Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds is calling for a twofold approach in addressing the issue of crime in Tobago.
This as crime remains a cause for concern on the island.
Following the first murder recorded on New Years’ Day, there was a shooting in Scarborough thereafter which left four people injured. Meantime, in 2023, there were 14 murders with 13 gun-related.
Hinds made the statement as he spoke with Tobago Updates recently.
“The approach must be two-fold. A law enforcement led by the police response to it and secondly, an appreciation of an engagement in the entire community that is Tobago and Trinidad.”
He said he has been following the issue and is well aware of the happenings on the island.
“Trinidad might have offered you some of the people involved in the crime; some of the drugs; some of the weapons might have come from Trinidad. We are united as a unitary state and therefore what is involved here requires law enforcement, led by the police service, of course, response to what is happening on the ground in Tobago and secondly, a wider engagement with all of Tobago, and all of Tobago and Trinidad in getting the community involved because we are approaching crime as a public health concern, like we did with covid19. That tells us that it involves everyone, not just the police service.”
He called for much more co-operation with law enforcement.
“If the police don’t know and worse if you keep it a secret from them, you’re putting Tobago at greater and greater risk. Share it with the police and let the police come and take the guns out, the guns that fuel the crime. Then the life you save may just be your own.”
He said additionally, he is in in regular communication with the leadership of the police service, as he provided an assurance to the residents.
“The Ministry of National Security continues to focus on the safety and the security of the people of TT and more immediately strengthening our border fences, given the transnational nature of a lot of the crimes.”
He said at the same time at a governmental level, the resources are provided to ensure that young people are given adequate opportunities for their progress, for proper legitimate pathways to earning money and livelihood.