Alexander pledges to protect and serve Tunapuna

FORMER senior superintendent turned prospective United National Congress (UNC) candidate Roger Alexander has only affection for his detractors.

“I love them all. I respect them. And, I will serve and protect them.” This was Alexander’s vow during a walkabout in Tunapuna on April 1.

“They, too, have a future so I will protect their future just like I protected the streets.”

Alexander was selected to contest the Tunapuna seat for the UNC.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Alexander said his years of experience as a police officer provided him with keen insight into the needs of the people, positioning him to serve the constituency well.

“I am what they call the street commissioner from long before. I meet and greet with people just like I'm doing here. This is nothing new to me. So when you know the needs and wants of the people, it is easy to treat with it. But, if you don't know or you don't care or you only care once every five years, then you have to rush and do things when things could have been done day after day.

“So my thing is to bring that new type of politics to the area. I am not about spitty-mouth politics. So while people talking about Alexander this and Alexander that, I am more concerned about the needs of the people.

“...People are looking forward to a different type of representation, a different type of community development, a different type of safety and security for every citizen.

“And, if you are looking in my direction for that then you have chosen the right person.”

He said he intends to make Tunapuna a “model constituency” using smart technology to improve crime-fighting strategies.

Alexander said his decision to join the political arena was brought on by a shared vision between him and UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

“Knowing where I came from, and the constraints of being a police officer, which if I start to mention we will be here all night, I listened to a leader, Ms Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Her vision for TT aligned with what I want to do. So, I moved in another direction and chose her as my leader.”

When asked if he was satisfied with the current performance of the police, Alexander suggested that a lack of resources was to blame, than the officers themselves.

“People at the head of the organisation came into something new. On the last occasion, there were people there confused by nature and unable to perform properly.

“And, we are asking that this situation no longer exists. We want to give the police, the defence force, the coast guard, the fire service and all other agencies involved in national security all the necessary resources.

“So then, when you give them the resources and up to date technology, you can hold each of those institutions accountable.”

As Alexander spoke and shook hands with the residents of Maingot Road and environs, he vowed to be a present leader if he is elected as MP on April 28.

“When I'm elected, I dare you to come looking for me every five years. Because just how I can come and walk every street because you have an issue, I have to make it my business to do it consistently and not hide."