PNM blocking cops’ efforts to arrest kidnappers

UNITED NATIONAL CONGRESS (UNC) chairman Wade Mark yesterday alleged that Government is hindering police efforts to combat kidnapping in Trinidad and Tobago by denying them access to $61 million worth of hi-tech surveillance equipment it secretly imported into the country last year. According to Mark, the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) is secretly creating a “hi-tech mongoose gang” to terrorise all who are politically opposed to them.

Mark told Newsday that the Government continues to deny police the technology needed to fight crime and particularly kidnapping. “One of the things we have to realise when it comes to kidnapping, is intelligence gathering is very important. What is happening? Why aren’t we able to get at the kidnappers?” he declared. He claimed that while the police continue to be under-resourced, the PNM secretly imported some $61 million worth of surveillance equipment from an Israeli company called Echtel Limited on September 20, 2002.

“It was ordered by the Office of the Prime Minister. VMCOTT (Vehicle Maintenance Company of Trinidad and Tobago) took charge of it. This equipment that they bought from Israel at the price of $61M is what is called an electronic monitoring surveillance system. This system is capable of analysing and intercepting voice, data and fax, email. Since September, the PNM has had this surveillance electronic system in their possession,” Mark said. He charged that the PNM has been using it against the political opposition. “Not only the UNC, trade unions as well. Lawyers, teachers and doctors,” Mark charged. Last week in the Senate, the UNC chairman claimed he had documentary evidence to support his allegations. Prime Minister Patrick Manning has said there is no truth to any of the Opposition’s claims.