Anti Crime Achievements

UNC ANTI-CRIME AND ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

INITIATIVES 2010 TO 2015

Contents

1. NON-LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

1. INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS

1. LEGISLATIVE MEASURES

1. LEGISLATIVE MEASURES (Introduced, not passed)

1. SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES

1. NON-LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

1. Creation of the Ministry of Justice

1. Training initiative for 2,000 Special Reserve Police Officers to work alongside regular police officers.

1. Initiated payment of a non-taxable Special Allowance of $1000 to all serving officers of the Protective Services to increase morale.

1. Introduced changes to the intake model to the Police Academy to increase the number of persons entering and completing the training programme.

1. Introduced the 21^st Century Police Initiative.

1. Implemented a limited State of Emergency which led to a drastic reduction in crime particularly the murder rate.

1. For the very first time in the history of allocations in the Appropriation Bill, the Police Service was afforded the autonomy of its own budget, and the Commissioner of Police was appointed Accounting Officer of the Police Service.

1. New Units established through the Ministry of National Security

1. 1. The National Operations Centre as the backbone for intelligence gathering and information sharing among law enforcement agencies

1. 1. The National Security Specialized Operations Group, a specialized group comprising members of various law enforcement agencies to deal with counter terrorist operations. 

1. 1. The National Security Training Academy. NSTA encompasses all Law Enforcement agencies and provides the type of training common to these agencies. With the new intake model and plan implemented by the People’s Partnership, that figure will be doubled to approximately 800 graduates annually.

1. 1. The Energy Sector Security Initiative (ESSI), was formally established which looks into the protection of the Critical Energy Infrastructure. The ESSI has conducted reviews of the nation’s Energy Critical Infrastructure including the offshore and onshore oil and gas facilities and energy producing operations, from this review the ESSI will develop security related standards that are to be implemented at these facilities. The ESSI has also implemented a system in which information can be shared among the energy-based companies and the state’s agencies responsible for safe guarding these assets.

1. 1. The Rapid Response Unit has assisted law enforcement to respond to the needs of citizens in a more timely and effective manner and provide a higher level of visibility to afford citizens a general feeling of security.

These units patrol on a 24hr basis and will be the first units on a crime scene, securing the scene until the investigating officers arrive at which time the RRUs will be freed to continue the patrols. The RRUs will also deal with minor issues which can be dealt without the need of officers from a police station responding.

1. 1. The Counter Human Trafficking Unit. As a result, Trinidad and Tobago moved from Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 2 on the USA report on human trafficking, this is due to our efforts in the area of counter trafficking. The unit charged 10 persons with Human Trafficking and rescued 13 persons who were victims of Human Trafficking, most have been repatriated.

1. 1. Reestablishment of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit to deal with crime across the borders, this unit contributed to the seizure of over 300 Million USD worth of cocaine in Europe due to the sharing of intelligence. The Ministry has been forging stronger communication links and collaboration with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Venezuela, Colombia, China, France, Spain and Italy.

1. Launch of the E999. The population of Trinidad & Tobago now has a powerful tool when reporting crimes in that one call to the E999 system is capable of activating a response which can include the scramble of assets from mobile patrols to the NOC air assets to Coast Guard maritime patrols. All coordinated through the NOC.

1. 10.A heavy increase in the visible law enforcement presence has taken place throughout the country with more anti-crime operations, roadblocks, stop and search exercises and breathalyser testing. 

1. 1. Inter-Agency Joint Patrols between the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force has contributed to a noted reduction in crime in all patrolled areas. 

1. 1. The Highway Patrol Unit created higher visibility of law enforcement officers on the nation’s roadways via the rebranding of the unit.

1. 1. Establishment of the National Security Alert State which increases or decreases based on the threat assessment

1. 1. 1. This was triggered in early 2015, and saw a massive decrease in homicides from 7 Jan to mid Feb, whereby there were 18 homicides in a 45-day period, which was the lowest homicide rate in such a period in 15 years, with a ratio of less than 180 per annum.

