By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) is asking government to engage in a public-private partnership in an effort to fight crime in Chaguanas.
On Monday, the CCIC in a press release offered condolences to the family of Ramnarace Nandoo, the owner of C’s Cuisine Corner and BBQ who was killed during a robbery attempt over the weekend.
CCIC President Richie Sookhai said, “These types of tragic events in our country sometimes give rise to the feeling that criminals have the upper hand over business owners and citizens who cannot protect themselves. All taxpaying nationals of T&T need to protect themselves and their enterprises from negative elements in the society.”
Additionally, the Chamber called for greater surveillance within the country. Sookhai said while understanding of reduced state funds, technology was available.
“This technology that is resident in T&T can give our country the ability to implement predictive surveillance measures by pre-emptive policing software used in other countries like London. The ability to stop crime before it occurs would not only remove the already existing anxiety that citizens feel as it pertains to their safety and security.
“It would also instill confidence within prospective investors to invest in T&T. Ultimately, this would have a positive multiplier effect on the economy,” Sookhai said.
The CCIC is proposing a public-private partnership where the business community of Chaguanas in subsidising a portion of the installation and running costs of the technology available to prevent crime in the area. The CCIC said that it was open to discussions with the Ministry of National Security and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to execute this initiative.
Sookhai said, “It is all well and good when citizens or business owners are able to protect themselves from criminals who possess illegal firearms. However, surveillance equipment that can be installed in strategic locations throughout the community can give non-arm-bearing citizens the assurance that mechanisms are in place to deter crime before it transpires and carry out swift justice in the unfortunate event that a crime does occur.”
He added that Government should also consider removing the Value Added Tax (VAT) on security CCTV cameras for a temporary stipulated period to allow persons to afford taking these measures to protect their families, businesses and homes.
And the CCIC also commended acting Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith for granting Firearms User’s Licenses (FULs) to trained and qualified businesspersons and citizens regardless of the size of their enterprise or social status.
The Supermarket Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SATT) had also stated it was in support off Griffith’s expedited issuance of FULs.
