My anti-crime measures worked

Police Commissioner Hilton Guy, whose last day on the job is next Tuesday, said yesterday that he is convinced his anti-crime measures, introduced during his term as Commissioner, proved to be effective. He added that his only regret was not being given a budget for the effective running of the service, and he called on Government to consider providing a budget to the next Commissioner. Guy, who hosted a press conference at Police Headquarters, surrounded by members of his executive, confirmed reports that he had not been given an extension by the Government. He pointed out that on Tuesday, he will hand over to Deputy Commissioner Everald Snaggs who will act as Commissioner. Snaggs will assume the position on his birthday on Tuesday when he turns 59. According to Guy, he will spend the next few months resting but he is open to options such as writing about his time spent from Constable to Commissioner. He is not ruling out a life in politics. In revealing crime figures, the Commissioner noted that although serious crimes have decreased, violent crime increased significantly. According to the Commissioner, 37 of the 121 murders were solved by the police.

The highest number of murders took place in the Port-of-Spain Division. Thirty-nine murders occurred there with eight in Southern, 11 in Western, 26 in Northern, seven in Central, four in South Western, eight in Eastern, 16 in North Eastern and two in Tobago. Ninety-one of the 121 murders took place along the East/West Corridor. The Commissioner noted that 80 percent of the murders were committed with the use of illegal firearms. Up until yesterday 114 illegal weapons were seized by the police — 63 of those guns were seized along the East/WestCorridor. In reference to kidnappings, Guy revealed that there were 106 reported kidnappings for the year so far — 27 of those kidnappings were for ransom and the ransom demanded amounted to $26 million. Central Trinidad recorded the most kidnappings with nine for the year so far, one in Eastern (Division), five in North Eastern, three in Port-of-Spain, two in South Western, five in Northern and four in Western Division. Twenty of the kidnappings for ransom took place in the night and five in the day. Guy  noted that he is sure that the person who is appointed Commissioner will continue to uplift the image of the service and ensure that crime is kept down. The Commissioner will be given a grand send off next week by senior officers.