The nation’s murder toll has surpassed 600 this year, and Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has voiced his dissatisfaction. In a statement released December 26, 2024, through the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Rowley stated that regrettably, the efforts of national security agencies have not been able to discourage criminal minds.
He remarked on the existing state of affairs, “The unacceptable high level of violent crime in the country has attracted the consistent attention of the state and not inconsiderable resources.”
- Advertisement -
“There is much more to be done in very many areas. It was my hope and genuine expectation that the ongoing national effort against violent crime, particularly murders and other violent assaults, would see a visible reduction in number as we go forward.
He continued, “Unfortunately, even the significant efforts of the National Security agencies, have not deterred the criminal minds which operate, as though, without fear of detection and certainty of timely, dissuading punishment.”
“I am very disappointed in the outturn where once again in this small nation, frequent killings see us, for the second year straight, recording over 600 deaths attributed to widespread violence.”
“As much as the Police has done, they are required to do much more if the stated objectives are to be attained.”
He stated that while the government will continue to offer the required assistance, more work at the state level is still required.
“The Government will continue to provide full support to the Police and other agencies and encourages all stakeholders from the home to the courthouse to provide no safe harbor and comfort to the criminal element which believes that it can plan, execute and terrorize the nation with impunity.
“To get the better of the widespread criminal conduct we need to do more at the state level in all areas just as we call on households of interest to get involved in doing more to increase the safety and security we all so desperately need.”
He called on law enforcement to intensify their detecting techniques.
“If I am to make some special appeals they are to the Police that they make the criminals uncomfortable with penetrating detection methods.”
Dr. Rowley remarked, “To those who know and are doing or saying nothing, stop normalizing criminal conduct in your social life and to those who share the proceeds of violent criminal conduct, stop encouraging or shielding your family members and friends who are engaging in criminal conduct.”
“To those in authority who are responsible for dispensing justice, stop pretending that criminals are the victims who deserve only mercy when by their heartless, lawless behavior they are to receive firm punishment as prescribed by the law as enacted in anticipation to cover the various destabilizing practices.”
He further noted, “The Government does not believe that we as a nation cannot get the upper hand of criminal conduct which has evolved to becoming a major public health issue at this time but we will all need to do more and even do differently if we are to keep violent criminal conduct where it belongs.”
Erla Christopher, the commissioner of police, asked the public to assist the police in their fight against crime by providing officers with any information they may have.
In their desperate attempts to sustain their illegal businesses, the criminal element has “become more brazen and indiscriminate,” according to her.
“This will continue to be our challenge until such time that we succeed in diverting the minds of the criminal elements in our society, especially our young men, from the commission of violent crimes to more productive activities.”
According to her, the TTPS would keep up its efforts to combat criminals and improve safety in Trinidad and Tobago.
