Blame parents, not Govt for criminals — Seukeran

She was also quick to make it clear that her Government was not to be blamed for the crime growth, pointing out that “Government does not create crime or produce killers.”

Seukeran, PNM MP for San Fernando West, made the points while addressing the Gulf View Residents Association neighbourhood watch group on Thursday, at Soogrim Street, Recreation Park.

Seukeran said society had failed in its responsibility to groom and nurture children in a proper environment.

She added, “A breakdown in society is responsible for the violent criminals in our country, because of the poor role many parents play in their children’s lives… Government does not create crime or produce killers.”

Seukeran said statistics have shown that Trinidadians were committing 75 percent of criminal acts, especially between the ages of 15 to 25.

She also referred to deportees with criminal records as another major contributor to crime in the country, and criticised the lack of proper communication between Government and embassies to notify the authorities about deported nationals with criminal records.

Seukeran emphasised the importance of Government being aware of deportee arrivals in the country, so proper measures could be put in place.

Also attending the meeting was Crime Stoppers International head Steve Walrath.