Message Board Archives

T&T Criminals have stolen your freedom

The Editor
T&T Guardian

I have reviewed analysis of some modules and the execution of a diverse array of criminal activities, as enumerated herein. Let us examine some theories...

Retribution,a long-standing rationale for punishment,is evident in the theoretical frameworks proposed by Kant and Hegel.According to proponents of retribution theory,individuals possess rationality and the capacity to make informed choices,leading them to consciously engage in acts of rule breaking.The authors suggest the implementation of a "offence-based tariff,"which entails a system of punishments that correspond to the different severity of crimes. This approach involves assigning relatively low penalties for less serious offences,while imposing more severe sanctions for more egregious misdeeds.Although the concept of vengeance as a rationale for criminal punishment is frequently perceived as reasonable,it has encountered several forms of critique.

The idea of incapacitation posits that it is the responsibility of the state to safeguard the general population against potential wrongdoing or injury,and that this safeguarding can be achieved by the implementation of various forms of incarceration or incapacitation.The implementation of measures that disable or restrict an offender's liberty, movements,or capacity to conduct more offences serves as a preventive measure against future criminal activities.The death sentence is the most severe manifestation of incapacitation as a form of punishment.
Theories of deterrence are informed by Jeremy Bentham's concept of utilitarianism,which is encapsulated in the principle of maximizing the overall happiness of the majority.Similar to the concept of incapacitation,deterrence rationalizes the imposition of punishment by considering its prospective outcomes.According to theorists,the perceived negative experience of punishment and the associated expenses incurred in administering such punishment are surpassed by the subsequent societal advantages that are gained.

The fundamental principle behind rehabilitation is that punishment has the potential to deter future criminal activity by facilitating the transformation of an individual offender's conduct.The process of rehabilitation might encompass various components,such as educational and vocational programs,counselling services,intervention initiatives, and skills development training.The underlying assumption of this theory of punishment is that criminal action is not a deliberate and calculated decision,but rather influenced by societal pressures, psychological challenges, or situational factors of diverse nature.
The origins of reparationin the realm of criminal justice at the international level may be traced back to the late 1800s (UNODCCP, 1999).However, in recent times,there has been a notable surge in interest and focus on the concept of compensation.The rationale behind the implementation of reparation in the realm of criminal justice is rooted in the notion that the rectification of crimes necessitates the imposition of an obligation onto criminals to compensate victims,thereby restoring the harm caused by their wrongful actions.Therefore, a primary aim of the criminal justice system should be to prioritize the provision of restitution and compensation to victims,their relatives,or affected communities.

In the context of Trinidad and Tobago,it is arguable that increasing the number of police officers will not effectively address the issue at hand.The aforementioned entities,as emphasized by Rowley,are implicated in the issue at hand,together with other representatives of the Government.The existing legislation pertaining to the incarceration of offenders has been rendered ineffective,necessitating a revision of the laws in order to address the pervasive issue of recidivism. Eliminate the prevailing notion among those engaged in illegal activities that there exists a lack of significant repercussions for their actions,and reinstate the government's emphasis on addressing the needs and concerns of crime victims and maintaining social order.In Trinidad and Tobago,it is imperative that judges are granted the authority to detain defendants during arraignment proceedings if they are perceived to pose a threat to public safety,taking into consideration the gravity of their alleged offences or their previous patterns of reoffending.Repeatedly,our law enforcement personnel apprehend individuals who face numerous crimes.However,regardless of the frequency of prior arrests,these individuals frequently regain their freedom within a few hours.

The lack of accountability significantly undermines public safety.Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) requires specific, deliberate, and intelligent amendments to its legislation, with a particular emphasis on addressing the actions of a limited group of individuals responsible for criminal activities. This group consists of a small fraction of the population, namely the incarcerated repeat offenders who continuously manipulate the system and abuse ongoing changes. It is imperative for T&T to put an end to the recurring cycle of injustice.The phenomenon of recidivism has shown a notable surge in recent years, with certain categories experiencing substantial increments.The frequency of apprehensions of individuals for several offences, such as robbery, burglary, and grand larceny, within a single year has exhibited an upward trend.There has been a notable rise in the incidence of homicides and firearm-related incidents over the initial nine-month period of the current year, in comparison to the corresponding time frame in 2022.The criminal justice system in Trinidad and Tobago has established a recurring pattern of minimal repercussions for offenders,resulting in their prompt reintegration into society and subsequent victimization of innocent individuals.

In order to comprehend the deleterious impact in Trinidad and Tobago, it is imperative to examine prominent and current recidivists who have consistently perpetrated harm against members of the public. In order to address the issue of recidivism among individuals with criminal records, particularly those who have committed serious or violent offences,it is imperative that judges are granted the necessary discretion to determine the most effective approach for preventing further victimization and safeguarding the wellbeing of our communities.The current Prime Minister maintains a reserved demeanour, while the National Minister of Security openly asserts that his primary responsibility lies in allocating budgets to different institutions rather than directly addressing crime.The Chief of Police is currently anticipating divine intervention due to the escalating incidents of murder, criminal activities such as home invasions, kidnappings, robberies, car thefts, and extortions occurring without restraint.

What has T&T evolved into?

Cavadino and Dignan, 2007
Kant and Hegel (Brooks, 2001)
Zedner, 2004; Binder and Notterman, 2017
Hudson, 2003; see also von Hirsch et al., 1999).
Shackleton, 1972; Baujard, 2009
Ashworth, 2007.

Here is national minister of security

Idiot Hinds

They just killed 4 kids

Hinds

What does he have on Rowley that he wasn't fired immediately

COP Erla

Why didn't she go into retirement after 40 years at the T&TPS?

Rowley
Manning was correct in his assessment of Rowley