Cops’ involvement in crime troubles business

The Nath brothers were rescued Sunday from a shack at McCarthy Trace, Enterprise, by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), Special Anti-Crime Unit, Crime and Intelligence Unit and Central Division. Four occupants of the house were arrested and two SRPs attached to the Western Division, were due to go on an identification parade today as part of ongoing investigations into the Nath brothers’ abductions. The officers, ages 20 and 22, were recruited in 2003 during the SRP 1,000 initiative by Government to bolster the manpower of the Police Service.

Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce president, Christian Mouttet, told Newsday while he was happy to learn that the brothers had been rescued from their abductors, it was very disturbing that two police officers were being investigated for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping.

While stating that there will always be "dishonest persons" in any profession, Mouttet said it was very important that the Police Service put more stringent mechanisms in place to ensure that persons with criminal backgrounds do not infiltrate the Service. He added that this was a concern that the business community had raised with the Police Service on previous occasions.

San Juan Business Association president Gail Merhair said alleged police involvement in the Nath brothers’ abduction was a reason for heightened concern from law-abiding citizens. She expressed concern that security in TT could have reached a situation where citizens cannot trust the police.

Merhair called on National Security Minister Martin Joseph and Police Commissioner Trevor Paul to clearly state what is being done to weed out undesirable elements from the Police Service and prevent such elements from infiltrating its ranks.

Meanwhile, the Downtown Owners’ and Merchants’ Association (DOMA) praised the police and particularly the AKS for their "unrelenting effort" in the rescue of the Nath brothers and the arrests of their alleged kidnappers. Noting that crime and specifically kidnapping was causing panic amongst a large section of the population, DOMA said the best deterrent to criminal behaviour was "the fear of being apprehended and in rescuing the Nath brothers, the AKS have sent a strong message to the criminals and especially the kidnappers that they are not always free to terrorise citizens and destroy the future of our nation."

DOMA added that hopelessness was more dangerous than actual crime because it could destroy the ingenuity and ambition which would encourage investment and job creation to "help the greatest number of our citizens."

The business community said it would use all the resources at its disposal to ensure that Government and law enforcement agencies deal with crime in TT. Mouttet said the business community is continuing to monitor their efforts and it will soon make a judgment call as to whether those efforts have been successful and what actions the business community would take if the verdict is negative.