Dillon vows more help for Tobago police

“Let me extend condolences to the school girl’s family,” Dillon told reporters during a march against crime in his Point Fortin constituency yesterday. “The TTPS is investigating that matter vigorously as we speak. Four murders in Tobago is of concern.

Even one murder in Tobago or in Trinidad concerns me.” Dillon wore a white T-shirt with the print, “War on Crime”, as he joined the People’s National Movement (PNM) Youth League in Point Fortin in its anti- crime march through Techier Village.

He again declared all national security agencies are being used in efforts to arrest crime.

“We will continue to adopt strategies to reduce crime in Trinidad and Tobago and we will continue to employ all agencies to pursue the criminals vigorously,” Dillon said. One day prior to Adams’ death, Tobago hoteliers called on Government to bring crime under control on the island, saying it was one of the factors contributing to fewer tourist arrivals. Asked whether Tobago police was equipped with enough resources to handle the increase in crime, Dillon said, “There is always room for improvement but based on a request from TTPS we will allocate resources. There is no cost to security,” he added. “If they require resources it will be provided, but recommendations must come from the TTPS because they are in the operational environment and they must know what is required to enhance their jobs.” On national crime-fighting, Dillon said the police must make “miserable” the lives of the minority of people “bent on crime” to restore a sense of comfort to citizens because “the fear of crime is worse than crime itself”.

“In other words, pursue them at all costs, all within the law.” Dillon emphasised.

“You will see the operations unit arresting people and getting them in court. There is aggression taking place, a joint army and police patrol in Enterprise to create deterrence to give citizens a sense of comfort.” Dillon said the causes of crime were social and are being tackled head on by initiatives under the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services.