Councillor calls for police stations

Hundreds of residents from Caparo, Flanagin Town, Brasso, Mamoral, Tabaquite and Brasso Venado took part in the march. Several businesses remained closed in symbolic support for a “visible, permanent police presence in Caparo and Brasso”. Ramoutar said since the abrupt closure of the Brasso Police Station eight years ago, several requests have been made and meetings have been held with the relevant authorities, all to no avail.

He recalled that in two previous budgets, allocations were made for construction of the Brasso Police Station, but nothing has happened.

Caroni Central MP Dr Hamza Rafeeq, who took part in the march, said he has tabled a motion for debate in Parliament next Friday.

“I remain committed to the cause of the people of these communities, and I want to assure all the councillors that I will work with them to solve the problems that continue to haunt these communities,” he said. Councillor Sahadeo Boondoo complained that “taxpayers”’ monies must be equally and fairly spent throghout the nation state of TT.”

“When one looks at what is taking place, the disparity continues unabated despite the overflows of oil and gas, rural communities continue to suffer from all sorts of amenities.”

Councillor Henry Awong spoke of “the plethora of crimes, kidnappings and murders in the Tabaquite and Brasso areas.” He said residents have to journey many extra miles to get to the Gran Couva Police Station. “This country can do better. Government must stop neglecting rural communities in terms of water, lights, roads and in this case the Brasso Police Station,” Awong said.

There were two kidnappings in the Tabaquite area less than a year ago.

Ramoutar said: “A police post was established last year, but it survived for just about two months.” He spoke of the recent murder of businessman Stephen Hackshaw at his home on Easter Sunday. “Vision 20-20 is stalemated. We cannot wait for 2020.

“Government must revise or revisit its policies and programmes and incorporate effective planning equally for all geopolitical regions of our nation state,” Ramoutar said.