PM Kamla: Crime plan coming as soon as CoP matter resolved

An anti-crime plan is coming soon.

That's the word from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who told reporters Sunday her People's Partnership government would present the plan once the Parliament concludes the process of deciding on the appointment of a new police commissioner.

She said one of things being considered as part of an overall review of the system is to establish a video link remand court. She said such a court would save time and money.

"We have discussed with the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice to have a remand court area done by video link so we will not be transporting prisoners up and down the country just to have the case adjourned,” she said.

Speaking about the crime plan she said the first part is to get a commissioner of police. "We are moving to do that in Parliament on Friday and we will share the aspects of the plan afterwards," she said.

"It must be a holistic plan which deals with prevention, detection and conviction...Our Clean and Beautify plan is part of that; it deals with social issues, bringing in the community and the social groups and the children and having people see themselves and country in a new and different way," she told reporters in Penal.

She explained that the new Ministry of Justice will help improve the criminal justice system. The Prime Minister noted that the massive backlog of cases of five to 10 years is unfair to persons facing charges because "justice is not seen to be done".

Dealing with crime is the third of seven fundamental pillars for national development that the People's Partnership outlined in its manifesto for the May 24 election.

It inlcudes investment in national and personal security to ensure human security for peace. The plan includes the use of modern, state-of-the-art information and communication technologies.