By Sue-Ann Wayow
AMID growing concerns over violent crime during the ongoing State of Emergency (SoE), Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland announced on Wednesday a significant 45 per cent drop in the homicide rate compared to the same period last year.
Speaking to reporters following the reopening ceremony of the Brasso Police Station, Scotland said the reduction was a concrete benefit of intensified policing and greater inter-agency cooperation. However, he declined to specify the exact measures contributing to this decrease.
“I do not wish to disclose the methodology,” Scotland said.
He added, “That is a tangible benefit. We want more tangible benefits, and we want them achieved faster. Even though progress is incremental, it is still not at a satisfactory level.”
He said that while the reduction was promising, more work remains necessary to effectively tackle the country’s crime crisis.
Asked about the potential for implementing a curfew following Carnival celebrations in response to ongoing murders, Scotland declined to comment directly, reiterating that the current SoE is focused on addressing specific security issues.
Suspended Commissioner Remains Under Investigation
The minister also addressed the prolonged suspension of Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher, saying that while the matter is a concern for the government, it remains firmly under police jurisdiction.
Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin, also present at the event, said investigators continue to receive guidance from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, on this matter. However, he could not provide a timeline for concluding the investigation.
“We continue to liaise with the DPP and take his advice,” Benjamin said. “We will wait for further guidance. I cannot provide a timeline—we are simply continuing the work.”
Brasso Station Reopens After Community Outcry
The Brasso Police Station, originally repurposed for the Child Protection Unit in November 2020, has now reopened following significant public pressure.
Residents had previously expressed frustration after experiencing rising crime, including murders, robberies, home invasions, and praedial larceny in the area. The recent shooting death of 21-year-old Matthew Chancellor in Tabaquite prompted community protests demanding the station’s reopening.
Scotland described the facility’s earlier closure as “a matter of history.”
He said, “This reopening is more than just bringing back a physical structure.”
Scotland said, “It symbolizes the government’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding citizens, restoring peace, and reinforcing trust between communities and the police service.”
Community-Focused Policing Encouraged
Scotland urged officers at Brasso to combine traditional policing methods with modern strategies, engaging proactively with the community to build stronger relationships and restore public trust.
Acting Commissioner Benjamin reaffirmed his commitment to upgrading police facilities, ensuring officers have adequate resources and working conditions to improve their ability to serve effectively. He clarified that local district boundaries had not changed, and each station would maintain responsibility for its specific area.
“There will be no need to stretch resources from other stations, as this station will now serve its designated area,” Benjamin said.
