After being closed since 2021, the San Rafael Police Station was officially reopened on Wednesday with some upgrades.
At the reopening, Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin said the station was refurbished at a cost of $1 million.
He recalled that the station was originally closed due to low crime in the area and to allow greater flexibility for police officers, but this has since changed.
“Coming out of 2024, we saw an increase in the crime, and also we have listened to the cries of the people. It’s very important as a Police Service that we listen to the cries of the people, and therefore listening to the cries of the people, it was decided, even with former Commissioner Erla Christopher, to open it, and I am sure at least around this time we had the necessary finances to do so and we did it.”
PNM candidate for La Horquetta/Talparo, Foster Cummings, said the residents welcome the reintroduction of the police presence in the area.
“When they have difficulties and they require a response, you want to know that there is available to you that police presence, and therefore this particular station serves areas such as San Rafael, Brazil, Talparo and surrounding villages, and the residents feel comforted in the fact that they can get that sort of response in a timely manner.”
Minister of National Security, Marvin Gonzales, urged officers to use the station’s reopening as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
“Regardless of our strained resources and difficulties we may experience from time to time to discharge our duties and remain faithful to our oath of office, that we will do right by our oath of office and by the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to give a better service and to be a good representation to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to protect and serve.”
He said the leadership of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service must do their part to transform the attitude of the Police Service.