UWI Symposium Calls for Urgent Security Reform and Collaboration to Tackle Crime

Opening the event, Professor Derek Chadee, Deputy Principal of The UWI St. Augustine, issued a powerful call to action, warning that crime reduction is not solely a police issue. “It is a national imperative that demands a coordinated, strategic, and unified response. A fragmented approach will not suffice,” he stressed, advocating for an integrated framework where law enforcement, private security, businesses, universities, and communities work seamlessly together. “Dialogues alone are not enough,” he added. Dr. Annita Montoute, Acting Director of the IIR, stated that the symposium is one of the many initiatives the IIR undertakes to promote public presence, generate knowledge, and meet the pressing needs of the country and the region. As such, the event was aimed at shedding light on the possibility of new or revised approaches to address crime and enhance the security of  the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region. Mr. Michael Grant, Vice-President of the GTCIC, reiterated the business community’s role in fostering a secure environment.

Delivering remarks, Minister of National Security the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds, highlighted that the private security industry in Trinidad and Tobago, comprising approximately 50,000 officers, far exceeds the 6,500 members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. He underscored the need of collaboration, “The private security sector is very, very critical. The state just cannot be everywhere and do it all,” he admitted, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the resources and expertise of private security firms.

A key takeaway from the discussions was the pressing need to regulate and professionalize the private security industry. Mr. Callixtus Joseph, Assistant Director of Policy, Strategy, and Innovation (Ag.) at CARICOM IMPACS, made a compelling case for a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee licensing, training, and industry standards. “Reform and regulation are critical to increasing professionalism, integrity, and public trust,” he stated, highlighting the need for background checks, mandatory training, and wage standardization to prevent criminal infiltration.

Panellists also addressed the harsh realities faced by security officers, many of whom work 14-hour shifts or longer to make ends meet. The symposium shed light on the need for better wages and working conditions, recognizing that security personnel are often the first line of defence in crime prevention. Mr. Richard Smith, Assistant Commissioner of Police, addressed the operational challenges faced by law enforcement. Mr. Carlos Neptune, Chairman of TTPSA, reinforced the importance of standardized training and licensing to enhance trust and efficiency.

Beyond reforming private security, the symposium examined the long-term goal of reducing dependence on both private security and law enforcement. Mr. Nirad Tewarie, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T), argued that a truly safe society should not require an overwhelming presence of security personnel. “Our goal should be to reduce the need for both private security and police officers. That doesn’t mean businesses will disappear, but we must ensure profitability does not come at the expense of society,” he emphasized. Tewarie also noted that Trinidad and Tobago’s private sector is already ahead of global averages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and is eager to do more. “We are begging to help more,” he said, urging for greater public-private collaboration in national security efforts.

With crime remaining a top national concern, the symposium underscored the urgent need for structural reforms, stronger industry regulations, and greater collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors. The clear message: the time for talk is over and action must follow.