BUSINESS organisations say National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds’ statement that he is not responsible for any anti-crime plan, does not inspire confidence that he or the Government would urgently treat with this serious matter.
Reeling around the crime wave enveloping the entire country, business, religious and other civil society organisations have been calling for drastic measures to effectively tackle the scourge.
Placing all responsibility squarely in the hands of the commissioner of police is not the answer, Kiran Singh, president of the San Fernando Greater Chamber (SFGCC) one of the voices raised for decisive action said in response on Friday.
“’How am I supposed to feel? Saying it is not his job, does not inspire confidence. We understand a crime plan would come from the CoP, but we also want to hear something tangible from the line minister, the government and agencies responsible for defence and criminal intelligence gathering in the country to inspire confidence.”
From every quarter - business, religion - to the average citizens, the number one topic of conversation is crime and fear they are feeling, he said.
President of the Chaguanas Chamber Baldath Maharaj said while Hinds is partially correct as it relates to his responsibility of a crime plan, he and his government have ultimate responsibility to keep citizens safe.
“To ensure the country gets the desired result in crime reduction, both the Minister and the CoP should be in effective partnership, he said the expectation is that they work as a team
“Ultimately, the Minister/Government is the executive and has the responsibility for the safety and security of citizens.”
Former National Security Minister and former CoP Gary Griffith agreed to a coordinated effort with the TTPS and other agencies for any plan to be effective.
“Hinds is once again showing a complete lack of leadership and cowardice, as he is attempting to shirk his own responsibility, by trying to pass the buck solely onto those under his command, who head the protective services.”
Prior to the opening of the San Fernando headquarters of the Repatriation Committee for Nationals Overseas on Thursday, Hinds said neither a crime plan nor calls for a state of emergency (SoE) were within his remit.
His responsibility was more in line with guiding policy directions, providing budgetary and other support to carry out the mandate to uphold the rule of law.
“A Minister of Government does not generate or create a crime plan. That is a matter for the Police Commissioner and the Defence Force that supports the police in dealing with these issues.”
To calls by some for an anti-crime plan, Hinds said, “If I had a crime plan and it was up to me, I will lock up all of them who does be talking you know…. Starting those from the other side of the Parliament (referring to the Opposition MP’s) some of whom I think don’t deserve the attention they they have only marginally had.”
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