to protect.
On Thursday AZP News spoke with several business associations about Persad-Bissessar’s statements made earlier this week that have generated negative criticism from some.
The Chairman of the of the Confederation of Regional Chambers Vivek Charran said, “You should have a right to defend yourself if it comes down to a life and death situation. You will do whatever it takes to ensure that you survive.”
He said many home invasions have resulted in persons badly brutalised, sexually abused and dead.
Charran said a person close to him, endured 40 stab wounds from a blunt blade in a home invasion and several business owners have suffered at the hands of criminals.
“The situation is very real. The threat level continues to remain high. We are seeing murders continuing. Young men are executing people using semi-automatic firearms. These are not normal times. Nobody wants to die at the hands of criminals,” he said.
The law protects the criminals
President of the Couva/Pt Lisas Chamber of Commerce Mukesh Ramsingh said victims should also be able to defend themselves not just with a firearm but any item that could be used as a defence weapon when being attacked.
“Right now, the law protects the criminals, but it also needs to protect the innocent,” he said.
Ramsingh also suggested that in addition to citizens defending themselves, there were now many community watch groups who could be given greater support by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in keeping an eye out for criminals in communities.
He is also suggesting that persons acquiring legal firearms undergo psychological training to curb unnecessary use of force and that the age limit be 30 and above.
Crime does not discriminate
And President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) Greogory Aboud also said it was not unexpected that the subject of home invasions and criminal activity would be a major talking point of in the lead up to the local government election.
He added that DOMA was cautious about its comments made based on what was said on political platforms.
Aboud said, “We are in support of the lawful use of firearms and the lawful granting of firearms licenses to applicants. We do not believe that citizens should be deprived of defending themselves and we certainly support the idea that any citizen should defend themselves especially if some-one is trying to break into their home.”
He further said DOMA did not believe it was a question of “big versus small or rich versus poor or race versus race,” and crime does not discriminate.
“All of us have been under attack and therefore we suggest that lawful self defense is an appropriate reaction of the citizens,” Aboud said.
He added, “We hope that all of the commentators would make constructive remarks about solutions and will make constructive remarks about how we can follow our lawful endeavours and live a peaceful life without being attacked in our homes, in our businesses, in our cars and on the streets of our country.”
On Monday night, speaking at a United National Congress (UNC) meeting at Signature Hall, Chaguanas, Persad-Bissessar again outlined the UNC’s plans for dealing with crime including the introduction of “Stand Your Ground” laws.
While speaking of those plans, she said, “We will ensure law abiding citizens have access to legal gun ownership. When the criminals invade your home, you could draw your licensed firearm and light them up! Empty the whole clip. We have to fight fire with fire!”
