Dillon: Citizen Security Programme under review

Launched in 2007, she said this social action initiative in 27 highrisk communities is really needed now, when more questions than answers abound. Ameen said the CSP included parenting skills, conflict resolution and community safety, and empowered residents to solve local disputes and gang war. The CSP had let communities carve out youth-friendly spaces such as a play park in Mango Rose, Laventille, and had engaged youngsters in music, drama, sport and life-skills, she said.

Ameen urged Dillon to justify whatever decision he will make on the CSP’s fate, to say what it might be replaced with if at all and to mull the fate of CSP staff.

Dillon said the CSP began in 2008 and was extended twice - in 2014 (to 2016) and again in 2016 (to 2017).

After evaluations in 2014 and in 2015 (twice), the CSP’s fate will now rely on a review by the Planning Ministry.

He said Cabinet also agreed to a $25 million allocation for existing contractual obligations, plus $15.1 million from the PSIP to fund beyond April 2017.

“So the Government, in consideration of the evaluation forward, considers even beyond the April deadline in terms of the termination of the programme.” “The Government is intent on avoiding any premature announcement,” Dillon said. He said the Government is working at a time of tight budgets. Otherwise Tourism Minister, Shamfa Cudjoe, justified the decision to replace the Tourism Development Company by separate entities for each of Tobago and Trinidad.

She replied to a question on the adjournment by Opposition Senator Wade Mark who asked if the TDC’s dissolution is a ploy aimed at facilitating the establishment of a Sandals Resort in Tobago. He alleged a lack of consultation on the move, and a flagrant breach of the Industrial Relations Act.

Cudjoe said some $441 million was spent on the TDC from 2007 to 2016. The staff bill had doubled from $21 million in 2006 to $50 million in 2016, but without the 100-strong staff displaying any improved performance.

She said an independent consultant asked stakeholders on the TDC’s efficacy. The TDC was found to be incapable of executing its mandate to promote the country, with stakeholders showing dissatisfaction.

Cudjoe cited stakeholders letters saying the TDC’s role is best done by two separate entities, one for each island. Those consulted included officials in the Ministry of Tourism, TDC, Invest TT, TT Bureau of Standards, Tobago House of Assembly, Tobago Hotel Tourism and Restaurant Association, and the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association.