Praedial Larceny Squad unhappy over relocation

However, the approximately 18-member northern squad is dissatisfied with the move claiming that the location is unsuitable and not compliant with provisions in the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OSHA).

When Newsday visited the office, currently located at the Vehicle Management Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (VMCOTT) Compound, Beetham Highway, Port-of- Spain, boxes were on the floors as the officers have already packed in preparation for their move.

The officers were reluctant to speak but confirmed that they were in fact moving to St Helena.

It was said that the breeding site in El Carmen, St Helena, approximately two years ago, was rat and bat infested and, although improvements were made, it is still unsuitable for habitation.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, one source said, “That is where they placed animals when they’re brought in to the country.

It was infested and OSHA shut it down.

They started doing some work but it is still not suitable for human beings. There are officers who went there and said there is not enough bathrooms for female officers and when it rains there is constant flooding.” The Praedial Larceny Squad was established in November 2013 under the then People’s Partnership administration and was initially housed under the then Ministry of Food Production headed by Devant Maharaj. In 2015 the Praedial Larceny Squad was moved solely to the Ministry of National Security, a move which Maharaj criticised, saying it was tried before and it failed. Attempts to contact Acting Commissioner of Police, Stephen Williams, were unsuccessful.