Business leaders back prison crackdown but call for sustained action

Business leaders have welcomed Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to keep searching prison officers and expanding surveillance and intelligence work as authorities try to crack down on rogue officers.

Dianne Joseph, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries, described the direct response to internal security problems as a positive move. She said businesses need a safe and predictable environment, particularly in the services sector, where security risks can increase operating costs and weaken market confidence.

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For the services sector, a safe and predictable environment is a key requirement for economic growth. Institutional stability helps lower security risks for local businesses, reduces operational costs, and improves general market confidence.

Joseph said stronger internal systems could also reassure local and international investors that Trinidad and Tobago is actively managing security risks and improving its business climate. But she urged the authorities not to rely only on immediate interventions. Modern technology, clear institutional rules and a structured long-term strategy, she said, would help ensure that the new security practices operate fairly and effectively.

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Rather than relying solely on immediate interventions, a balanced approach that combines modern technology with clear institutional guidelines will help ensure these security practices are carried out smoothly, fairly, and effectively over time.

The coalition said the reforms would depend heavily on visible backing from the Ministry of National Security and the wider Government. Joseph said consistent policy direction, financial resources and public support would give reform leaders the authority needed to carry out the changes and show that the State is committed to lasting improvements rather than short-term measures.

She also said senior-level support could strengthen the morale of officers responsible for implementing the measures. Prison staff, including rank-and-file officers, must understand that the updated checks are intended to protect their work and support national security goals.

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When the executive leadership provides steady policy direction, financial resources, and public support, it gives the necessary authority to those leading the reform.