Alexander fires back: ‘This wasn’t something we woke up and decided to do’— It was planned for more than a year Construction of the Government’s controversial security post at the Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua has resumed, with Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander dismissing suggestions that the project was hastily conceived or that proper procedures were ignored. The development restarted Friday, less than 24 hours after the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation intervened and stopped work at the site over concerns about approvals and consultation. Alexander pushed back forcefully against those concerns, revealing that the project had been in preparation for one year, two months and three weeks. He said the timeline should make it clear that the project was not something the Government suddenly decided to implement. Alexander also indicated that the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly Farley Augustine reached out to him and indicated he wanted four of the police-army posts on the island. Alexander also rejected suggestions that the Government had simply moved onto the site without the necessary arrangements being made. He said questions surrounding the funding, procurement and other financial details would be addressed in a subsequent announcement, but maintained that the Government’s immediate concern was providing security to communities. The minister said the proposed units are part of a wider national initiative involving 30 mobile security units, which are intended to provide a visible security presence in communities and can be relocated depending on crime trends. Alexander said requests for the units have been coming from communities across the country, including areas represented by Opposition politicians. He said residents have specifically asked for the Government to establish security posts in their communities because they want greater police visibility and protection. The minister was also critical of the chairman of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation over the decision to stop the work. When questioned about comments from the chairman concerning staffing for the units, Alexander was blunt. He said that was not the chairman’s business, insisting that decisions concerning the deployment of police and security units fall outside the corporation’s remit. Alexander said the units are intended to provide safety and security to communities stretching from Tunapuna and Tacarigua to Arouca and surrounding areas, as well as along major transport corridors. He further disclosed that similar units are already being established at other locations, including the Grand Bazaar and Tarouba. Alexander also dismissed concerns about whether the Government had sufficient funding for all of the planned units, declining to provide a detailed financial breakdown at the time. Instead, he said the public would receive the relevant information as the projects are rolled out. The minister maintained that the Government’s focus should remain on delivering security rather than becoming embroiled in political disputes. He said the first unit at Eddie Hart is expected to be completed within days, with the physical infrastructure expected to be ready as early as next week. Alexander said the project is part of a broader strategy to increase police visibility, support communities and target areas experiencing violent crime.— Story by I.A.N News #Travel #Caribbean #trendingnow #fashionable #crime - @majeedthagod