By MIRANDA LA ROSE Wednesday, February 20 2013

NATIONAL Security Minister Jack Warner yesterday said the Government, country and law-abiding citizens will not succumb to the mayhem caused by criminals, who within recent times, have been causing havoc with killings, shootings and armed robberies almost becoming a norm.

With the murder toll rising to 62 — the last two being committed yesterday — and even two policemen being shot by criminals, Newsday called Warner yesterday for his comment on the lawlessness gripping the country.

“There is no way...no way the law enforcement agencies in this country will succumb to the kind of mayhem that criminals want to inflict on law-abiding citizens,” Warner said. Admitting that the task of arresting crime is no “walk in the park”, Warner remained resolute in carrying the fight to criminals.

“I remain convinced that the law enforcement officers — the Police Service, the Defence Force, the Coast Guard and the Air Guard shall overcome,” he declared.

Based on reports provided by the police, Warner added, “they (law enforcement) are on top of the crime situation. They have discussed with me their various strategies, which I am not at liberty to disclose. I remain convinced that eventually they shall succeed and we shall overcome. They still have my full confidence.”

He expressed sympathy to the policemen who were shot yesterday in south Trinidad and to all families who have lost loved ones at the hands of criminals. Wishing the shot officers a speedy recovery, Warner said, “I have asked the Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams to keep me abreast of their condition.”

On the increase in killings in recent times and a fast growing perception that law enforcement agencies are unable to stem the tide, Warner said: “I am not one to rush to judgement. At the end of the day I know that the police and law-enforcement agencies in the country shall overcome.”