Business groups worried about crime

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Raphael John-Lall

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CEO of the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce Gabriel Faria is concerned that the ongoing controversy over the appointment of a Commissioner of Police could harm the business environment.

“There has been some concern raised by some members about the potential risks in terms of criminal elements using the opportunity to take advantage of the current situation,” he said.

“We had a meeting with some of the board members to discuss the issue. It was agreed there must be transparency in the process for dealing with the issue and the current situation must be addressed expeditiously.”

The concern was echoed by Chairman of the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers Vivek Charran who is calling on all institutions responsible for the appointment of the next Commissioner of Police to move the process along quickly so that criminals elements do not get the wrong idea that there is no leadership of the T&T Police Service (TTPS).

Charran described the situation as “unfortunate and scary” as it gives the impression that without a Commissioner of Police there is no firm leadership.

“The facts are that Gary Griffith has brought a lot of confidence and built good relations between business and the police. Whatever the mechanics of the situation with regard to his appointment is not for business to step inside. At the end of the day, we will accept whoever is chosen,” he said.

Charran said while the country is under a state of emergency, if that was not the case and criminal elements could have moved more freely the situation could have been much worse in terms of the impact of crime.

“In a sense that provides some protection. We thought it would have been a simple process for the appointment of a Police Commissioner. We want this to be resolved as quickly as possible so that the confidence in the police service can be restored.”

Members of the Confederation of Regional Business Chamber include the Greater Tunapuna Business Chamber, the Eastern Business and Merchants Association, Gasparillo Business Chamber, San Fernando Business Chamber, Cunupia Business Association, Penal/Debe Chamber of Commerce, Siparia Chamber of Commerce, South Western Chamber of Commerce, Petroleum Dealers Association, Petroleum Dealers Co-operative, Yacht Services Association, Retail Association of T&T and the Supermarket Association of T&T which is an independent affiliate.