Farley: Public losing confidence in TTPS
Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine is lamenting the fact that public confidence in the T&T Police Service is dwindling on the island in the wake of a 22nd murder.
Speaking to Guardian Media on Thursday, Augustine said, “We, collective as an island, are tired. We have had a million-and-one meetings and plans since, plans are not executed. I warned a month ago the population will slowly lose confidence in the national security apparatus and we are seeing it.
“We are seeing that loss of confidence in their ability to govern and lead. I really hope we will see the kind of action they have been talking about for a while.”
Despite this, Augustine said he has not lost faith in Tobago’s police officers.
“They continue to get support from the THA (Tobago House of Assembly), whatever little we have. We will support, support, support, but we really want the action.”
Asked about how he felt about the current historic murder toll being recorded during his tenure and becoming a part of his legacy, he said he will support regardless of the situation.
“There is a need for me to support regardless of how I feel and that is what I will continue to give. Yes, I am Chief Secretary at a time when Tobago is experiencing its highest level of criminality. One thing I’m confident about is that God will pull us through this,” he said.
“I also feel that by design some intend to make the island appear ungovernable and as chaotic as possible because it suits the political agenda of a few. But, Tobago is resilient and we will return peace and security to the island.”
Meanwhile, head of the TTPS Tobago Division, ACP Collis Hazel, said police have not conceded in the crime fight, despite sharp criticism over their strategies and the rising murder rate.
Following the island’s 22nd murder on Wednesday, Tobago Chamber of Commerce chairman Martin George slammed the island’s security situation, saying criminals are “running rampant” while the police seem “clueless and helpless.”
He raised concerns about the safety of Tobago, warning the island could be “lost” if action isn’t taken soon.
But in an interview with Guardian Media yesterday, Hazel said now is not the time to be pointing fingers and stirring up panic among the population.
He acknowledged the increase in murders but pointed out significant decreases in other areas of crime. Although he doesn’t find solace in this fact, he said murders—while serious and not being neglected—are still just one aspect of crime.
He said, “If we continue to put out this idea that police have lost control, we are missing the bigger picture. Police alone are not responsible for solving crime on this island. The judiciary, which includes people like Martin George, has a significant role in helping us address the issue.
“The time has gone for us to stop pointing fingers, the time has come for us to get involved in the whole crime-fighting apparatus,” noting that undermining the police will not help. —Elizabeth Gonzales
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