PNM Senators defend SIA, say its closure has caused spike in crime

Opposition Senator Faris Al Rawi said Tuesday the government's decision to shut down the illegal Security Intelligence Agency (SIA) has caused a dramatic increase in crime.

He was speaking in the Senate debate debate on the Interception of Communications bill, which passed unanimously in the House of Representatives last week.

His PNM colleague Fitzgerald Hinds made the same point when he addressed the Senate. "Criminals are opportunists, they prey on your weaknesses," Hinds said. "If they feel you are walking naked they will prey on you," he added.

Both men defended the SIA and its officers. Al Rawi's name was on the list of persons who were "victims" of the illegal operation that was conducted by the previous Manning PNM government. He said he was unhappy with the way the present government handled the problem.

"You cannot come and lick up people's reputations just like that, because we have privilege," he said in reference to the dismissal of the top officer in the SIA. Hinds added his voice on that issue as well, stating that it had a demoralising effect on national security personnel.

"They feel very uncomfortable, especially when they hear the Prime Minister say that those who were involved in illegal wiretapping should be locked up," he added. He called the illegal activity a "guiding light" within the structure of the national security platform.

Hinds also praised former national security minister Martin Joseph, saying he worked hard for this nation.