1. 1. 1. During this period, there was also a specific lock down of Laventille for 3 months, never before seen, which resulted in Laventille having the lowest number of homicides during that period, and being the safest ever for decades.

1. 1. Operational plan to prevent Ebola and prevent panic, resulting in Carnival 2015 to continue.  The Ebola concern was worldwide, but a comprehensive operational policy was established that resulted in our nation being Ebola free, and based on the systems implemented, it reduced the massive panic that was setting in, to the point that many had stated that Carnival 2015 should have been cancelled.

1. 11.Launch of the Community Comfort Patrols which was delivered to assist communities that did not have neighbourhood watch patrols, paid for by the community.  The CCP greatly assisted the TTPS in providing a level of comfort for the public in residential areas. The frequency of these patrols in such a confined area will act as a deterrent for the criminal. The CCP is also tied into the E999 system. Cabinet had approved the expansion of this programme to include a greater area for the CCP.

1. 12.Banned the use of cell phones while driving by amending the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Mobile Devices) Regulations.

1. 13.Established 13 surveillance bays on the Nation’s Highways. These surveillance bays increased the police presence on the country’s major highways and will lend to enhanced management of road safety and detection of criminal activity.

1. 14.Increased the number of CCTVs by 500 cameras throughout Trinidad and Tobago to enhance law enforcement capabilities to detect, deter and respond to crime and other incidents that would otherwise go undetected.

1. 1. A MOU was signed between TSTT and the Ministry of National Security to expand the CCTV network by 800 cameras.

1. 1. Launched the CCTV Centre in Tobago, over 180 cameras have been installed around the island and will also include areas frequented by visitors to the island. This system will be directly linked to the National CCTV Centre located in the NOC.

1. 15.Established the Private Security Network Commission (PSNC) to transmit relevant information for appropriate law enforcement action to the Police Service, through a dedicated communications network, consisting of the more than 20,000 additional pairs of ‘eyes and ears’ from accredited private security companies.

1. 16.The training of Crime Scene Investigators has been on-going at The National Security Training Academy who has trained several batches of Crime Scene Investigators to supplement the Homicide Investigations Bureau of the TTPS. These new CSIs have been contributing to a gradual improvement in the detection rate of serious crimes and a more professional approach in forensic recovery.

1. 17.Trinidad and Tobago Police Service vehicles have been equipped with GPS Technology, in an effort to improve police response to calls for service.  Body cameras for police officers to be provided as evidence in the case of accusations by the public about excessive force being meted out by police officers. As at March 2014 594 vehicles had been outfitted.

1. 18.Legislation was created for electronic monitoring and the Government was in the process of procuring the electronic monitoring equipment for offenders outside of prison.

1. 19.The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service have all gained an increase in force numbers with the passing out of recruit intakes. A concerted drive for recruitment has ensured that the units will be fully manned in the shortest possible time frame.

1. 20.Vehicle Expansion

1. 1. Additions have been made to the fleets of the TTDF, TTPS and TTFS. An increase in the number of vehicles to the various divisions ensures that these divisions are able to respond to the needs of the population as well as in the event of a natural disaster.  More than 500 vehicles were purchased for the police service and 11,470 instances of refurbishment of the existing fleet occurred.

1. 1. Formal approval for the acquisition of armoured personnel carriers for the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. The TTDF (Regiment) for the 1st time in many years will receive purpose built military vehicles for the safe transportation of its soldiers. These vehicles will be capable to withstand up to large calibre weapons as well as an explosive detonation.

1. 1. Acquisition of 4 Coastal Patrol Vessels and 2 Utility vessels for the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard. These vessels, “the work horses” of the Coast Guard will operate in the area within the Territorial waters of Trinidad & Tobago and will be capable of conducting various operations such as Search & Rescue, Fisheries patrols, Humanitarian missions, anti-narcotics and anti-human trafficking patrols.

