Monday, February 4 2013

Minister of National Security Jack Warner yesterday disclosed that three of five new camps to house soldiers to help in the crime fight have already been set up, and another two will be in place this weekend.

After Carnival, Warner said he will name the locations of the five camps, but for now they are being kept confidential for security reasons.

Based on feedback he has received, Warner said all seems to be going well with this new venture, and hopes it helps to stem the trafficking of illegal arms, ammunition and drugs.

Last month, the minister held a meeting with top brass of the Police Service, Coast Guard and Defence Force, where he agreed to a proposal to utilise 2,000 soldiers at five new camps to focus on illegal guns and drugs.

Newsday understands three of the camps were to be located in Carapo, Moruga, Toco/Matelot.

The country already has four camps, Camp Omega, Camp Ogden, Camp Cumuto and one in La Romaine.

He assured that as early as February 13, (Ash Wednesday) the camps will be fully operational, and he has given instructions to Chief of Defence Staff Major General Kenrick Maharaj to have divisional commanders re-deploy Defence Force officers to these camps.