Law

Someone asked the question "If law is based on morality,
then why are decisions based on rule of law rather than
what is morally right?" Let us consider the impact of
that statement for a moment...

In a simpler world, an innocent man could have punishment
for a crime, he did not commit, by virtue of hearsay or
simply because he was the most convenient candidate who
was avaliable. Thus guilty men could go free...

The laws, by and large seek to offer balance, by protecting
the rights of the innocent. Evidence offered, circumstances
and even witnesses must be questioned implicitly. Thus can
the innocent be protected...

Yet, is it really the innocent that are protected? Those
who commit wrong, muderers, corporations, embezzlers etc.
hire lawyers, who argue points of technicality, rather
than of innocence. Thus the guilty are protected...

After finally getting some time to look over the amendment to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act (the amendment is attached below), I think that for the most part it is reasonable. One thing, though, bothers me.

Nowhere does it state that someone accused of being drunk can volunteer to take a blood alcohol test.

When I went over the facts that were mailed out by the Ministry of Finance regarding Property Tax Reform, I immediately saw a few weak points from my own personal perspective. First, I have to give some background (without giving out too much personal information).

A Practical Look At The Old System

Sure, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago finally got its act together about legislation regarding drunk driving. And yes, it is good - especially for the Christmas season.

If you walk into any store, rum shop or office that has a radio playing, it seems you'll find a sticker that says that the Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) was there. They charge these businesses money for allowing their customers a break from the monotony of the other sounds of their businessplace.