Gary Griffith – T&T National Security Minister
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Asserting that “these are desperate times”, the Trinidad Ministry of National Security plans “fighting fire with fire” and will be racking up its armoury to take on criminal elements.
This message came in a statement from the ministry late Saturday, following the killing of a man by police officers in a shootout, the subsequent shooting of a soldier in Desperlie Crescent, Laventille , and a confrontation between contingents of lawmen and residents earlier in the day.
National Security Minister Gary Griffith, was quoted as the Ministry of National Security would be adding to its arsenal very soon Armoured Personnel Carriers that would allow troops to enter these high risk hot zone areas and be able to stabilize any threat or attack on Law Enforcement.
Media reports, apparently based on information from police, indicated that just after midnight a police patrol attempted to approach three men, but was met by gunfire. The lawmen returned fire, killing a 19-year-old man, said to be among the three. The other two escaped.
According to the newspapers, hours later residents blocked access roads to Desperlie Crescent with debris and set it ablaze. Police responded in large numbers, explosions were heard, and an off-duty soldier was shot in the knee.
