00:00Even as the Tobago House of Assembly makes plans to approach central government for funding to set up a THA
00:07police force,
00:09THA Chief Secretary Fali Augustine is committing to funding training for police in Tobago in the wake of the Angelo
00:17Tobias tragedy.
00:18The TTPs must also undergo serious capacity training in learning how to investigate crimes against children and crimes committed within
00:28households.
00:29The THA is prepared to fund such support for TTPS.
00:34Cars, guns and nicer police stations aren't sufficient, Mr. Presiding Officer.
00:40People must feel the presence of the TTPS and people should have no question in their mind about the integrity
00:48of the officers investigating cases in Tobago.
00:52The Chief Secretary had previously stated that the THA will be requesting funding from central government in the upcoming budget
01:00to establish a localized police force.
01:03Meantime, the THA is taking other steps to reduce the likelihood of another such tragedy reoccurring.
01:11And if Tobago wants to prevent future Angelo's, then Tobago must mature enough to have an honest national conversation about
01:21the condition of our families,
01:23our communities, our communities, our masculinity, our parenting culture, our schools, our entertainment culture, and even our silence.
01:35Mr. Presiding Officer, some may ask why am I speaking so broadly about this matter.
01:39The answer is simple.
01:47To this end, the Assembly will be moving to establish a working body to treat with issues of the child.
01:54As Chief Secretary, I intend for the Assembly to engage in all relevant discussions with stakeholders with a view of
02:04establishing a Tobago Child Protection and Family Support Initiative
02:08that coordinates schools, social workers, village councils, faith-based organizations, youth groups, law enforcement, and public health professionals
02:20in a more connected support network around vulnerable children.
02:26Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
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