Warner instructs police: Don’t reveal crime statistics (with CNC3 video)

National Security Minister Jack Warner has given an order to the police to suppress T&T’s crime statistics. He has also demanded that the number of murders be withheld. Warner also insisted that revealing crime statistics would create an avenue for the Opposition PNM to create “more mischief” which he said would lead to further crime.

The National Security Minister, who was speaking at a press conference during the Parliament lunch-break, made the comments in wake of yesterday’s murder of 28-year-old Stephen “Social” Morris in Laventille. “I decided with immediate effect that no figures of any kind would be given anywhere and murder reports are to be given quarterly as necessary and not daily as is the case,” he said.

“I have also instructed the police not to reveal any figures for murders and this is done so as to take away from the Opposition’s design to create mischief where none existed. It is wrong.” He rationalised that not “advertising murders” could lead to a reduction in the crime rate. But he was quick to add that if he was wrong, he would change the strategy.

Warner calls recent Laventille killing a PNM Murder

“That is my feeling, but in any event I could be wrong but time will tell, and then I will change to suit,” Warner said. “For me, at this point in time, advertising the days when there have not been murders or the number of murders that took place in an area...I realise now it does not help,” he said.

The National Security Minister has described Morris’ killing as a “PNM murder,” and has blamed the Opposition party for the end of a month-long ceasefire in the crime-ridden area. Warner said Morris’ killing occurred because the PNM did not support the People’s Partnership anti-crime measures and refused to work with the Government in reducing crime.

Morris, of Simeon Road, St Ann’s, was leaving Eastern Quarry in Laventille after visiting his girlfriend when he was shot dead around 3.45 am. Saying the Opposition should be pleased that murders had begun in Laventille once again, the National Security Minister added, “This murder could have been avoided if the PNM had got on board with us to make the country and Laventille safer...This murder would have been avoided if the PNM were not trying to glamorise murders.

“I am saying unequivocally this murder is a PNM murder, because if wasn’t for the PNM, this murder would not have happened. The Opposition should be very glad that their prayers have been answered.” Saying fighting crime should include the collective efforts of both the Government and Opposition, Warner added: “Crime is the responsibility of everyone...And Government and Opposition must work together in reducing crime.

“It’s a pity the Opposition doesn’t think so, and worse yet, it’s a pity in their very constituencies, that they are the one who are sponsoring and encouraging mayhem,” he said. “And as long as this continues, it means that the PNM will be one side and that side is crime, mayhem and murder, and the Government would be on the other side, which is law and order.”

Warner said he had a meeting with various national-security stakeholders at 2 pm yesterday to discuss fresh crime-fighting strategies, especially for Laventille.