Young: We work with what we have

NATIONAL Security Minister Stuart Young said Government remains committed to helping the police do all they can to curb crime.

Young made the statement in his contribution to the budget debate in the House of Representatives on Friday.

He said the allocation for the police is on par with the allocations the ministry received in the budget for the other entities which fall under its jurisdiction.

National security received a $5.227 billion allocation.

He told MPs, "We will work with what we have."

Government continues to be committed to the fight against crime, he said, adding that this meant ensuring that the police and all other law enforcement agencies receive the resources they need.

In this fiscal year, a properly vetted multi-agency task force to bolster border security will be created, he said, and will include members from the police, Defence Force, Customs and the intelligence services. It will help dealwith challenges such as human trafficking.

After observing there appears to be a lucrative trade in trafficking Venezuelan nationals illegally into TT, Young questioned how some local lawyers seem quick to rush to court to get protection orders for some of the traffickers.

Government, he continued, will not allow the legitimate process whereby people apply to the UN Refugee Agency to be abused.

Young said the introduction of the new $100 polymer note took $500 million of corrupt money out of the economy, and wondered why the Opposition seemed to be upset about that.

Compared to other countries which tried a similar action, Young declared, "No other country did it in the short time that we did." He explained the process of introducing the new notes was a two-year exercise which involved Government and several stakeholders, including the commercial banks.

After saying the two new Cape Class vessels coming from Australia will strengthen TT's maritime security, Young again wondered why the UNC seemed disturbed about vessels of this nature patrolling TT's waters.

He added that upgrades of the air wing and the acquisition of drones are other measures being implemented to bolster border security.

The UNC spent over half a billion dollars to buy "toys" for national security, which have been proven ineffective, he said.

Young put MPs on notice that Government will be bringing legislation to Parliament soon to continue the Anti-Gang Act, because of a sunset clause in the current act which will soon come into effect.

On covid19, Young said a facility was created in Claxton Bay for prisoners in Trinidad who test covid19-positive to receive proper medical care. He disclosed similar arrangements are being made in Tobago.

Young praised Newsday columnist Debbie Jacob and Sr Kay Narinesingh for their efforts to help rehabilitate prisoners.