Citizens in T&T calling for the resumption of hangings
Citizens in T&T are strongly supporting calls for the resumption of hangings, which they feel will be one of the catalysts to reduce the spiralling crime rate. The murder rate for this year so far is 59 and counting.A recent poll commissioned by the ANSA McAL Psychological Research Centre, University of the West Indies, St Augustine showed that 72 per cent of the respondents supported the resumption of hangings with 19 per cent saying “no”, while nine per cent said they “don’t know”.
Those who supported the resumption of hangings insisted that:
It will serve as a deterrent.
It will bring justice to some families.
It is the only solution to the crime problem.
Criminals would think twice.
However, those who were not in favour of hangings stated:
It’s an unethical practice.
As a civilised society, there are other alternatives.
It is against certain religions to take a life.
Innocent people may lose their life.
Everyone should be given a second chance, even a murderer.
Questioned if they felt that the resurgence of hangings will reduce serious crimes, those who answered in the positive amounted to 64 per cent, while 27 per cent said “no”. Nine per cent stated they “don’t know.”
Those who argued that hangings will reduce crimes insisted that:
It would set an example.
There were too many murders in this country.
It would send a message to the criminals.
Criminals must be punished for taking lives.
It is the law of the land.
The respondents who were against it pointed out:
Two wrongs do not make a right.
Criminals don’t really care about anyone or anything.
In the long run it would not work.
Criminals do not fear the laws of the land in this country.
The poll, conducted between February 3 to 6, 2011 was supervised by Dr Derek Chadee, senior lecturer at the Behavioural Sciences faculty, UWI. The survey questioned a random sample of 509 respondents of Afro-Trinidadians, Indo-Trinidadians, Mixed people and other groups on whether they would support the resumption of hangings in T&T.
Across ethnic groups, Indo-Trinidadians, the poll stated, were 22 to 26 per cent more likely than Afro-Trinidadians and Mixed people to support hangings. Specifically, 86 per cent Indo-Trinidadians, 64 per cent Afro-Trinidadians and 60 per cent Mixed indicated “yes.” Meanwhile, 76 per cent males had responded “yes” as opposed to 68 per cent of their female counterparts. The response “no” was stated by 22 per cent females and 16 per cent males.
Analysing responses by age, the poll showed a 12 per cent difference between respondents in the 51-plus and 41-50 age group indicating “yes” to the resumption. At least 73 per cent of the 18 to 30 age group, 70 per cent in the age bracket 31 to 40, 64 per cent in the 41 to 50 age category and 76 per cent of those exceeding 51 years stated “yes.” “Respondents of the 41 to 50 age group were marginally more likely to state “no”, the poll stated.
Assessing responses by religion, the poll showed that Hindus, 84 per cent, were the most likely to support hangings, while 61 per cent Roman Catholics supported the resumption of hangings. This showed a 23 per cent difference. Specifically, 81 per cent Muslims and 71 per cent other religious groups answered in the affirmative.
64 per cent say hangings will reduce crime
Questioned if the resumption of hangings will help reduce crime in T&T, 64 per cent responded “yes”, while 27 per cent “no”. Nine per cent said they “don’t know.” The polls showed that Indo-Trinidadians were 24 to 27 per cent more likely than Afro-Trinidadians and Mixed people who indicated that the resumption of hangings will help reduce serious crimes. Specifically, 78 per cent Indo-Trinidadians, 54 per cent Afro-Trinidadians and 51 per cent Mixed people agreed.
Mixed people were the most likely to negate that the resumption of hangings will reduce serious crime. Precisely, 43 per cent Mixed, 32 per cent Afro-Trinidadians and 15 per cent Indo-Trinidadians said “no.” With regards to sex, similar results were observed between groups, as 65 per cent males and 62 per cent female answered “yes”, while 28 per cent females and 26 percent males said “no”. The poll pointed out that young adults were the least likely to state “no”.
ratings
Do you support the resumption of hangings in Trinidad and Tobago?
Yes—72%
No—19%
Don’t know—9%
ratings
How do you rate the Government’s handling of the crime situation?
Excellent-2%
Good-12%
Fair-32%
Poor-33%
Extremely Poor-21%.
