Govt senator: Gangs have infiltrated all communities

GANGS are not only in Port of Spain and environs but, like a conglomerate, there are subsets of gangs in every community in the country, even in rural areas, says Government Senator Foster Cummings.

He said if the government does not address the gang situation now, then those who feel comfortable with their high walls and gated communities may find gangs have infiltrated their communities as well.

“Just because the problem is not at your doorstep does not mean urgent action is not needed.”

He was contributing to Senate debate yesterday on the Anti-Gang Bill.

Cummings said behind prison walls, gang activity is prevalent and imprisoned gang members and leaders are still able to issue instructions to people on the outside.

He also said gangs have evolved and got into communities, recruiting young people, mostly young men, and training them to commit crimes both within their communities and outside.

Cummings said the bill allows police to search without warrants and to detain people for 72 hours and this shows it has teeth. He noted the Opposition had expressed concern that these powers could be abused, but stressed when there is a serious problem you need serious action to deal with it.

He pointed out many people have lost respect for the police, as seen in some videos showing interaction between citizens and officers, and this represented a breakdown in law and order.

Cummings expressed hope that young men attracted to gang activity would see the posture of the Government and the Opposition and decide to engage in more uplifting activities.