The urgent Central Committee meeting on crime after the recent
fatal shooting of Police Officer Benjamin by armed robbers
on Front Street that started on Monday is scheduled to
continue today, Friday. It was still a closed-door session up to
Thursday night, despite criticism on that aspect from various
quarters, including opposition members.
What’s more, the Council of Ministers said it had not requested
that the encounter be confidential, but this is how the invitation
from the legislature came. The latter seems to indicate
that the Gumbs cabinet, which is to provide information based
on questions asked by the elected representatives, does not see
any major reason for such.
Under the circumstances, perhaps the UP-led coalition, in particular
Parliament Chairman Lloyd Richardson, would do well
to reconsider by having the majority decide. After all, if the authorities
themselves do not intend to share details so sensitive
it could threaten national security, why all the secrecy?
Perhaps certain pending answers indeed cannot be given in
public, but one has to weigh that against the importance of
keeping the population abreast of what’s going on especially in
this time of great concern and frustration. With Thursday’s impressive
funeral still fresh in their memory there is little doubt
that quite a few people will be eager to follow the proceedings.
Any truly classifi ed data might then be offered in writing instead,
with the understanding that the specifi c content involved
is to be kept out of the discussions. In this manner the voters
could at least take note of what their politicians and government
administrators have to say about the safety issue that has
kept the minds of residents occupied ever since that highly regrettable
moment.
It also would contribute to a much-needed sense of closure
within a shocked community. At this point communication
lines are best kept wide open
