No negotiating to gang members: Jack Warner

National Security Minister Jack Warner was emphatic Wednesday that the government would not negotiate with gang leaders. 

Addressing reporters at a media conference at his office on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, Warner said he has received a report on the recent controversial meeting in Laventille attended by alleged gang leaders.

He said there are demands in the report from the alleged gang members for “sustainable jobs, a better understanding with the police and attention to be paid to their infrastructure. 

He said they have offered in turn to "put down their arms." Warner made it clear that the Government is not going to negotiate with gang leaders in order to get peace. 

“They could put down their arms but we’re not negotiating with them. If you want peace put down your arms, go to the police and so on but we shall not negotiate, we will not do that and that is the end of the matter,” Warner said. 

“We won’t say we giving you a job so put down a firearm, “Warner added.

“They were saying that the community is prepared to go to all lengths to put down their arms, whoever they are, we don’t know.” He insisted: "There will be no concession with criminals."