Alexander: Govt won’t reveal

Freelance Correspondent

Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander says the Government will not be revealing its crime plans to the public any more, as this would alert criminals and give them the upper hand before measures are even implemented.

Speaking with Guardian Media following a public consultation on the proposed stand-your-ground legislation in Freeport on Tuesday, Alexander also dismissed critics who said the Government had entered office without a concrete plan.

“What we have done in two months, the (former) government is yet to do, and they were here for nine and a half years. They want you to have a crime plan ready and available. Every time we talk about the crime plan, the criminals prepare themselves.

“Why are we talking about the crime plan? Why not see what we are doing — and that is what we are doing presently. We have presented some things to the public, but we want them to see our work and understand what level we are at,” he said.

Alexander added that Government has made a conscious decision to withhold certain operational details from the public to avoid tipping off the criminals.

“We have stopped informing members of the public what we are going to do. The same members of the public — some of them — are supporters of the criminal element. What benefit is it to us?” he said.

Only on Monday, during debate on the extension of the State of Emergency in Parliament, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar laid out a detailed anti-crime strategy centred on institutional reform, enhanced police capabilities, and intelligence-driven operations.

The Homeland Security Minister also chided some members of the police service for not being fully committed to their duties in solving and preventing crime.

“When a man comes into the police service, he is home. He is an attorney-at-law, he is home, he is not getting any job because they are overwhelmed with attorneys in T&T. He has a big degree in all kinda thing. Ask Mr Abraham (referring to retired Senior Supt Johnny Abraham) if that same chap is willing to go and walk the streets of Laventille and pass through the track. He feel he has reached, and he doesn’t feel that kind of energy to serve because ‘I am an attorney, I am a lawyer and all these things’. To me, we get a better delivery of service from people who want the job,” Alexander said.

He said he endorsed the proposed legislation, which allows individuals to protect their homes with force if necessary.

“We must give them the biggest surprise, which is you come at my home and I end it,” he declared.

Alexander urged communities to come together to confront the “real enemies” invading homes to “rape, plunder and kill,” calling for mental and physical preparedness.

“Sharpen your mind back and front and deliver on to them what they deserve. Too many clocks around here have hands — you can make some of them digital,” he added.

Two victims of violent crime came forward with harrowing accounts of attacks, both criticising the justice system and calling for greater protection for law-abiding citizens and small business owners.

Nazir Pundar, a farmer, revealed he has been the victim of larceny on five occasions since 2020. Pundar said he was robbed, held at gunpoint, and had his Kia K2700 vehicle stolen. He further alleged that one of the perpetrators, after being released on bail, sent three men to threaten and attack him.

Ria Chaitoo recounted a terrifying home invasion that occurred on October 12, 2024. Chaitoo said two masked men entered her home and robbed her and her husband at gunpoint.

She said the perpetrators exited her home “casually” and were picked up by a waiting Audi, which later turned out to have fake licence plates.

Chaitoo criticised the response she received from the authorities. She said police told her it was a crime of opportunity because her door was left open for her son when he got home.