Friday, November 25, 2011

PM Kamla speaks of "act of treason"; pledges to eradicate criminal activity in T&T

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters Thursday the vigilance of the country's intelligence resources thwarted what was "an evil, devious act of treason against the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago." 

She added, "Their actions have proven that the efforts of the government are having the desired effect. We are flushing them out; we are making it almost impossible to operate as they would have in the past.

"These nefarious elements, with support from others whose names will also come to light in time, are finally confronted by a government which possesses the political will, courage and strength of conviction to stoutly defend and protect the citizens of our country. 

"We will not cow to them, nor negotiate with them not give any quarter to them. No quarter to them.

"The cowardly plots against me and the people's government serve only to strengthen my resolve and embolden efforts to eradicate this scourge from our society. 

"For far too long these criminals have been allowed to flourish as the untouchables some with their sinister connections of legitimacy. The intense pressure brought to bear by our initiatives will be intensified and I will stop at nothing to return Trinidad and Tobago to the peaceful state we once enjoyed.

"I want to remind you of what occurred in 1990. A commission of inquiry was established at that time and reports were produced and nothing was done with the information and that is why we have agreed to have this current Commission of Inquiry to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

"I have spoken with the Leader of the opposition and have agreed that persons authorized by the Security forces will share with him the intelligence that we have. He has agreed to meet with them.

"I wish to assure the nation that the uncovering of this plot and the motives for carrying it out demonstrate the competency and effectiveness of the government's national security resources and initiatives. 

"The Republic is safer than ever. Your personal security and that of the nation is in safe hands. Once again, our protective services and intelligence units have performed admirably. Trinidad and Tobago salutes you."


She also stated that she the State of Emergency has had a major impact on crime reduction and shared some statistical information.

She said August the 21st and November the 23rd a total of 7,269 persons have been arrested. Of that number only 463 person - 6.4 per cent - were arrested on gang related charges. 


The others were arrested on charges related to

  • Drug offences
  • Serious offences
  • Homicide investigations
  • Outstanding warrants
  • Weapons
  • Ammunition
In addition security forces have seized 13,183 rounds of ammunition and 34 magazines have been recovered.

Persad-Bissessar said in the three-month period the Government’s focus has been on the protection of life and property.

"We have seized over 1.5 billion dollars in drugs, the largest single “drug bust” worth over 55 million dollars. We are hurting them in their pockets," she said.

ALSO READ the BBC report on the story: Trinidad PM Persad-Bissessar: Assassination plot foiled

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai