T&T racing for a new record: 83 murders in 47 days

Trinidad and Tobago is racing to beat its own record in crime. So far for 2009 there have been 83 murders, an average of nearly two every day. And it doesn't seem to be a problem for the authorities.

Minister of National Security Martin Joseph, whose ministry is in charge of the police service, has washed his hand off the matter, declaring in the House of Representatives that Acting Police Commissioner James Philbert is solely responsible for ensuring the Police Service operates "in an efficient and effective manner".

"The Constitution could not be clearer on this matter and I might add that the Commissioner of Police is the only head of a division with the ministry who holds such power," Joseph told Parliament.

He was responding to an opposition motion by Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, the MP for Tabaquite, asking the Government to state what action, if any, it intends to take to bring immediate relief to provide safety and security to the population against the continuing rise of serious crimes.

"I agree that there is frustration at the top of the Government with the lack of visible progress in fighting the most serious crimes, especially the unacceptably high murder rate. I know that the country is impatient but the fight against crime is an evolving one," Joseph said.

He refused to accept responsibility and denied the opposition charge that he had abdicated his his responsibility.

Here is how he explained himself: "The Minister of National Security has no authority and power to micromanage the Police Service. I want to assure this honourable House that I am fully aware of my responsibility as Minister of National Security, in relation to the operations of the Police Service."

He said he is only responsible for ensuring that the Government provides the Police Service and all other law enforcement agencies with the means so they can "discharge their responsibilities". That is what he has been doing, he assured the House.