Crime and the untouchables- Who letting the cocaine pass?-23 August 2011

Spending on national security has been a billion-dollar hole in the floor; an expedition involving hardware and software but no credible strategy. A billion-dollar cocaine trade remains untouched and bank accounts remain piled high with drug money, shrouded in the politeness of a small tight society. In a culture of look-away, we believe some people have a divine right to anonymity. Cartel-funded profits and hush money course through all-inclusive fetes; real estate; mas and soca bands and exclusive shops in expensive malls. And through the automotive trade, jewellery shops, sport bars and developments stacked on the hills. Genuine commercial activity and drug facades are intricately woven, all befitting their space at the various chambers of business and commerce. On the streets people are not reluctant to make little comments, but no one goes beyond the small talk we grew up with. You can’t fight gangsters with rum talk so none of us has seen a major local drug prosecution in our lifetime.