Chaguanas Chamber Calls for Stronger Security Measures After ZOSO Bill Fails
The President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC), Baldath Maharaj, has renewed calls for more robust and disruptive security measures in Central Trinidad, following the defeat of the Zones of Special Operation (ZOSO) Bill.
While respecting the outcome of the Senate vote, Maharaj expressed ongoing concern about the safety of businesses and residents in Chaguanas. “The security crisis in Central Trinidad requires more than normal policing,” he said, stressing that traditional law enforcement strategies are no longer sufficient.
Despite reports of a national decline in crime, Maharaj noted that members of the Chamber continue to feel fear and uncertainty. He highlighted that the Central Division accounts for a disproportionate number of homicides, with recent data suggesting the area is becoming “a preferred destination for criminal relocation.”
“The safety of the Borough of Chaguanas is non-negotiable,” Maharaj said. “We support the implementation of disruptive measures designed to reclaim our streets and protect the rapid growth of our retail sector from violent activity.”
Maharaj emphasized that enforcement alone will not solve the problem. He advocated for a combined approach that pairs high-impact policing with targeted social programs to prevent youth from entering criminal activity. “We continue to advocate for a swift response that combines aggressive, disruptive law enforcement tactics with social programs to prevent the next generation of offenders,” he said.
The CCIC president clarified that the Chamber is not placing blame, but views national security as a shared responsibility between the State, private sector, and civil society. He called for adequate manpower, technology, and legislative support to safeguard the Central Division, which he described as a “critical economic engine.”
Maharaj also expressed the Chamber’s willingness to participate in discussions on crime-fighting strategies and legislative reform. “We are ready to be part of any forum that seeks to refine security legislation to address criminal activities,” he said, adding that collaborative efforts are needed to restore peace and confidence in Chaguanas.
“Let’s aim to return a sense of peace to Chaguanas, ensuring our businesses thrive and residents can once again walk without fear,” he concluded.
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