Another Carnival has managed to pass us by, this one being described as "one of the safest in recent times" And I shake my head in disgust. Some are actually applauding the Police Service for a job "well done," beginning with the head of the organisation.

There's little doubt other members of the organisation are twisting their arms patting themselves on the back. I am trying to recall how many carnivals in the past few years were described as "crime-free," as this is a relatively new concept; like the daily press "briefings" by Police Service spokespersons.

My recollection in this land of the ten-day wonder takes me back about five or six years. I beg forgiveness if my numbers are incorrect, since I find it difficult, in light of the bacchanal commissions of enquiry, bacchanal elections, bacchanal organisational failures and crime stats bacchanals.

Perhaps the Police Service can define for us their understanding of "crime-free". Is the individual who was shot in Sangre Grande and is now in critical condition considered part of the crime-free scene? And are several stabbings unrelated? Of the 145 people who were arrested on Carnival Monday, did they commit offences; and if not why were they arrested?

I began with a concern about Carnival being described as "one of the safest in recent times" and my concern revolves around this. And here's a question for the senior members of the Police Service, the movers and shakers, the policy makers, the men and women dressed in khaki tunic, who zip through traffic unimpeded.

How, pray tell, has this organisation managed to maintain crime-free days for several years in a row, yet the rest of the year the people of this land experience hell? The murder rate, which is expected to be around 500 or thereabouts again this year, providing we do not have to endure another State of Emergency, suggests that in this land blessed with oil, gas, pitch, pan, calypso, chutney, parang, mas, smart men and women, we can also add to our "resume" about 1.4 murders per day.

To ask about the detection and conviction rate would most certainly be insulting. But we are quite confident that the police spokesperson can address that concern with a poker face.

So what is it about Carnival that seems to be able to put the murder and mayhem on hold? Is it that the murderers and "mayhemers" take Carnival off to enjoy the revelry? Do they sign a truce from Fantastic Friday to Ash Wednesday? Actually I am quite satisfied that the crime rate was indeed down. My concern is why can't this same effort be sustained for the other 360 days of the year? That it can be accomplished for a five days is evidence that it can be attained.

I am reminded when anything happens to a lawman, within hours the "perps" are usually brought to justice—police-style. When something similar happens to ordinary folk, there is no vehicle or worse, with the introduction of 21st century rocket science, several stations are closed as of 9 p.m. Were criminals told they are not allowed to commit crimes when the station houses/annexes are closed?

I suggest to the Police Service and to the women and men in khaki in particular, that you find some 21st century scientific manner to bottle and use the formula used for the Carnival revelry for the rest of the year. Until then, your organisation and its members are under a microscope, 24-7.

Rudy Chato Paul, Sr

D'Abadie