PLEASE allow me to say my two cents’ worth. The billion-dollar budget that was read by the Minister of Finance in the Parliament was very alarming to me.

When I heard of all the apparatus allotted to help fight the crime situation in the country, yes, it sounded good-the minister was applauded by his colleagues who pounded their fists on their desks. But will all those things really help the crime situation? This is an election budget-so stop misleading the people.

The Minster of National Security was elated about all that was promised by the Minister of Finance to fight crime-but what we need is people who are competent and efficient, who know what they are doing; people who are effective, and not people blowing hot air and talking and running around like headless chickens… lots of talk and no systemic change.

I heard the minister in the Ministry of National Security’s bright idea to build more police stations; will that solve the crime situation? He was so confident about it, but it will be a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Some of the said people supposed to protect and serve are committing crimes, so who is going to guard the guards?

Why not take a look at Japan? With a population of 123 million, they control crime by building police booths on every street and every corner-called koban (police boxes)-which are fully equipped with intelligence and technology. Japanese streets are safe and secure.

Imagine, other countries in Latin America and Asia have implemented the koban system, which has demonstrated clear results.

Instead of wasting money to build more police stations, why not try the koban system?

Time to stop the old talk; empty vessels make the most noise. We need people with vision. So stop talking and start acting.

Modicia Martin