National security received the third largest share of the national budget as Finance Minister not only promised ongoing collaboration with the United States but also had good news for those in the prison and fire service.
00:00With the country under its second state of emergency for the year and crime remaining a headliner and the talk of the town,
00:07Minister of Finance Dave Tanko acknowledged that safety and peace is paramount and gave an overview of the government's intent across the board.
00:14After a decade of record crime and neglect, we are taking decisive action through a national safety strategy based on intelligence, technology and committee engagement.
00:30The Ministry of Justice has been re-established to coordinate the justice team.
00:35The Home Invasion, Self-Defense and Defense of Property Bill 2025 will criminalize home invasion and affirm citizens' rights to defend themselves.
00:50A Judiciary Chancellor will manage case flow, freeing the Chief Justice to focus on jurisprudence.
00:59We will expand courtrooms in Chaguanas, Rio Claro, Sangre Grandi and Debo Martin and enshrine a constitutional right to a timely trial.
01:12Finance Minister Tanko said that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service will also receive a shot in the arm.
01:17We have restored leadership to the TTPS with a new commissioner of police and we have already absorbed 800 special reserve officers to address staff for the police.
01:32That is performance, Mr. Speaker.
01:3667 new vehicles and additional transit units have expanded patrol reach, Mr. Speaker.
01:44There was also welcoming news for the prison system as they continue to fight illicit activities inside and outside the nation's prisons.
01:52We are building as well a better prison system.
01:55500 new officers are being recruited.
02:00Real jobs for real people, Mr. Speaker.
02:02Facilities are receiving sanitation, transport and security upgrades, included anti-drone technology and cell jammers.
02:16The Trinidad and Tobago fire services that have suffered from a shortage of equipment for several years were also given certain assurances and the boost of additional auxiliary fire officers.
02:27The fire service is being reinforced with 280 auxiliary officers, 225 new breeding apparatuses on station upgrades in Sabonetta, Santa Cruz and Sangre Grandi, Mr. Speaker.
02:50New vehicles and thermal imaging equipment will boost readiness.
02:54Minister Tancu also indicated the government's continued collaboration with the U.S. government following Prime Minister Kamala Prasad's Bicester's recent visit to the United States to strengthen border security as well as seek the assistance of the U.S. in battling other illicit elements and activities.
03:12We reaffirmed our partnership on security and counter-tact, counter-narcotics cooperation.
03:20For reference, Mr. Speaker, the United States commended our efforts to counter transnational criminal organization and stem illicit firearms and narcotics flows, Mr. Speaker.
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