Warner on new Flying Squad: Those responsible will be dealt with

National Security Minister Jack Warner says if anyone under him was linked to the establishment of a new Flying Squad within the Police Service whoever is responsible will be dealt with. Warner said that in an interview with reporters before a function hosted by the Morvant Fire Service Youth Club yesterday. He maintained that although he was not aware of any Flying Squad being re-established last year he would have to take ultimate responsibility as minister. “Ultimately the blame rests with the minister and if there are other guys who are under me who are performing in a particular way they shall be dealt with,” Warner added.

He said notwithstanding that he was “totally unaware of those developments.” Asked if he had any intentions of submitting his resignation, Warner said: “You know I don’t answer foolish questions and therefore I won’t answer that question.” He said his report, to be submitted to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar by tomorrow (Tuesday), was ready. He said he was awaiting a report from the Director of the National Security Operations Centre (NSOC) Garvin Heera, who was expected to return to T&T last night. Warner said he gave Heera 24-hours to submit the report to him. “When he gives me his report, I shall put the two together and give it to the Prime Minister, but my report is ready and it is a simple one,” Warner added.

He said the report would be available to the PM in time for Thursday’s National Security Council. Told that the recent increase in police/army have not stopped the incidence of murders in the country over the weekend, Warner said: “There is no magic wand that anyone could raise to stop crime or even murders,” He said he was prepared to do all he can for the time being and remained confident that matter will be brought under control. Told that there have been more than 70 murders in 56 days, the minister said he was “very concerned and saddened by the wanton waste of life.”

Warner said security would have to be “doubled up” in the country. He insisted he was not giving up the fight against crime and criminals. Asked if he felt there was need for more drastic action to deal with crime, Warner said the PM recently announced plans to amend legislation to make firearms and certain drug offences non-bailable. He said those measures were drastic enough. Warner said whenever the crime hot spots were placed on lockdown crimes were committed in other areas. He said the Anti-Gang legislation was in full effect and nine gang leaders are in prison. He said many more of those gang leaders would also be jailed.