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| PM Kamla gets a bouquet at the opening of the Security conference Saturday |
And she pledged to hang killers "so that we might both punish the guilty and deter the would-be offenders".
In an address to the two-day National Security Policy Workshop she said crime may have their genesis in the international arena, noting that the government is aware of the global threats and trends (that) pose an increasing security challenge for contemporary societies.
She noted that the Caribean basin region remains a major centre for transnational organized crime.
"The scourge of the trafficking of arms, narcotics and even people has long and unhappy history in our region. Now, we have the added risks of cyber-attacks, the ever present potential for pirate attacks on the high seas and the use of the area as a staging ground for terrorist attacks against our Nation’s people and our infrastructure," she said.
She spoke about the effects on crime on the national population, which she said is generating a climate of fear for all citizens and diminishing economic growth.
"If we are to continue to promote Trinidad and Tobago as an attractive destination for investors, we must remain vigilant and aggressively combat all activity which may negatively influence the reputation of our young Nation," she said.
Persad-Bissessar urged delegates to review of the Draft National Security Policy which currently addresses the scourge of crime and criminal activity and the strategic guiding principles for dealing with these challenges.
"I trust that out of these talks, we will be well on our way to initiating change, which with commitment, collaboration and co-ordination will be sustained and institutionalized," she said.
The Strategic Plan has been developed from the T&T Government’s Seven Interconnected Pillars for Sustainable Development and in particular, Pillar 3: National and Personal Security – Human Security for Peace and Prosperity.
The Prime Minister said T&T's current National Security Plan for 2012-2017 aims at transforming the national security ministry, taking into consideration the current and emerging security challenges and opportunities within the environment.
"The Plan focuses our strategies and resources on achieving the country’s international, hemispheric and national obligations, especially Government’s mandated deliverable of providing National and Personal Security." she said.
"One of the constants of my Government is our commitment to collaborate bilaterally and multilaterally, in an effort to address the security issues being faced nationally, and by the region as a whole.
"We have recognized the need to invest in these relationships and to share our perspectives on issues of OUR common interests and concerns."
Persad-Bissesar said her government is committed to continuous review and evaluation of the progress and relevance of the policy bearing in mind the dynamic nature of the security environment, at both the national and international level.
The Prime Minister addressed the issue of the escalating homicide rate, especially the murder earlier this month of three fishermen. "Ruthless gangs are now carrying out their nefarious criminal activities on the high seas."
Persad-Bissesssar reminded her audience of her government's commitment to dealing with what she described as "this tsunami of crime" that has hit Trinidad and Tobago and provided details of a dozen crime legislation introduced since taking office.
She pledged that the Government will use all its resources and bringing the full weight of the law down on those involved in criminal activity.
"We are committed to the vigorous pursuit of those who are prepared to violate the rights of innocent citizens within the context of internationally recognized and accepted fundamental human rights for all," she said.
"My Government is committed to the implementation of the Death Penalty, which remains part of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago."
The matter was presented to Parliament last year but was not successful because the opposition refused to support the bill, which required a special majority.
She pledged to continue efforts for the re-implementation of the death penalty "so that we might both punish the guilty and deter the would-be offenders".
Persad-Bissessar made it clear that she plans to stand by her pledges to the people. "This Government made specific promises to the people of this country; promises that we intend on fulfilling. We are determined not to repeat the mistakes of our predecessors," she said.
In an address to the two-day National Security Policy Workshop she said crime may have their genesis in the international arena, noting that the government is aware of the global threats and trends (that) pose an increasing security challenge for contemporary societies.
She noted that the Caribean basin region remains a major centre for transnational organized crime.
"The scourge of the trafficking of arms, narcotics and even people has long and unhappy history in our region. Now, we have the added risks of cyber-attacks, the ever present potential for pirate attacks on the high seas and the use of the area as a staging ground for terrorist attacks against our Nation’s people and our infrastructure," she said.
She spoke about the effects on crime on the national population, which she said is generating a climate of fear for all citizens and diminishing economic growth.
"If we are to continue to promote Trinidad and Tobago as an attractive destination for investors, we must remain vigilant and aggressively combat all activity which may negatively influence the reputation of our young Nation," she said.
Persad-Bissessar urged delegates to review of the Draft National Security Policy which currently addresses the scourge of crime and criminal activity and the strategic guiding principles for dealing with these challenges.
"I trust that out of these talks, we will be well on our way to initiating change, which with commitment, collaboration and co-ordination will be sustained and institutionalized," she said.
The Strategic Plan has been developed from the T&T Government’s Seven Interconnected Pillars for Sustainable Development and in particular, Pillar 3: National and Personal Security – Human Security for Peace and Prosperity.
The Prime Minister said T&T's current National Security Plan for 2012-2017 aims at transforming the national security ministry, taking into consideration the current and emerging security challenges and opportunities within the environment.
"The Plan focuses our strategies and resources on achieving the country’s international, hemispheric and national obligations, especially Government’s mandated deliverable of providing National and Personal Security." she said.
"One of the constants of my Government is our commitment to collaborate bilaterally and multilaterally, in an effort to address the security issues being faced nationally, and by the region as a whole.
"We have recognized the need to invest in these relationships and to share our perspectives on issues of OUR common interests and concerns."
Persad-Bissesar said her government is committed to continuous review and evaluation of the progress and relevance of the policy bearing in mind the dynamic nature of the security environment, at both the national and international level.
The Prime Minister addressed the issue of the escalating homicide rate, especially the murder earlier this month of three fishermen. "Ruthless gangs are now carrying out their nefarious criminal activities on the high seas."
Persad-Bissesssar reminded her audience of her government's commitment to dealing with what she described as "this tsunami of crime" that has hit Trinidad and Tobago and provided details of a dozen crime legislation introduced since taking office.
She pledged that the Government will use all its resources and bringing the full weight of the law down on those involved in criminal activity.
"We are committed to the vigorous pursuit of those who are prepared to violate the rights of innocent citizens within the context of internationally recognized and accepted fundamental human rights for all," she said.
"My Government is committed to the implementation of the Death Penalty, which remains part of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago."
The matter was presented to Parliament last year but was not successful because the opposition refused to support the bill, which required a special majority.
She pledged to continue efforts for the re-implementation of the death penalty "so that we might both punish the guilty and deter the would-be offenders".
Persad-Bissessar made it clear that she plans to stand by her pledges to the people. "This Government made specific promises to the people of this country; promises that we intend on fulfilling. We are determined not to repeat the mistakes of our predecessors," she said.
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