Ralph Banwarie
Police have confirmed a persistent issue affecting the processing of Certificates of Character (CoC), particularly at the Sangre Grande Police Station, where the machine used for printing the certificates has been out of service for an extended period.
As a result, officers must transport completed forms manually to Arima or Port of Spain stations for processing, leading to long delays.
Applicants are advised to plan accordingly and expect extended waiting periods. The public must still submit original certificates for employment, interviews, or taxi badge renewals, as receipts are not being accepted.
Guardian Media was alerted following public complaints from job seekers and taxi drivers frustrated by the delays. Several affected drivers at the Guaico Licensing Office reported that clerks refused their badge renewal applications because they lacked the original certificate.
One taxi driver, Samuel Rivers, said, “A receipt is evidence that the business was done and those being affected should be given a bligh as they are the ones who suffer.”
Police say the matter has been repeatedly reported to the relevant authorities. Calls to Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander went unanswered.