London: National Security Ministry responsible

The National Security Ministry is responsible for the renovation/reconstruction of police stations in Tobago, according to Tobago House of Assembly THA) Chief Secretary Orville London. He said, “minor repairs” (to these buildings) are undertaken by the Tobago House of Assembly. He explained that while the THA does not have responsibility for National Security under the THA Act No 40 of 1996, it was however responsible for “public buildings” — and it was through this latter authority that minor repairs were effected to police stations. With respect to the THA Act (1996), London noted this was one of the “grey areas” surrounding the whole question of “responsibility” by the THA.

London was responding to queries at Thursday’s regular post-Executive Council meeting press briefing, against the background of the current situation where policemen assigned to the Roxborough Police Station, in east Tobago. The cops have been operating out of a Mobile Unit following a rainstorm last July which left the police station uninhabitable. The police station at Roxborough is among several on the island that have been earmarked for reconstruction (or major repair) for a number of years. In fact, the Roxborough Station was deemed most urgent because of the dilapidated state of the building and deplorable conditions under which officers were working for several years. The heavy winds and rain associated with tropical storm Emily only served to exacerbate the situation and the building was “condemned,” while the officers were relocated to a Mobile Unit.

The unit, which was initially located at the Roxborough Police Youth Club’s (RPYC) compound, was removed to the Roxborough Police Station premises a few days ago, resulting in an outcry from several villagers who believe that the officers have been “sent back” to the dilapidated station. It was against this background that London was asked  who was responsible for reconstruction of the Roxborough Station. Is it the THA or the Ministry of National Security? “That is one of the grey areas!” he replied. “I’ll tell you why; under the THA Act (1996) national security falls under the Sixth Schedule — which is a central Government responsibility, but the THA Act also provides the Assembly with the authority to do public buildings.”

He added, “What I know from my discussions with the Ministry of National Security is that money has been allocated in the Ministry (of National Security) for the repairs to the police stations in Tobago. In fact, I think Tobago police stations were mentioned among five or six stations throughout the country to which priority would be given,” London told Newsday. In the circumstances, he said the question as to whether it was the responsibility of the THA or the National Security Ministry, “is not one of those things for which you can give a “yes” or “no” answer.” He stated that the THA had spent “quite a lot of money in attempting to bring relief, minor repairs; but what you talking about here is really major refurbishment works, and that is really the responsibility of the National Security Ministry!