Describing crime as the "one dark cloud" hanging over this country, Prime Minister Patrick Manning said yesterday the Government was moving to purchase helicopters with attack capabilities and high-speed sea vessels, to wage a war against criminals, particularly those involved in the illicit drug trade.
News Source: Trinidad Express
Manning also said that a state-of-the-art radar system from Israel was now being installed to help detect criminal activity in Trinidad and Tobago waters.
He made these disclosures during yesterday's inaugural "Breakfast with the Prime Minister" at Crowne Plaza, Port of Spain. It was organised by the Public Relations Committee of the ruling People's National Movement (PNM) and had more than 500 guests.
Manning said a recommendation for the establishment of a helicopter unit is expected to go before the Cabinet.
"The bulk of the patrolling of our waters will be done by helicopters with an attack capability, to deal with a lot of the high-speed craft the drug dealers use to transit the Gulf. And, we are purchasing high-speed craft ourselves to do the work that is involved in the inshore waters of Trinidad and Tobago," he said.
After speaking about the prospects in the energy sector, Manning said crime was "the only dark cloud" hanging over the country.
Manning said the new radar system would provide "coverage" to "critical parts of the country. That radar will give us 360-degree coverage of the coast of Trinidad and the coast of Tobago. In fact, it will also see beyond Barbados".
This last comment -a likely reference to the fishing dispute between this country and Barbados-had the audience in stitches.
Full Story: Read more at The Trinidad Express
