Statement by Minister Griffith on murder German couple
25th November, 2014.
The Minister of National Security, Senator the Honourable Gary Griffith has been briefed on the tragic murder of German nationals in Tobago, as well as developments on the matter through the management of the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and other arms of Law Enforcement and the Intelligence Community.
As in all matters of this nature, the Ministry of National Security is paying special interest especially as it has the potential to damage this country’s reputation with the international community and erode the benefits of much of the gains made in the war against crime.
The Minister notes that only last week the Minister and the Ministry were commended for the unheralded reduction in serious crime on the island with a seventy percent (70%) reduction in crime against foreign nationals, thirty percent (30%) reduction in serious crimes and a thirty-nine percent (39%) increase in detection rate of serious crimes. Minister Griffith noted that heinous crimes such as these threaten the benefits of those efforts.
The Ministry of National Security remains committed to its efforts to the reduction of crime in Tobago through the provision of additional maritime assets, police vehicles and manpower, with specific air assets dedicated to Tobago operations.
An expanded Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system to provide island wide coverage is in train and is evident that all the tools necessary to complement all anti-crime initiatives on the island are being sourced to enhance this effort.
The Minister of National Security reaffirmed that there is a joint collaborative approach with Ministry of National Security and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). He further advised that whatever additional support is needed, it will be made available in order to accelerate the success of this investigation.
The Minister takes this opportunity to send condolences to the family and loved ones of the victims on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
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