Port of Spain: Minister of National Security the Honourable Stuart R. Young M.P. met today, July 31, 2019, with several business groups on matters of crime and security. The early morning meeting took place at the Ministry of National Security Head Office, Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.
Also attending the meeting was Commissioner of Police Mr. Gary Griffith.
The meeting followed an open invitation extended by Minister Young to the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC), together with the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA).
Minister Young took the opportunity to reiterate to those present that the lines of communication remain open between him and the business community for the airing of concerns and information sharing. The Minister welcomed the exchange of ideas, as well as continued engagement and collaboration with the business community. He encouraged the groups present to work closely with Government and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in the fight against crime.
The business associations present expressed their gratitude for today’s meeting to share their concerns. They commended the Minister’s response on the way forward in addressing matters raised.
Meeting discussions included Government’s sustained efforts to enhance the security of Trinidad and Tobago’s borders; avenues for information sharing between business groups and the TTPS, inclusive of CCTV surveillance systems; continued Joint Police and Army patrols in areas across the country; the tabling of critical legislation in Parliament aimed at improving the Criminal Justice System; and ongoing improvements at the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre.
Commissioner Griffith spoke on the TTPS’s increased operations across the country, including police visibility; its enhanced E999 emergency response system; and the reactivation of the Police Service Coastal Patrol Unit.
Minister Young gave the assurance that the Government, through the Ministry of National Security, remains committed to working with all security divisions towards making a safer and more secure environment for all persons in Trinidad and Tobago and will continue to provide the necessary support to our National Security Agencies.
Business groups present at the meeting were the San Juan Business Association; the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce; the Arima Business Association; the Sangre Grande Chamber of Commerce; the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce; the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce; the Gasparillo Chamber of Commerce; the Greater San Fernando Chamber of Commerce; the Penal/Debe Chamber of Commerce; the Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce; the Cunupia Business Chamber, as well as The Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA). Crime Stoppers Trinidad and Tobago was also present.