FOR radically different reasons, two Caricom leaders have jolted us with recent speeches.
Dr. Keith Rowley – who sailed to electoral victory nine years ago with an “all-of-government” anti-crime pledge – insisted he can’t be held accountable for the pestilence that stalks the land.
Rowley told Parliament he did his best, even as the homicide figure heads for another dreadful record.
The Trinidad and Tobago leader virtually threw his hands into the air.
Never mind that T&T has descended into a criminal hellhole after tens of millions in anti-crime investments, a regional leadership conference, offers of US assistance, and various other initiatives.
Not surprisingly, the validating elite has stayed mum, big business and civil bodies afraid to confront Rowley while brutal criminals rampage the country.
Around the same time as Rowley’s feeble stance, Barbadian Mia Mottley delivered a typically defiant address, challenging the United States to confront the flow of assault weapons.
Such guns are manufactured in the US and are flowing through the Caribbean, Ms. Mottley said in a stirring address to the United Nations General Assembly.
The dramatically different approaches to the crime nightmare illustrate starkly diverse leaders.
Rowley has steadfastly refused to accept accountability for the horror of crime, tossing blame elsewhere even as the national borders remain a free-for-all for contraband trade and mercenaries.
The US authorities have made available the services of five agencies to stem the gun and drug flow and arrest underworld big-pappies.
Earlier this year, the US State Department alerted about an emerging threat of terrorism, and offered its Florida-based Southern Command for counter activity.
There is no evidence of the Rowley Government taking on the fight against weapon and drug transshipment since the borders remain unpatrolled.
Big ticket projects – such as $100 million to retain retired soldiers – have either not been implemented or have brought no measurable results.
Ms. Mottley, a critical thinker and courageous leader, has identified the source of the problem and demanded action.
The easy availability of weapons is also creating havoc in the Caribbean’s criminal justice system, she said.
In her characteristic gutsy manner, she called for a global reset on this issue and in the handling of international conflicts.
Ms. Mottley has long earned international respect, an honour that continues to desert the unproductive Rowley.
For his part, the T&T leader has recoiled into non-action, while he retains non-performing Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and peddles trite anti-crime statements.
The Prime Minister is due to make two international trips before the end of the year, which will further dilute his already diminished attention to the crisis.
Ms. Mottley has engaged the international community, is proposing solutions and seeking to partner with global leaders and agencies.
She is bold, direct and passionate, attributes that are required in challenging this unprecedented crisis.
Rowley is headstrong, futile and negligent toward this life-and-death crisis, one which has placed the entire society under siege.
A graphic tale of two leaders!
