Call for joint army/police patrols

DEPUTY Chaguanas Mayor Orlando Nagessar has called on Minister of National Security Howard Chin Lee to re-institute the joint army and police patrol to help combat crime in Central Trinidad. “With the Christmas season fast approaching, there is urgent need for a security “beef up” for both businessmen and shoppers in and around the Borough,” Nagessar said. He added that he was shocked at incidents which unfolded over the Divali weekend in Caroni Savannah Road, Charlieville and Chaguanas. It was reported that a man had been beaten to death by roving gangs on Divali night. Nagessar said it was the first time that he had seen such inhumane activities taking place in Chaguanas and he added that there was urgent need for a 24-hour army/police presence throughout Chaguanas and environs.

He also said a major factor that may be contributing to the rise in crime is the significant increase in the number of unemployed persons in the Borough. On another note, Nagessar said while he welcomed efforts to erect a modern health facility in Couva, he was disappointed over the lack of a similar facility in the bustling Chaguanas Borough. Nagessar said the establishment of a more modern hospital for Couva was a good step since Couva was a major industrial estate and needed the best health facility on offer. But he added that the population in Chaguanas was quickly increasing and the present health facility was outdated and could not cater to the large influx of patients who daily visit the facility. “The Government ought to keep its promise in the establishment of a hospital at Caroni Savannah Road, Chaguanas or else we may have no choice but to resort to protest action,” Nagessar said. “Because that is the only way in which the Government seems to take heed of anything,” he added.