Hinds: No quick fix solution to crime

Speaking yesterday during a conference at the Ministry of National Security, the theme of which was, "Toward a Policy of Needs Based Intervention," Hinds and several diplomatic guests tackled the issue of drugs in society.

Hinds said the drug trade was global and would find its victims anywhere. "Even though it is suppressed by security and intelligence agencies, and not permitted as formal advertisement like other goods and services, drugs continue to find hapless victims," said Hinds.

Elaborating on the presence of drugs in TT, Hinds showed no surprise in the places where it can be found. "We do not plant coca leaves or any coca plants here, but the drug is very available in Port-of-Spain. In fact in Port-of-Spain I hear you can get some crack and cocaine very cheaply indeed. The illicit drug trade is probably the best example of the free market concept as we know it in the western world," said Hinds.

Hinds went on further to state there was still no quick fix solution to the crime problem. "I expect in situations where you have escalating violent crimes, citizens become traumatised and cry out for a solution. We too are craving a way to finding solutions to the problem, but clearly there are no quick fixes. No society has been able to rid itself entirely of crime," he said.

At present the Ministry of National Security has formed alliances with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Development, Social Services Delivery, to protect the nation’s students on the issues of drug and drug abuse.

Social Services Minister Anthony Roberts also addressed the conference stating the Government’s steadfast commitment in tackling the drug trade. Roberts said one of the National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme’s (NADAPP) initiatives includes the establishment of the National Database and Drug Abuse Epidemiological and Surveillance System. The system will serve as a central storehouse for up-to-date information on the drug situation in TT. Several drug prevention programmes which already exist include the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP), which Roberts said have made a positive impact on youths.