National Security Minister Edmund Dillon wants citizens to declare war on criminals, promising protection for all informants who assist in bringing them to justice.
Speaking to reporters at the funeral service in San Fernando yesterday of slain police officer Anson Benjamin, Dillon said all hands, including those of private citizens, would have to be on deck if Government was to win the fight against crime.
He said while mechanisms, like coastal patrols, could be implemented to combat the trans-Atlantic drug trade, it was important for citizens to become more vigilant and share information with T&T’s protective services.
“It is time for T&T to declare a sense of war against the criminals in this country.
“The war is not just for the Police Service and law enforcement alone but from every single citizen of this country. It must be a rallying cause so that we can treat with those delinquents and those who intend on taking arms against the peace-loving citizens of this country,” Dillon said
He added: “We have lost too many lives. The murder rate right now is terrible and so I am imploring all citizens, the services will do our part and we have to do our part because we swore to do so.”
Dillon said those who see others with guns openly in communities could call to alert the police officers.
“You who hear and understand things out there, I urge you and beg you bring it to our attention so that we can deal with it,” he added.
Saying law enforcement officers could not have eyes and ears in every part of T&T, Dillon said: “I implore you to give us the information that is required and we will work with you. We will work to ensure the information is taken in the strictest of confidence.”
But his call came mere hours after the State’s main witness against six police officers charged with the murder of three civilians from Moruga in July 2011 threatened not to testify in their eventual trial because she was unhappy with her treatment in the Witness Protection Programme.
WPC Nicole Clement, who was initially charged with the crime before being given immunity in exchange for her testimony, made the threat in a letter sent by her attorney to Dillon on Monday.
Also yesterday, Dillon gave a commitment to do all that he could to bring back peace and stability to T&T.
“The murder rate right now is intolerable, the crime rate is intolerable. I will do what is required to do.
“You have seen just recently, within the last 72 hours, that the Coast Guard would have in fact seized $1.5 million worth of marijuana.
“They continue to be on our maritime borders within the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Paria, looking to intercept those who penetrate our borders for nefarious activities. So in a combination effort we have the Coast Guard and Air Guard doing their surveillance, and the policemen and the army on the ground,” Dillon said.