Joseph: Crime a major problem

the following is an article from the Trinidad Guardian (Friday, September 28, 2007). The article, written by Yvonne Webb, was buried on page 24.

Joseph: Crime a major problem
National Security Minister Martin Joseph has acknowledged that the most serious challenge facing T&T is crime and violence.
He said it was the Government's main priority and measures were being put in place to treat with this issue.
He was speaking at a PNM political meeting in Fyzabad on Monday.
Joseph also cited a United Nations and World Bank report done in March to say that crime was a problem in the Caribbean.
He said:"The PNM did not need a document to tell us that. We knew that and the Prime Minister and Head of the National Security Council recognised that the first thing the Government had to do was to reduce the inflow of drugs and guns coming into the country."
The Government purchased three offshore vessels to partol the coastline, installed a 360 degree radar system and strengthened existing legislation.
He said:"There is an impression being given by those opposed to them that the PNM has failed to provide the country with the level of security and safety necessary.
"They have given you the impression that under the PNM we sat back and allowed crime and violence to escalate.
"They believe they could use that as an issue to remove us from government. We are going to show them that this is not the case.
"This election is not going to be a one election issue election," Joseph said.
He said while Government was not totally satisfied with the speed at which the reduction in crime was happening, law enforcement officers had noted changes and a reduction in major crimes such as murders and kidnapping.

now here are my reactions as i read the article...

Joseph: Crime a major problem (finally an admission)
National Security Minister Martin Joseph has acknowledged that the most serious challenge facing T&T is crime and violence. (Nah he lie.. i tort there were no challenges)
He said it was the Government's main priority and measures were being put in place to treat with this issue. (how long now the population clamouring for some action?)
He was speaking at a PNM political meeting in Fyzabad on Monday. (to SHEEP or LEMMINGS?)
Joseph also cited a United Nations and World Bank report done in March to say that crime was a problem in the Caribbean. (AH, what would we do if the international community didn't alert us?)
He said:"The PNM did not need a document to tell us that. We knew that and the Prime Minister and Head of the National Security Council recognised that the first thing the Government had to do was to reduce the inflow of drugs and guns coming into the country." (well if you didn't need a document why quote one? and isn't the PM also the Head of the NS Council??)
The Government purchased three offshore vessels to partol the coastline, installed a 360 degree radar system and strengthened existing legislation. (but are these things operational/being utilised/enforced?)
He said:"There is an impression being given by those opposed to them that the PNM has failed to provide the country with the level of security and safety necessary. (ok is not the PNM fault its the Police... you are correct :P)
"They have given you the impression that under the PNM we sat back and allowed crime and violence to escalate. (thats no impression, that's reality!)
"They believe they could use that as an issue to remove us from government. We are going to show them that this is not the case. (well show me what is)
"This election is not going to be a one election issue election," Joseph said. (DAMN STR8, there are alot more issues to go along with crime... corruption, health, corruption, housing, corruption... did I mention corruption?)
He said while Government was not totally satisfied with the speed at which the reduction in crime was happening, law enforcement officers had noted changes and a reduction in major crimes such as murders and kidnapping. (This (fill in the blank) still talking about murders and kidnapping... I worried about them stealing my car, breaking into my home, robbing my family when they walking on the road, raping people... all crime should be considered MAJOR)