00:00The police service remains on high alert in Belmont following last night's fatal shooting
00:05with assurances from the Homeland Security Minister that the situation is being closely monitored.
00:12The police service continues to monitor that situation in Belmont.
00:18We did not in any way ignore Belmont because Belmont is a part of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:26But while there is an increased presence, the minister acknowledged the challenges of policing criminal activity.
00:34If you understand crime and criminality, you will understand that persons move from location to location at times and sometimes
00:41return.
00:42We cannot monitor everybody.
00:44Alexander says law enforcement has intensified operations with a focus on disrupting gang networks.
00:51We have increased in the Belmont area the preventative detention orders.
00:59Mr. Speaker, we continue to do firearms and raids, seizure in the Belmont and other parts of Port of Spain.
01:09The minister also took aim at opposition MP Stuart Young questioning past resistance to expanded security measures.
01:17Over 127 names we have presently asking why we do not communicate with the good member for Port of Spain,
01:29not sent answers and implement the zoo zone in the Belmont area.
01:35Meanwhile, turning to the broader crime landscape, Alexander linked the recent spike in kidnappings to border control failures and gaps
01:43in past systems.
01:45Because of a reckless border, a reckless, a reckless government, a reckless registration process.
02:04We have met with persons, gangs and other persons involved.
02:11That is why we have this problem today.
02:12However, the Trantobago Police Service, Coast Guard, Defense Force, Immigration and other persons,
02:19we are working closely together to ensure that what took place a couple of days ago must never happen again.
02:26The minister insists that targeted policing and stronger coordination will continue as authorities work to contain violence and reassure communities
02:36on edge.
02:37Arvashi Tawari, Rabnarai, TV6 News.
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