Call for Security Minister, Brigadier to resign

The United National Congress (UNC) is calling on Minister of National Security, Martin Joseph and head of the special anti-crime unit, Brigadier Peter Joseph, to resign. UNC chairman Wade Mark was speaking at a media briefing at the party’s Port-of-Spain headquarters, Charles Street. However, most of the criticism was aimed at Prime Minister Patrick Manning, head of the National Security Council.

Using a cricket analogy to illustrate his views on the increase in murders, Mark said Manning ended his innings on 229 not out in 2003, and for last year closed at 260. Mark said there were also 165 kidnappings including the kidnap and murder of Opposition MP for Naparima, Nizam Baksh’s son. He cited the Manning’s statement in the 2004-2005 Budget presentation in which he said the Government declared war on criminals. Mark said based on what was happening during the “watch” of the minister and brigadier, the UNC believed it was time for them to go.