1. 1. The largest number of Coast Guard vessels ever approved in the history of the Defence Force, with approval being granted for 12 Damen Vessels and a naval patrol vessel from China which is the largest vessel ever acquired by the Coast Guard.

1. 1. Two AW 139 Helicopters were purchased to assist with drug interdiction.

1. 1. Approval to purchase UAVs

1. 21.Collaboration with International Agencies.

1. 1. Twining of TTPS and the NY Police department through Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and collaboration with former Mayor of New York, Rudy Guiliani.

1. 1. Commissioner Bill Bratton and Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement Agencies have collaborated successfully with regional and international security counterparts in several drug interdiction operations.

1. 1. In October 2013, 800 kilos of cocaine were seized through local Agencies, inclusive of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit, working with Spanish police. Based on critical tip offs and data acquired from our Intelligence agencies, local law enforcement worked with the United Kingdom National Crime Agency and French Customs Caribbean Operations upon which 310 kilos cocaine were seized.

1. 1. The Ministry has been forging stronger communication links and collaboration with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Venezuela, Colombia, China, France, Spain and Italy.

1. 1. The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service (TTPS) signed a memorandum of understanding with Correctional Service Canada (CSC) as it moves to reform the local penal system.

1. 22.Approved and initiated purchase of 5 full body scanners and 5 full enclosed cabins for the prisons which are now in use.

1. 23.Approved and initiated purchase of cell phone jammers and grabbers for prisons which are now in use.

1. 24.The Ministry of Justice supported the establishment of a Prison Radio Station together with the British High Commission, Trinidad and Tobago Prisons Service, Ministry of National Security and various NGOs. The prison radio station Rise (Rehabilitating Inmates Seeking Empowerment) Maximum is located at the Maximum-Security Prison, Arouca and started airing on Wednesday 12th September, 2012.

1. 25.Launched a new security fleet at the Chaguaramas Development Authority

1. 26.Construction of Video Conferencing Court Facilities

1. 1. Construction of a video conferencing facility on the Remand Prison compound to facilitate court hearings by video conferencing link.

1. 1. Expected completion date was September 2015.

1. 27.Improvements to the Forensic Science Centre

1. 1. New equipment including a genetic analyser, ultraviolet spectrometer, DNA extraction system, drug detection system was purchased

1. 1. The Centre’s records were fully digitized and a laboratory information management system was put in place and computers, etc. were purchased to facilitate the new operation.

1. 1. Six (6) additional contract positions were created and filled, viz. Health and Safety Officer, Forensic Exhibit Clerk, Forensic Biologists (2) and Scientific Examiner – Narcotics (2).

1. 28.Approval to acquire Simulation theatres to train officers in real life encounters and when to use force. This type of training is to ensure minimal use of force

1. 29.In 2014, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) – one of the programmes that fall under SYSP – recorded an enrolment of two thousand, two hundred and nineteen (2219) young adults. The programme lists as an achievement the ability to curb the rising incidents of crime committed by youths between the ages of 18 and 25 by keeping an average of 1400 youths engaged in productive activities from 7am to 4pm daily in a supervised environment.

1. INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS

1. 30.Opening of the Duncan Street Police post and the construction and completion of 8 other modern Police Stations:

1. 1. Arima
   2. Piarco
   3. Maloney
   4. Cumuto
   5. Brasso
   6. La Brea
   7. Oropouche
   8. Moruga

1. 31.Opened an External Detainee Facility in Santa Rosa, Arima.

1. 32.Extension and Modification of the Forensic Science Centre.

1. 1. Relocation of Conference Room, Library, Stores and several administrative offices to the New Administrative Wing.
   2. Redesign of the Conference Room and Library to house the Documents Section, Photography Section and Offices for Scientific Officers.
   3. Redesign of the Photography Section to accommodate secure evidence storage rooms for the Biology, Chemistry and Toxicology Sections.
   4. Acquisition of external storage unit to store unserviceable items awaiting disposal.
   5. Redesign of old Stores to accommodate IT Section.
   6. Refurbishment of Autopsy Suite approximately 98% completed – delivery and installation of specialized furnishings and equipment outstanding.
   7. Refurbishment of the Pathology section and shooting range.

