PM says threats to cops brings TT closer the jungle

“Every family that loses an individual either to a criminal act or to an act by the police is now exposed to pain and anguish and suffering but the response cannot be - and I would like to say this to the Enterprise community - the response cannot be retribution and a call to kill police and their families, so that they too can share pain and loss. When we get to that stage we are now entering the fringe of the jungle.” The Prime Minister made the statement during his feature address at the opening ceremony of the new St Joseph Police Station yesterday, which was held at about 10 am. Rowley made it clear that threats and violent action against the police would not be condoned and highlighted the importance of the role that police officers held in any society. “I know that there is a whole lot to criticise the police for but we have to accept that it is a very dangerous job,” Rowley said.

He added, “it is an awesome responsibility to be in and apprehend the citizenry and also to conclude that you are in danger and still execute your duty.” Rowley said he was made aware of a new statistic that stated for this year, 20 persons have been killed by police, but noted it should be paralleled by the number of police officers who have been shot or attacked by criminal elements. “When we look at those two statistics you get a clear vision of what is happening in Trinidad and Tobago,” said Rowley.

“We need to understand that without security and the safety that the police provide, everything that we aspire to will be held in jeopardy.”