There is a certain uneasiness concerning Government’s decision to purchase four AW139 helicopters at the cost of $2.3 billion TTD to assist in the country’s fight to reduce crime. Read the story: Manning gov't buying 4 helicopters for TT$2.3 billion
This uneasiness is predicated on the fact that it seems from all appearances that while the real cost of the four helicopters will total $100million USD, the additional $248million USD will be spent on upgrades, training and logistical support.
The question one must ask given the myriad possibilities for the use of these aircraft is whether our Prime Minister is using a circuitous method to purchase his own “Air Force One” despite the cries of protest by the nation?
Based on Finmeccanica’s own boast, the company from which the Government is purchasing the aircraft, one of the primary uses of the AW139 is VIP/Corporate transport and it is capable of carrying up to 15 passengers "at very high speed, in a most spacious and comfortable cabin".
The Prime Minister needs to come clean with us on this one and clear the uneasiness that such a purchase is creating.
But an even greater concern presents itself and this has to do with Government’s strategic intent when it comes to the fighting of crime. Already we have purchased a blimp that patrols the skies, three off-shore patrol vessels are being built in the English shipyards; six Australian fast patrol craft interceptors are to be purchased in addition to a 360o radar system. This does not include fleets of new cars, motor cycles and bicycles for the police. Adding to this is the four AW139 helicopters.
The basic argument that we must raise with the government is how do they intend to translate this amount of output into outcomes that reduces crime in Trinidad and Tobago, that stops the blood from flowing on the streets, that makes our country safe for our women folk, and that will bring an end to the human carnage which threatens our visitors when they come to our islands.
The Government must tell us what is the total cost for this crime fighting initiative for us to determine whether in a country where water is not available to all, where flooding is a perennial problem, where school buildings, magistrate courts are in a dilapidated state, where key positions in the judicature are not being filled that there is not a more efficient and cost effective method to deal with crime.
Do we really need to spend a budget in excess of $4billion TTD on crime when our health system is in disarray?
When juxtaposed against the needs of this nation, the purchase of four helicopters to aid in the fight against crime seems extravagant and in this regard, the Prime Minister must come clean.
Are the helicopters really part of the crime fighting initiative or is it really a strategy to provide for himself VIP Corporate transport to travel around the Caribbean?
Jack Warner | Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West
(via email from Nigeria)
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