PM accepted 28 crime recommendations

KEN GORDON, Chairman of the Government-appointed committee to find ways to deal with the crime problem, revealed yesterday that 28 of the 30 recommendations were accepted by Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

Gordon said the Prime Minister rejected two recommendations, but was not at liberty to reveal them. However, he did address most of the recommendations which he and other committee members agreed upon. The other members were retired Major General Ralph Brown, former Coast Guard Commander Kayam Mohammed and Crime Stoppers Chairman Martin George. They were appointed by the Prime Minister a month ago and after three long days, they submitted their report at Whitehall. Gordon met with heads of media houses at the FCB Corporate Center, Queen’s Park East, yesterday to request assistance from the media. He dealt with two issues — mobilising the media to get involved in a campaign to promote the restoration of positive values and respect for law and order; and secondly, the implementation of the laws of the country. Gordon also revealed that acting Commissioner of Police Everald Snaggs, who was present, will address the nation on August 31 on what plans are to be implemented dealing with the cooperation of the media.

The committee chairman told the media of several of the recommendations. They included —
• Implementation of  the Crime Stoppers Programme.
• Extension of the joint police/army patrols.
• Use of close circuit television cameras.
• Ongoing surveillance training for certain agencies.
• Rapid response from air, land and sea.
• Enforcement of all laws.
• Enhancement of the environment.
• Improvement in the disciplinary standards in schools.
• Improvement of the school transportation system.
• Mentoring programme in schools.
• Amendment to the Police Service Act.
• Amendment to the Firearms Act.
• Allowances for evidence by electronic means.
• Re-introduction of the Administration of Justice Bill.
• Introduction of the DNA Bill.
• Implementation of the breathalyser.

Gordon said the Advertising Agencies Association has agreed, free of charge, to produce advertisements for the launch of the campaign, which according to their representative, should be ready by Republic Day — September 24. He said the heads of media houses agreed to assist in the campaign. Details of the campaign will be revealed at a subsequent date. He said the media responded favourably to the campaign, reminding those present that this was not a crime plan.