The police in Tobago have been asked to use heavy force and every available tactic to tackle the surge in gang and gun violence on the island.
This from Chief Secretary, Farley Augustine, after Tobago recorded 19 murders for the year so far, its highest ever murder figure.
Speaking to the media yesterday, he called for immediate and decisive action by the T&T Police Service (TTPS).
This includes taking “radical and serious action” to dismantle drug blocks and shut down businesses facilitating them.
Augustine told police officers to turn the island upside down to find those responsible for the bloodshed.
He even called for families to put out relatives involved in criminal activities.
“We have been talking too much, we have had too many meetings and strategies and plans that have not been fully executed, and we need to get it executed.”
Augustine said now that the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has done its part in supporting the police, he is demanding tangible results.
“I am at the point where I am saying to the TTPS that the island as a whole is becoming a little impatient and really wants to see the fruits of their strategy sooner rather than later.”
He said crime was out of control, and with 19 murders in just eight months, it appears the police are losing their fight. As a result, he is calling for an immediate crackdown on illegal activities, particularly those disguising their operations behind legitimate businesses.
He added, “We need to clean up some of those that are selling water and juices and behind they have more than 30 grammes trying to sell.”
Augustine issued a strong warning to those involved in criminal activities, making it clear they are not welcome in Tobago. “You are not welcome here. Stay where you belong. Don’t come if you know you are involved in criminal activity, you are not welcome. We don’t want you in our place.”
He called on the police to get the job done, criticising the lack of execution of previous plans and strategies.
“We have to get radical and serious, and the kind of action that the Tobago public is saying we want to see from our TTPS is a kind of action that is forceful, decisive, and not too tired and iffy.”