UNC Women chastise government on handling of crime
The Women’s Arm of the United National Congress on Thursday expressed alarm at the number of homicides recorded in Trinidad and Tobago this year and has called on the relevant authorities to step up their act to protect citizens and solve the 200 murders.
In Central Trinidad, there has been a 275 per cent increase in homicides and while MPs from the affected constituencies have called for a meeting with National Security Minister Edmund Dillon there has been no response to date.
“We have never experienced anything like this. The citizens of this country continue to live in fear as the murder toll continues to rise and we are demanding results from the Minister of National Security and by extension this Government,” PRO Marisa Ramlogan said in a media release. “Is the Minister of National Security serious about fighting crime?
She added that this is the highest number of murders in the country’s history and quoted annual statistics over the same period to point out that 2016 has been the bloodiest ever.
“The comparative figure for murders at the same time in 2015 was 108; in 2014 the figure was 128; in 2013 it stood at 112 and in 2012 the figure was 106,” she stated. “These statistics show an estimated 26 percent increase in murders in the country over the past year.”
Ramlogan chastised Prime Minister Keith Rowley and his three National Security Ministers and advisors for their failure to present a genuine crime plan that would curb the bloodshed and give reassurance to citizens.
“In the midst of a homicide epidemic the best we have heard is Minister Dillon boasting that his crime plan is working and Dr. Rowley recklessly stating that there is no switch to turn off murders and crime,” Ramlogan said.
Marisa V Ramlogan
Public Relations Officer
UNC National Women’s Arm