Senior Reporter
geisha.kowlessar@guardian.co.tt
Government Senator Richie Sookhai is calling on the police to be more active when it comes to fighting crime in Chaguanas, especially as it relates to extortion.
Sookhai, a former president of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce, made the comment during an interview with Guardian Media at the People’s National Movement’s Divali celebrations at Balisier House, Port-of-Spain, on Saturday night.
“Crime is a major factor around that area. I am not hiding it but we need to address it not only at a community base level but also from the top to the bottom with the TTPS,” Sookhai, who is also Minister in the Ministry of Works and Transport, said.
He also noted allegations of genuine police uniforms being purportedly used by criminals.
“This is a concern. We have seen recently where the uniforms are being leaked out on the outside. This is something that the TTPS and National Security really have to look at with a fine tooth comb. I really do hope they can put a finger on it,” he said.
He said while he is heartened by efforts of joint police and army patrols within the central borough, he said these must be sustained.
“In the past, we saw it roll out and it has always been for a period of time and during that period you had a calm. But then it (crime) picks up once more and they (law enforcement) have gone back to the relevant agencies, so we need to do something different and sustainable,” he said.
On how he would rate the performance of Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher, Sookhai said he preferred not to comment.
Sookhai, who is also the PNM’s candidate for Chaguanas East, also added that he is confident of winning his seat.
Speaking about his campaigning, he said this was “coming along nicely.”
“I am now walking the ground getting in touch with the people, like in the Crown Trace area and the Enterprise area,” he said, noting that there is a lot of infrastructure work to be done.
“The most impactful issue we are seeing is infrastructure work, especially when it comes to drainage,” Sookhai explained, noting that when the area was being developed it was not planned properly when it came to proper drainage and irrigation.
Sookhai said he has already started to map the area to improve drainage in Chaguanas and also has a plan to address other challenges.