Dear Editor,
Criminality exploded with ruthless savagery a few months ago leaving a nation already politically and racially divided, shocked and traumatized. Without any clear cut unambiguous policy direction aimed at producing decisive outcomes, politicians embarked on a two-pronged propaganda campaign aimed at damage control and mass diversion. The security forces fared no better as they continue to be derided and ridiculed because of their inability to apprehend these criminals. In fact, the criminals have not only outfoxed the security forces; they have beaten the politicians at their own game of divide and rule. Or, in this case, divide and plunder!

We see a band of criminals, whether politically motivated or not, employing guerilla tactics, which give the semblance of an insurrectionary movement under which they commit heinous acts of murder, public terror and robbery. Their modus operandi suggests they are well trained, armed, resourced and professionally directed.

If there is any political or military direction, then one can suppose it can only come from splinter/rogue elements disgruntled with their present status quo. It is imperative to note therefore, on this assumption, the creation of an alliance of convenience; the cloven fist of banditry disguised with the velvet glove of political opportunism, which allows both the possibility of achieving their disparate objectives, irrespective of the cost or consequences to the country and innocent bystanders. This is what has eluded politicians on both sides of the power continuum. Each failed to see this simple truth, blinded as they are by the burning desire to preserve and fortify their positions of power and privilege. It is what politicians do best……