1. 33.Golden Grove Prison – Construction of a Perimeter Fence and Infrastructural Works.

1. 1. Closing the Carrera Convict Prison and relocating operations to the Maximum-Security Prison at Golden Grove. In order to facilitate this move, a perimeter security fence and attendant infrastructural works were performed in an area adjoining the MSP.

1. 1. Expected completion date was mid-August 2015.

1. 1. Further preliminary design work for a pre-trial detention centre was contracted and expected to be completed in September 2015.

1. 34.Various works related to the Prisons:
   
   1. Kennel construction to accommodate twenty-four (24) dogs

1. 1. Installation of Perimeter Lighting at the YTC.

1. 1. Construction of a Visitors’ Waiting Facility at the Golden Grove Prison.

1. 1. Upgrade of Sewer System at Golden Grove Prison.

1. 1. Supply, installation and connectivity of a fibre optic cable network for electronic security upgrade. This project was started and completed in 2014.

1. 1. Construction of a dormitory at the Port of Spain Prison for the housing of E.R.U officers.

1. LEGISLATIVE MEASURES

***This section only includes a full list of legislation which was passed

1. 35.Interception of Communication Act (Assent 03 Dec 2010) – this act establishes a legislative framework for the interception of communication with and without a warrant.  Also amended in 2010. Amended by Act 14 of 2010 (Assent 20 Dec 2010)

1. 36.Firearms Amendment Act, 2011 (Assent 08 Feb 2011, Proclaimed 25 Feb 2011) – this bill amends the Firearms Act to increase the penalties for certain offences involving a firearm or any prohibited weapon, as defined by the Act.   Other key provisions include;

1. 1. A provision was added to give the Commissioner of Police the discretion to suspend, or to refuse the granting of a license for five years in the case of a person who is convicted of an offence under the Domestic Violence Act.

1. 1. Changed the Chairman of the Firearms Appeal Board to an attorney-at-law of at least ten years’ experience, appointed by the President, instead of the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority

1. 37.Financial Intelligence Unit Amendment Act, 2011 – Expanded remit of the FIU to carry out functions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2000, Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act 2009, and the Anti-Terrorism Act 2005 (Assent 10 Feb 2011)

1. 38.Financial Intelligence Unit Amendment Act, 2011 (No.2) (Assent 05 May 2011)

1. 1. to place the FIU under the Attorney General rather than the Minister of Finance

1. 1. to give the PSC the power to appoint the director and deputy director,

1. 1. to permit the FIU to go to court to get a disclosure order to obtain information from a listed business and to create a penalty of $250k and imprisonment for 3 years for a person who fails to make disclosure required by the court

1. 1. to define the remit and powers of the FIU including the power to take necessary measures to secure compliance by listed persons/business with the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Financial Obligations Regulations, FIU Act and Regulations, and other acts related to the Financial Action Task Force

1. 1. to give the FIU the power to enter a listed business (w/ consent of the owner) to inspect, take or copy documents, ask staff to explain the documents and to observe the business.  If consent is not given the police can obtain a warrant to seize documents amongst other things   

1. 39.Miscellaneous Provisions (Remand) Act, 2010 (Assent 04 Mar 2011) – this Act increases the period in which a Magistrate can remand an accused person with regard to both summary and indictable matters. This will have the effect of reducing the frequency of court hearings thus reducing the time and cost involved in taking prisoners to and from court.

1. 40.Bail Amendment Acts (2011, 2014 and 2015) – these bills make provision for the suppression of associations created for unlawful or criminal purposes and for the better protection of the public.
   
   1. 2011 (Assent 23 May 2011, Proclamation 15 Aug 2011)

1. 41.Anti-Gang Act (Assent 23 May 2011, Proclamation 15 Aug 2011)

1. 42.Miscellaneous Provisions (Kidnapping and Bail) Act (Assent 19 May 2011) amending the Bail Act and the Kidnapping Act.  The Act increased the amount of time a person can be held with no evidence for the charge of kidnapping to 120 days and increased the maximum penalty for kidnapping from 25 years to natural life imprisonment.

