The National Transformation Alliance (NTA), says the care and protection of children is one of their top priorities and as such they cannot underscore the importance of the Child Protection Unit of the TTPS, which was championed by their Political Leader Gary Griffith, during his time as National Security Minister, some 10 years ago.
NTA deputy political leader, Lorraine Pouchet, in a statement today, said they understand that there are many stakeholders in this effort, and agree with Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox regarding the vital role of communities in protecting children, but see as rushed and ill-advised her pointing fingers at the neighbours and others with regards to the tragic events unfolding in Valsayn, where human remains were discovered.
Pouchet said it is also imperative to appreciate the pivotal role state agencies such as the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the Ministry of National Security and indeed the government has in safeguarding our communities, particularly vulnerable members like children.
But, in this context, Minister Cox should be made aware of concerning decisions made over the past two and a half years that have adversely affected avenues for reporting crimes, especially those involving children.
“Measures such as the shutdown of online reporting platforms and under resourcing of the TTPS App to report crimes have severely hampered the ability of individuals, particularly victims of abuse, to seek assistance and protection,” said Pouchet.
She added: “Online reporting not only facilitates easy access for victims to report crimes but also enables anonymity, a crucial aspect for those hesitant to come forward due to fear or stigma, which is exacerbated by the public trust and confidence in the TTPS falling from a high of 59%, where it was two and a half years ago, to 8% where it is by last survey.”
“By curtailing these vital reporting channels, we risk leaving vulnerable individuals without the means to seek help or intervention, and as perhaps demonstrated by the murder of 13 year old Andrea Lallan who was killed shortly after identifying the man who allegedly raped her, being forced to physically make a report at a police station, could be deadly.”
Pouchet said Minister Cox would be best advised to gather the facts first and not rush to judge and she should also engage with her parliamentary colleague, Fitzgerald Hinds, the Minister of National Security, to address and rectify the issues surrounding the shutdown of these critical crime reporting mechanisms, and the massive loss in public trust and confidence in the TTPS.
The NTA is urging in the first instance, prompt action and a concerted effort from relevant authorities to reinstate and enhance these essential reporting platforms, thereby empowering communities to play their part effectively in the protection of our children and the broader populace.