Prime Minister warns: 'Police trained to shoot'

THOUGH reluctant to comment on the August 14 police shootings that resulted in six deaths, the Prime Minister said, “It appears some bad choices were made.”

Speaking with the media at the second TT Agro Expo at the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain, on August 16, Dr Rowley appealed to young people not to “make the mistake of believing or letting anyone make you believe that you could shoot your way out of a situation with the police or the defence force,” saying such a decision is a poor one.

He said people who arm themselves illegally and believe they will prevail in an encounter with the police are making a grave mistake.

“Don’t do it! Don’t do that to your family, don’t do that to this nation!”

Rowley said law-abiding citizens must be protected, and explained that police officers are trained to shoot, and will do so if their lives are threatened.

“When you arm yourself with a weapon like a gun, it means you have decided to use it. Law-enforcement officers will not wait to see what and how you use it.”

Rowley urged young people to make better choices and avoid putting themselves in harm's way.

His comments came after a police shootout in Freeport left six people dead – five men and one teenage girl.

Police responded to calls about a robbery and went to a house in Razack Trace, Freeport. When they arrived, reports say they were shot at and shot back. The six dead had been linked to a house invasion earlier that day at Otis Lane, Balmain, Couva.

Rowley called on young people to avoid making "detrimental decisions," stressing it could end badly for everyone.

Asked about recommendations to reform the appointment process for the police commissioner, Rowley agreed it should be reformed, but expressed uncertainty about how it would be changed constitutionally.

He described the current process as “quite annoying," saying it had too much prime ministerial interference, and suggested the parliamentary process be reviewed.

Rowley said reform will ensure good officers rise to the top and that younger officers benefit from competent leadership.

While enjoying pineapple chow at a vendor booth, Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds, who was in high spirits, praised this year’s second Agri-Expo at the Queen’s Park Savannah, describing its concept and implementation as exciting,

He said the global challenge of food security is an important issue, and improving agricultural output is crucial for Trinidad and Tobago. Working with Caricom as a larger platform to produce healthier, less processed foods is very promising.

Referencing Bob Marley, he said, “A hungry man is an angry man,” explaining that food security is directly linked to national security.

"If people lack basic necessities like food, medicine, or water, it can lead to severe societal reactions."

Also asked about the police shooting that killed six young people on August 14, Hinds said, “It is always painful and troubling to lose lives, particularly young lives.

"I don’t have sufficient facts to comment accurately, but it is a concern that young people are getting involved in activities attracting law-enforcement attention.”

He advised young people to take advantage of the opportunities available, including education, art, culture, sports, and business. He stressed that success, good health, love and peace are important and encouraged young people to "behave accordingly and utilise available opportunities for a secure future."

Asked about increased police shootings, Hinds acknowledged the general concern about violence and said law enforcement must protect society from those who choose violence. He emphasised that law enforcement’s actions should be in line with the law and the constitution, though each case should be judged individually.

As if he had any advice for the newly minted minister in his ministry, Keith Scotland, Hinds expressed confidence in Scotland’s ability to fulfil his responsibilities. He commended Scotland’s understanding of the law, good governance and integrity, and expressed optimism about their collaborative efforts.

“We are working beautifully together.“

Before slipping out through a side entrance about 20 minutes after the opening ceremony, Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly spoke with Newsday and echoed Hinds's sentiments as she praised the Expo, calling it a wonderful opportunity for TT to celebrate its agriculture and people. She said it provides young people with a chance to understand the end point of agriculture.

Asked about engaging young people who are not currently involved in positive activities, Gadsby-Dolly suggested a multifaceted approach as she spoke on the importance of leveraging platforms where young people are active, such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, to spread the word about opportunities available to them.

She stressed personal responsibility, urging young people to take advantage of opportunities available to them and encourage their peers to get involved in positive activities.