Dookeran reiterates safety of T&T remains #1 priority

Acting Prime Minister Winston Dookeran reiterated to the media on Thursday that the safety of Trinidad & Tobago remains the first priority for the People's Partnership government.

Speaking about the state of emergency, Dookeran said violent crime is down.

He said, "As you are aware, this is a problem that has bedeviled the country for far too long and it appeared to be almost unsolvable. 

"This is not the solution but this is clearly an act in the right direction. Today, the Minister of National Security again appraised the Cabinet of the continuing progress that is being made in this regard. 

"The matter remains under review at all times but we can feel a great sense of comfort that we are in the right direction in restoring this country to a level of safety for our citizens. 

"As I said during the debate in Parliament, safety is the primary responsibility of a Government and all steps we take to achieve that becomes our mandate."

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications, Dr Suruj Rambachan, said the Government is listening to the concerns coming from certain sections of the community including business organisations and civil society groups.

He added: "Also cognizant of the information that it is getting from the Security Forces in the country and the Protective Services in the country and as the Minister is correctly saying, that must be balanced against the voices we are hearing. Remember it is the total national interest that concerns the Government."