Three major business chambers want Government to step up the fight against crime, even if it means instituting a limited state of emergency.
The last time a state of emergency was used as a crime fighting strategy was in August 2011, when then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar implemented the measure for three months to deal with what she said then was a clear threat to national security and a sharp increase in violent crimes.
In a joint statement yesterday, the Couva/Point Lisas, Chaguanas and Penal/Debe Chambers called for more resources to be deployed to fight crime.
"It seems as though the population does not have confidence in the relevant authorities when it comes to national safety, hence we call on the Government to take control of the burgeoning crime situation, even if it means calling for a limited state of emergency in the interest of the people of Trinidad & Tobago," they said.
The chambers said T&T is becoming a land of chaos and anarchy and called for resources to be given to all authorities "to curb the situation in order to restore confidence to the people of our country."
The chambers also want Government to seek international help and to use updated technology in the fight against crime.
The statement continued: "More resources should be given to the forensic authorities to assist in the detection rate by increased staffing and updated technology. Given the recent positive changes made in the Licensing Department, this information should be shared with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service by introducing a fully computerised system to detect criminal activities, eg using on-board computer systems in police vehicles, dash-cam and vest-cam systems.
"Strengthening of the maritime borders should also be of a major priority by utilizing current port container scanners."