Like many other countries in our region, and around the world, in 2024, Trinidad and Tobago was again plagued by the incidence of violent crime.
This, despite what I can only describe as a valiant and robust effort of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, and its law enforcement partners, to combat the criminal elements in our society. And for this, I wish to sincerely commend and thank every officer.
We have had to deal with a very broad spectrum of crime, but the seizure of illegal arms and ammunition and the dismantling of the criminal gangs remain our most urgent task.
Yes, we continue to be affected by the dreaded homicide statistic, but we have had significant results. We may not have achieved our targets, but we have made significant progress in our efforts towards achieving them, and even though it may not be immediately apparent, I can assure you that the country has benefitted from it. In this regard the substantial amount of intelligence and operational work done by the TTPS in preventing, detecting and prosecuting crime is not to be underestimated.
In 2024 you would have seen the TTPS deliver multiple historic seizures of drugs and illegal firearms and ammunition and the arrests and charge of several persons in critical matters.
The high evidential threshold that currently exists for the laying of gang related charges has operated to undermine our efforts to improve our detection rate. But the TTPS remains fully committed to protecting and serving our Nation, and for 2025 we renew our commitment to do better and to do so effectively, as we journey relentlessly to achieve our vision of making every place in Trinidad and Tobago safe.
Our work and our progress, are however, being constantly eroded by the actions of a persistent criminal element whose only business, it seems, is to invent and perpetrate crime. There will always be the potential for persons to choose to do so. But there is more of us than there is of them. Let us resolve to never surrender our peace, safety and security to a disruptive few. Let’s assume some personal responsibility and determine that, as individuals, we will make the difference in this fight against crime.
The TTPS understands its law enforcement role very well and will continue to increase its capacity and competence in order to discharge that responsibility to the citizenry with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness every day that we show up for duty. It is our mandate, we will discharge it faithfully, we will not surrender or retreat, and we are determined to succeed.
For this new year 2025 I invite you to join us on this journey of reducing violent crime. Let’s resolve to work together to reclaim the peace and security we cherish and once enjoyed in our homes and in our communities. Let’s work together to save lives, the lives of both the victims and the perpetrators.
Wherever we are, and whatever we do, let us use our authority and our influence to effect the change everyone wants and is crying out for.
I have every confidence that, united, we can win this battle. I appeal to everyone, every stakeholder: let’s work together to bring an end to the senseless violence that causes us all so much pain and insecurity. We can make it happen!
On behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, which I have the honour to lead at this time, and on behalf of my own family, I extend season’s greetings and best wishes for a safe and secure new year to everyone.