TT divided over ethnic imbalance in Police Service

Apr 20, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
With regards to Mr. Ravi Dev’s column (KN Apr 9) on shooting the messenger, the population of TT is divided over the Nizam Mohamed’s statement about ethnic imbalance according to the qualitative preliminary findings of a NACTA poll conducted in Trinidad on the controversial statement. Mr. Mohamed’s appointment as chairman of the PSC was revoked by the President last Monday.
According to the survey, almost all of the respondents, from all ethnic background, agree with Nizam that there is ethnic imbalance in the Police Service and in other government departments as well and feel something needs to be done to address it. However, respondents disagree on how and where Nizam made the statement and what should be done to address ethnic imbalance.
It is felt that where he sits, he should not have said it.
Many voters feel Nizam should not have stated that the parliament should be the body to rectify the problem to bring about ethnic equity in the police services and that he should not have directed his statement to the MPs even if he were baited into doing so. Some are of the opinion that he should not have made the statement in the first place claiming it does not fall under his purview.
But overall, almost all Indians back Nizam who also receives some support among non-Indians on how and where he made the statement. In contrast, almost all Africans with some Indians and respondents of other groups disagree with how and where Nizam made his controversial statement.
Respondents are also divided mostly on ethnic line on the P.M’s and the President’s handling of the matter. Most Africans and some Indians as well as many respondents of other ethnic groups support Kamla and the government with disassociating from Nizam’s statement while most Indians and some among the other races feel Nizam should have been supported.
However, some defend the government saying it was painted into a racial corner and had to act decisively against Nizam. Among party supporters, the handling of the issue does not add to the government’s image in light of mounting disenchantment over other controversial statements and decisions.
However, while supporters are displeased with the government’s position on Nizam, they praise her ability to hold the government together and continue to express faith in her. They are also supportive of the early statement made by Ministers Roodal Moonilal and Chandresh Sharma on not blaming Nizam for bringing the message.
On the President’s decision to revoke Nizam’s appointment, most Africans are supportive. However, Max’s decision to revoke Nizam has led to a backlash in the Indian community with many calling for him to demit office. The President’s approval rating among Indians is at its lowest with very few Indians backing him. However, some Indians feel the President had no choice but to act against Nizam given the government’s and opposition’s complaint. Many feel that the President buckled under political pressure and refer to him as a partisan President. They say Nizam did nothing wrong noting that he supported his claim with facts and stats.
They feel the President should have commissioned a hearing to determine the facts of the controversy before acting. Some respondents blame media sensation in covering the controversy that pressured the President to act against the PSC chair.
Many respondents, mostly Indians, feel Nizam should challenge his dismissal in court. Indians are angry with their government for not backing Nizam to correct years of discrimination they experienced under the previous regime.
Government supporters complain that their government does not wish to address ethnic discrimination because they don’t want to rock the boat of the coalition government.
Vishnu Bisram

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