00:00With the election date set for April 28th, 2024, Minister of National Security Marvin
00:05Gonzalez, who was sworn in to the post on Monday, March 17th, says he's not swayed by
00:11the time frame when it comes to his new duties.
00:14One of the main areas of focus is the crime situation in the country.
00:18The holding of the general election, yes, it is very important at this point in time.
00:23I am not going to be distracted by April the 28th, because every single day is an important
00:30day and an opportunity for us to suppress crime, suppress gang activities and all other
00:36kinds of criminal activities in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:40So my discussions with the heads of national security has nothing to do with the election
00:44date, but just to ensure that all of the resources of the Ministry of National Security and the
00:50government of Trinidad and Tobago are geared towards reducing the incidence of crime in
00:56Trinidad and Tobago.
00:57He outlines that it's not a 40-day fix, but he sees it as an opportunity to turn a new
01:02page and restore hope among the population by what he states is a national security team
01:08committed to pushing back against the criminals and restoring a sense of safety.
01:13Gonzalez reveals that he has met with national security heads, as he said he would, subsequent
01:18to taking his oath of office.
01:21It comes as the state of emergency, which was called on December 30th, 2024 and extended
01:26for three months on January 13th, is set to end on April 13th.
01:31We are already preparing for post-state of emergency.
01:36I can tell you that we concluded a meeting at 9.30pm last night at the Ministry of National
01:42Security, a meeting that comprised of the head of the SSA, the head of the Trinidad
01:47and Tobago Police Service and the head of the Defence Force.
01:52Gonzalez says the momentum from the state of emergency must continue thereafter.
01:56And whilst yes, we acknowledge that there is a reduction in crime compared to figures
02:01from last year, it is not a place that personally, I as Minister of National Security is comfortable
02:07with.
02:08I take comfort in any reduction in crime, but I think 30% reduction, whilst yes, it
02:14is welcome, we have to prepare for post the state of emergency and the plans are already
02:21in place to ensure that we relentlessly go after the criminals.
02:26Among other areas of discussion, public trust in law enforcement and accountability.
02:32He again reiterates that every divisional head will be held to account against the backdrop
02:37of his commitment to ensure that they are properly resourced to carry out their duties.
02:42Gonzalez reveals that he had a lengthy handover on Tuesday from Minister Fitzgerald Hines.
02:48He thanks Hines for the work he has done, but he makes this pronouncement.
02:52I must say that based on what I discovered, I recognize that perhaps the Ministry of National
02:59Security has not been communicating effectively to the national population.
03:04Gonzalez signals his intention to change that, saying he plans to have open communication
03:09with all stakeholders, which he labels as critical moving forward.
03:14Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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