Tobago businesses to help fix police cars

MINISTER in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland says a plan is in the works to repair defective police vehicles in Tobago.

He spoke in brief interview with reporters after a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher and members of the Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce at the organisation’s headquarters, ANSA McAL Building, Milford Road, Scarborough, on August 13. PNM senator Laurence Hislop also attended.

The meeting was organised in response to the island’s worsening crime situation. To date, Tobago has recorded 19 murders for 2024, most of which police believe were gang-related.

Scotland said, “One of the main takeaways – and I want to thank the chamber – they have partnered with the ministry in terms of bringing physical resources to assist in the repairs of vehicles. That was a main takeaway.

"We have a plan coming from the chamber by Friday, God’s willing. So we will work on that.”

The move is likely to address the shortage of police vehicles to respond to criminal activities across the island.

Chamber president Curtis Williams said members were pleased with the meeting.

“From this meeting, rest assured that things are in good order. Tobago is in good hands,” he said. “The major takeaway is that we will be seeing results-oriented policing. That is what we are going to see within the next couple of days in Tobago.”

Asked to identify specific initiatives, Williams would only say, “The results will speak for itself definitely within the next couple of days.”

He thanked Scotland for meeting with the business community and promised to work with him and the police to tackle the crime situation.

Earlier in the day, Scotland also met with chair of the Tobago Business Chamber attorney Martin George at Mt Irvine Bay Resort.

Scotland, who was appointed minister on July 25, arrived in Tobago on August 11 for meetings with stakeholders with a view to stemming the scourge.

Accompanied by Harewood-Christopher and other members of her executive, he walked from the Crown Point Police Station to various parts of the commercial district, speaking to people he met along the way.

Scotland also visited several police stations and areas that have been affected by crime within the past few months

Saying he wanted to buckle down to some serious work, Scotland promised the island will get a handle on the crime situation.