Scotland in first meeting with TTPS executive

A WEEK after the prime minister announced the appointment of Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland as Minister in the Ministry of National Security, the newly-minted minister met for the first time in his new capacity with the executive of the TTPS.

A release from the ministry said the meeting took place on July 31 at the ministry's head office, Temple Court, Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.

The meeting was described as being held in a "spirit of collaboration and a shared commitment" to addressing key issues, impacting the TTPS.

During the meeting, the release said, Scotland sought an in-depth understanding of the operational dynamics and pressing needs of the police service.

The discussions provided him with valuable insights, into the challenges faced by the TTPS and the resources required to enhance its effectiveness.

The release said Scotland laid out his vision for the broader national security framework, with particular focus on the pivotal role of the TTPS, in the ongoing fight against crime.

He emphasised the need for a robust and responsive security apparatus, ensuring that the TTPS is equipped, to meet the evolving demands of law enforcement.

He assured Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher that issues raised during the meeting would be addressed with urgency. The release said Scotland considered this meeting as the beginning of his efforts to tackle crime and enhance the safety of citizens across the nation.

The release did not indicate if substantive minister Fitzgerald Hinds was present at this meeting.

According to a story published online at newsday.co.tt on July 25, at a post Cabinet media briefing (on July 25), Dr Rowley said Scotland will be responsible for police matters and will work with Hinds specifically on police issues.

A day later, Scotland took the Oath as a new minister and received his instruments of appointment from President Christine Kangaloo at the Office of the President in St Ann's.

In June, Scotland was among three Government ministers to be awarded the lucrative Senior Counsel (also known as silk) status by Government, along with Local Government Minister Faris Al-Rawi and Energy Minister and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young. The latter is currently acting as prime minister in the absence of Dr Rowley whose flight home was delayed on July 31 after he went to Grenada to attend a Caricom Heads of Government meeting.