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Communities welcome plan
🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago /Crime & Justice

Communities welcome plan

From Trinidad Express · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Residents and business operators in several communities have welcomed the government's initiative to establish 30 joint army-police posts nationwide.
  • While generally supportive, some residents expressed a desire for more details on the posts' operations and concerns about potential community stigmatization.
  • Others believe the increased police presence will deter criminals and improve safety, with one vendor suggesting officers wear body cameras.

Communities across Trinidad and Tobago, including Acono Road in Maracas Valley-St Joseph, areas near the Grand Bazaar Interchange, and Kelly Village in Caroni, have reacted positively to the government's plan to establish 30 joint army-police posts. The initiative aims to bolster the nation's crime-fighting efforts.

I am not saying they are not doing anything, but if they are in the station they could come out during the day and do those same patrols.

— MalcolmA resident and taxi driver questioning the necessity of new posts versus existing police patrols.

Most residents and business owners expressed support for the plan, viewing it as a measure that could deter criminal activity and enhance public safety. However, some voiced a need for further details regarding the operational aspects of these posts. A taxi driver identifying himself as "Malcolm" questioned why existing police stations could not already fulfill the patrol duties. He also raised concerns that the presence of an army and police post might stigmatize the community, potentially deterring tourists drawn to local attractions like Maracas Bay waterfalls.

People hike from here to Maracas Bay and we have the waterfalls, which are major tourist attractions. Some people even hold wedding receptions up here. An army and police post may make visitors think this is a dangerous place, and that could hurt the community.

— MalcolmExpressing concern about the potential negative impact of police posts on tourism and community image.

Despite these reservations, many welcomed the increased security presence. A woman at Acono Junction stated it was a "good thing" that might reduce crime. Another resident believed the posts would keep "idle boys" away, provided the police actively patrol. Steve Villaroel agreed, anticipating that people would "feel safer," especially since some criminals are not local to the areas. At Kelly Village, chicken and duck vendor John Ramlal welcomed the idea, noting that the area has long needed a permanent police presence due to past shootings. He suggested that officers should wear body cameras to ensure accountability and transparency, drawing a parallel to how police presence on the Beetham highway improves traffic flow.

It is a good thing. It might stop criminals from roaming around and hopefully cause crime to decline.

— A woman at Acono JunctionWelcoming the initiative as a potential crime deterrent.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Trinidad Express. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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