More patrols to reduce road carnage in Tobago

The upsurge of road deaths in Tobago is engaging the attention of the Minister of National Security Jack Warner and the Minister for Tobago Development Dr Delmon Baker. The two met in Tobago on Tuesday to discuss security issues on the island. The Ministry for Tobago Development is responsible for all matters which fall under the sixth and seventh schedules of the Constitution.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Baker said there would be an increase of police patrols on the Claude Noel Highway to treat with the increase in road accidents. Tobago has recorded seven road fatalities so far for 2013. “We also spoke on the issue with regards to the increase in road traffic accidents on the network of roads on the island of Tobago, to treat with some of that issue,” Baker said.

“This is just a partial treatment, and what the ministry can offer at this stage is to increase the number of patrols along our roads. “That is more than welcome to help reduce the road carnage that we are seeing in Tobago.” Meanwhile, Warner said resources would be pumped into the boosting Tobago’s tourism sector in all spheres for both foreigners and locals alike.

He said he would be working with the Tobago House of Assembly, the Ministry for Tobago Development and Tobagonians to ensure that Tobago is a safe and better place. “We have to make sure that Tobago remains the kind of attractive location for tourists which represents the lifeline of Tobago,” he said. “We have to make sure that we give them the kind of security, and that goes for tourists as well as the people in Tobago. 

“We have to make sure that we reduce the carnage on the roads. We have to make sure that we stop the drugs from coming into the country as far as possible and therefore the meeting today for has been an eye-opener where we have pledged to work side by side hand in hand with the people in Tobago so as to make here a safe and better place.” 

He also noted that the safeguarding of Tobago’s coastal borders was very important and measures including sniffer dogs at the sea and airports would be utilised to assist with hand baggage and vehicle checks.