Chin Lee warns against complacency

Despite feeling a “measure of satisfaction” over the breakup of a major kidnapping ring, National Security Minister, Howard Chin Lee has warned the national community to be vigilant against “other criminal factions” which may also pose a threat to society. He was addressing a media briefing after attending a PNM General Council meeting at the San Fernando East constituency offices, Coffee Street, San Fernando, yesterday. Notably absent was Prime Minister Patrick Manning, who was said to be attending to other party business. Chin Lee, who had earlier briefed General Council members on the “SRP 1000” initative, said that he had cautioned members against any “feelings of complacency” during the present “lull in kidnappings.” “I also sent a quiet warning to them, and I suppose as well to the population, that there are other factions that are out there,” he said. However, Chin Lee noted that “imminent arrests and charges” would soon be levelled against other criminal gangs in the country.

He also observed that when police “clamped down” on one type of criminal activity, another type sprouted up in another part of the country. This, he said, was the reason for the roadblock offensive recently enacted by police officers along the nation’s roads, saying the initative was designed to “curb the free movement of criminals from one place to another.” “What is becoming obvious is that when we step down on one area of crime, criminals are looking at other areas,” he said. “That is part of the police clampdown, although it may inconvenience the public, it is to ensure that there is not free mobility for criminals throughout the country.” Then, in an ominous warning,  the Minister observed that “other possibilities” for criminal gangs were still present in society. “I think that there are other areas, or other possibilities for different rings to develop” he said. And, while he did not elaborate, he stated that the police service was “doing all in its power” to ensure that the “business of kidnapping” was over. He also called on the business community to continue to support the “CrimeStoppers” programme, saying human intelligence was vital in combatting crime. Also attending the media briefing was Tourism Development Minister, Pennelope Beckles; PNM Vice Chairman, John Donaldson and General Council executive member, Dr Ronnie Sookhoo.