Hosein tells PNM: Stop playing politics with crime

Minister of Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein is urging the Opposition to stop “playing politics with crime,” accusing it of stoking fear over the proposed stand-your-ground legislation.

The issue reignited following the tragic death of Susan Madrano-St Louis, who was fatally shot during an altercation outside Sauce Doubles in Cunupia. Around 8.25 am on Saturday, Madrano-St Louis and her relatives got into a dispute with occupants of a Nissan Tiida over parking. During the confrontation, one of her relatives, a prison officer and licensed firearm holder, opened fire after reportedly being stabbed but allegedly shot her accidentally instead.

People’s National Movement vice-chairman Dr Amery Browne said the woman’s death underscores the need for sober reflection as consultations continue on the Government’s proposal to protect citizens who use deadly force when defending themselves on their property.

“That’s just one incident that should also inform our contemplation on the very dramatic measures that the Government is seeking to introduce,” Browne said.

The PNM also criticised the Government’s approach to the consultations, calling them undemocratic and dismissive of opposing views.

Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, Hosein declined to comment directly on Madrano-St Louis’ death, saying he was unsure of the facts as it was still under investigation. However, he condemned what he described as the Opposition’s “irresponsible” use of the tragedy in political debate.

“The legislation is not only tied to the issue of firearms, but if someone invades your home, and you have any other weapon of choice to defend yourself, your family, or your property, you can use those particular weapons to defend yourself. It is really fearmongering that the Opposition is engaging in, and they should be very responsible when it comes to matters like these because crime as a whole affects the nation, and they should stop playing politics with the issue of crime and this home invasion/stand-your-ground legislation,” Hosein said.

Madrano-St Louis’ death was the second legal firearm-related case in just two days. On Friday, a 66-year-old licensed firearm holder came under attack in Santa Cruz from three suspects in a robbery attempt. He drew his licensed firearm and opened fire, hitting two suspects, while a third fled. Analysing the latest incidents, former commissioner of police Gary Griffith said they highlight the risks that come with granting Firearm User Licences (FULs) and the need for proper checks before and after approval.

“You cannot be irresponsible and in the dinosaur era like Keith Rowley, Fitzgerald Hinds, and commissioners before and after me who felt that giving out 100 firearms a year is the right thing in the hope that the fewer number of firearms you give out, the less the possibility of an incident taking place. Everything in life is a risk, but in the same manner, you cannot think that you can give out firearms to people and make it easier for them to get a firearm than getting doubles on a Saturday morning,” Griffith told Guardian Media.

He said legal firearms can help trained citizens defend themselves and others, but if firearms are issued without proper scrutiny, they could end up in the wrong hands.

Griffith said most holders fail to train consistently. He noted that 95 per cent of FUL owners do not use shooting ranges, which raises concerns about negligent discharges, inaccurate shots, and poor judgement in high-pressure situations.

“So there must be constant due diligence to ensure that the person who has a firearm is of the mental body and mind to keep the stability required to have a firearm. That is not being done.”