Freelance Correspondent
The Board of Directors of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) met with the head of the Central Division Police on Monday to discuss the uptick in crime in Central.
CCIC head Baldath Maharaj said, “The discussion was held with Senior Superintendent Simon and other senior officers. Questions were raised regarding extortions, robberies, murders and home invasions. Based on those discussions, assurances were given by Superintendent Simon and Sup Dipchand that the detection rate for serious crime in the Central Division was in the vicinity of 25 per cent.
“Whilst this is seen as better than the national average, the chamber is still of the opinion that the rate should be improved. The chamber would prefer an improvement in crime prevention. Based on the statistics provided, it was observed that most of the arrested criminals came from other crime hotspot areas.”
Maharaj said the discussion also revolved around a holistic approach to fighting crime through police youth groups and social programmes via community policing. Maharaj said Senior Superintendent Simon advised that such programmes were already in place.
The chamber agreed to engage the relevant personnel in the short term for additional camera systems to support the Eagle Eye initiative, provide free gym membership to policemen to assist in their fitness and morale and create a liaison between victims and the police where crimes of a confidential nature can be discussed one-on-one with the senior superintendent.
He said additional crime-fighting initiatives were discussed that remained confidential, where the chamber and its members would assist the police in their initiatives.
Maharaj said, “The CCIC is committed to supporting the Central Division Police and, by extension, the community. We encourage all members to engage actively with these initiatives. Together, let’s do our part in creating a safer environment for businesses and residents alike.”