MINISTER of Homeland Security Roger Alexander yesterday sent a message to young black males involved in crime, following the police killing of four men of African descent.
‘To the young black men-life does not revolve around crime and criminality. We must not be seen as a threat to humanity. We can do better than that,’ he said.
The four men were suspects in a series of home invasions.
The minister said young black males need to stop becoming statistics and instead build a foundation that brings pride to their families and country.
Alexander also commended the joint action taken by the police and the Defence Force in responding to home invasions in Central Trinidad, which resulted in the deaths of the four suspects after an alleged exchange of gunfire.
He told the Sunday Express by telephone that it was only on Friday, in Parliament, that he had responded to a question from Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi about urgent steps to improve safety in Longdenville following recent traumatic incidents.
He noted he had indicated the Police Service was working alongside the community to restore trust and confidence as quickly as possible.
Between Wednesday and Friday, there were at least three reported home invasions in Longdenville and two similar incidents in Cunupia.
Alexander said yesterday that while he tries to answer questions, he cannot compromise ongoing law enforcement efforts. ‘I want to commend the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner Ms Suzette Martin, ACP Mr Smith and Lt Dugan for a properly coordinated exercise this morning (yesterday) that resulted in some persons being captured and others meeting their demise,’ he said.
The minister said the Government and his ministry intend to fully support the Police Service, noting that officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect lawabiding citizens. Alexander said he spoke with law enforcement officials on Friday and assured them of the Government’s full support. He also praised the Home Invasion Team operating in Central Trinidad. ‘I told them to bring in the home invaders using the full brunt of the law, so we can identify them-whether at the mortuary, the Forensic Science Centre, or through an identification parade,’ he said.
The minister said he stands with officers in protecting themselves in accordance with the police’s use-offorce policy.
He also criticised a small group of citizens and segments of the media whom he accused of ‘supporting’ criminality by sharing false information that suggests only criminals have rights.
Alexander said greater focus must be placed on law-abiding citizens who are being preyed upon.
‘What about the rights of the victims of these crimes? I understand an elderly woman was beaten this morning (Saturday). What can we do to restore some level of normalcy for her? How do we address that kind of trauma?
‘I urge people to stop supporting the criminal element and let us work collectively to dismantle these groups that are plaguing our society,’ he said.
Reiterating his support for law enforcement’s use-of-force policy, Alexander said officers ‘must defend themselves, their colleagues, and the good citizens of this nation by any lawful means necessary’.
He added that police have also been successful in dismantling an extortion network in Tunapuna and are continuing strategic efforts to root out criminal elements
