Beyonce or Police I don't know where to start

Yesterday I ranted about the police and how there is not enough accountability in the task force. Lo and behold, I came upon this article.

The article discusses an investigation underway by the Anti Corruption Investigation Bureau (ACIB)in Trinidad involving 40 police officers, IT officers and cleaning people with regard to 94000 USD that went missing from the property room. Funny enough the very police officers under investigation conveniently have a suspect of their own, that has fled the country and that they are trying to locate and interview. All 40 ah dem have alibi...you think it easy? But wait nuh, plenty more story to come.

The accused(s) have also mentioned that the "businessman" that managed to get away with the cash was supposed to have replaced it with counterfeit money that was to be exchanged (with a mystery person not even directly mentioned in the article), LAST WEEK TUESDAY!

You mean to tell me, we have IT but no security cameras or special security clearance devices? Do the cleaners and IT people have access to the property room too? What took the ACIB so long to begin an investigation?

Perhaps instead of investing $30 million dollars on a Beyonce concert OR Carnival fetes maybe we should invest $30 million dollars in making it easier for the police to prevent crimes as well as solve them?

Doh feel dah whole Beyonce' talk done either...she and TSTT on the hot chair tomorrow.

Santimanitay!

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Trini word of the day
Bobol- French bobard- Lie, tall story. Cooking the books. To steal money or equipment, or anything valuable from a company.

In bobol-Several persons involved in dishonesty and covering for each other
--Cote'Ci Cote la. Trinidad and Tobago dictionary

Kidnapping situation in Trinidad

I found out today that there was an attempt to kidnap Stalin's daughter today. For those who don't know, Stalin is a prominent Calypsonian, legendary for his staccato dance style and distinctive voice and only like the Georgian Communist party leader Joseph Stalin in his affinity for politics. Anyhow, even more shocking than this somewhat ludicrous robbery turned kidnapping story was the fact that the police responded promptly. My dear reader, this is so rare that the newspaper felt it necessary to mention that they did so. Don't get me wrong! I appreciate that there are people willing to take on such a position (especially in light of the current crime situation) but I learned early on that Trini police were not at all like the "NYPD Blues" we used to watch on TV. They were more like neighborhood watchmen, not so much there to serve and protect but to "do the best they could to protect and serve." I can guarantee you that almost every Trini has a story about how the police let them down...I eh want to name names but there is a police station on Saddle Road in Maraval opposite the gas station that failed me on numerous occasions.

Let's face it crime is a serious problem facing our little paradise. And, I don't believe all the ole talk about it's "just the youths so bad nowadays". It all breaks down to accountability. There is only so much blame that can be placed on the local riff raff. Why are so many criminals not brought to justice? We are 2 islands. There is a finite space in which they can hide. Is it a budgetary issue? Is anyone in Parliament paying attention?

We are not a shy people. We would picket the Lord if he was the Opposition leader, so why not demand a safer Trinidad. We cannot continue to live in fear. We cannot "go quietly into the dark night." WE NEED TO DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY! No more perpetually ongoing investigations, and 1 hour later ambulance arrivals and sorry-we-doh-have-a-car-right-now-so-we-can't-stop-a-burglary-in-progress excuses.

Santimanitay!

Today a Trini expression - from Cote Ci Cote la of course :

"Where Molasses is Fly mus'be: Derogatory People of similar interests can usually be found together. Similar to birds of a feather,flock together.

Fitness In T&T

As a ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor, when my Dad offered me the opportunity for a free personal training session with his trainer, I jumped at the chance. I had a trainer a long time ago that I went to with a friend of mine before I moved to the States. The method was simple. No muss. No fuss. Treadmill Cardio followed by strength training focusing on legs. The experience though was eye-opening on how simple life is in the Caribbean as compared to life in the States. The gym in itself was nothing like the gyms that I have been to on the states - there was no running water for 1 thing - which would have caused a riot in almost any American gym. Also, the trainer was not at all like the barking drill sergeant that I expected and had experienced in NY. Thirdly, he asked me how I was doing and seemed happy to follow my lead! Gasp! There was no sales pitch no evaluation, just plain simple working out: here's what I think you should do and I will be happy to modify it if you have a problem. The whole thing put me right at ease and I enjoyed the workout immensely.

But in the back of my head I was skeptical.

I suspected that he had taken it too easy on me. I was more energized than fatigued and the assisted stretch was contained nothing of the ooh-ahh-right-there outbursts I've had after similar session. To my surprise however, DOMS set in right on time the next day.

So, all in all, I enjoyed it but I do wonder is the slower pace, stress-less lifestyle worth the air of resignation or complacency that lingers around social services? Am I so Americanised that these inconvenience that would have caused nothing but a sigh from me 10 years ago now inspires a call to action?


Santimanitay!

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Trini word of the day
Bobolee French Avoir Bobo-to be hurt
A stuffed effigy of Judas,displayed all day from Good Friday morning and then beaten to a frazzle in the evening by the village youths. Hence Good Friday Bobolee. 2) Any person who is often bullied-- Cote Ci Cote La - A Trinidad & Tobago Dictionary.