Freelance Correspondent
The chairman of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) is calling for joint police/army patrols in the area for the Christmas season.
Speaking with Guardian Media yesterday, chairman Gowtam Maharaj said there were concerns that businesses in the region may be targets for criminals. Maharaj said the business community was deeply worried that they would become victims of robbery, kidnapping, and extortion by criminals who may migrate into the area for the holiday season.
He said concerns have been raised since Rampersad Sieuraj, former head of the Penal Business Chamber, was assaulted, robbed, and threatened with death in a home invasion in October.
Maharaj said, “Businessmen have been asking for joint patrols between the army, the TTPS, and the Municipal Police to begin. The Penal Rock Road is an emerging town centre and is now suffering from an increase in home invasions. A number of businessmen and residents have been attacked and robbed. In Clark Road, a small business operator has been attacked at his home and his business place.”
According to the chairman, the Municipal Police also need a boost in manpower to conduct community patrols.
Maharaj said the slump in economic activity since the closure of Petrotin has affected many businesses and individuals. He said as many as 500 people approach the corporation on the first Monday of every month to get temporary employment.