1. 43.Data Protection Act (Assent 22 Jun 2011, Partial Proclamation 06 Jan 2012) to protect the privacy of personal and private information of individuals entered in electronic format.  The legislation lists certain offences for breach of confidentiality, impersonating another to access information and obstructing an investigation of the Information Commissioner

1. 44.Miscellaneous Provisions (Ministry of Justice) Act (Assent 07 Jun 2011)

Puts the following legislation under the control of the Minister of Justice

• The Criminal Injuries Compensation Act, Chap. 5:31
• The Justice Protection Act, Chap. 5:33
• The Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Act, Chap. 5:34
• The Community Service Orders Act, Chap. 13:06
• The Police Complaints Authority Act. Chap. 15:05

1. 45.Trafficking in Persons Act (Assent 09 Jun 2011) (Partial Proclamation 02 Jan 2013) to give effect to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The key provisions include inter alia
   
   1. Creation of a national task force to counter trafficking in persons in T&T
   2. Establishment of the Counter Trafficking Unit in the Ministry of National Security
   3. Creation of various offences related to trafficking in persons
   4. Various provisions related to assistance and protection of victims of trafficking

1. 46.Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2011 (Assent 24 Jun 2011).  The amendment set up requirements for the FIU to publish designated entities (persons/entities tied to international terrorism) and reporting requirements by listed business/persons to the FIU for transactions involving designated entities

1. 47.Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Bill – An Act to repeal and replace the Indictable Offences (Preliminary Enquiry) Act, Chap. 12:01 and to provide for a system of pre-trial proceedings relating to indictable offences and other related matters.  The primary purpose was abolishing the existing preliminary enquiry process for criminal matters and replace it with a new process which would be more efficient (Assent 16 Dec 2011, Partial Proclamation 31 Aug 2012) – Amended by Act 15 of 2012 repealing Section 34)

1. 48.Legal Aid and Advice Amendment Act, 2012 (Assent 03 May 2012) – for the purpose of widening access to legal aid by the citizenry and increased compensation to Legal Aid lawyers. A duty counsel scheme initiated as a pilot project. Under this Scheme, mechanisms were put in place so that immediate access to legal representation and advice will be provided to minors from the moment they are detained on suspicion of having committed any criminal offence.

1. 49.The Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons Act (Assent 08 May 2012, awaiting proclamation) to give legal effect to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction in Trinidad and Tobago.

1. 50.The Administration of Justice (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Act (Assent 10 May 2012) repeals and replaces the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Act, Chap. 5:34.

1. 51.The Administration of Justice (Electronic Monitoring) Act (Assent 03 July 2012, awaiting proclamation).  The Act introduces a new sentencing option through the use of Electronic Monitoring (“EM”) devices.

1. 52.Miscellaneous Provisions (Financial Intelligence Unit and Anti-Terrorism) Act (Assent 24 Aug 2012) permitting the sharing of financial information related to terrorist activities with foreign entities and making other provisions related to anti-terrorism activity by the FIU

1. 53.The Securities Act (Assent 24 Dec 2012, Proclamation 31 Dec 2012) to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices; foster fair and efficient securities markets and confidence in the securities industry in Trinidad and Tobago; to reduce systemic risk, to repeal and replace the Securities Industry Act, Chap. 83:02 and for other related matters. Amended by Act 9 of 2014 (Assent 10 Sep 2014).

1. 54.The Anti-Doping in Sport Act (Assent 10 Jul 2013, Proclamation 01 Jun 2015) to provide for the implementation of the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, the establishment of the Trinidad and Tobago Anti-Doping Organisation, the Trinidad and Tobago Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and the Trinidad and Tobago Anti-Doping Appeal Panel, the promotion of an anti-doping environment which encourages positive behaviour among participants in sport and dissuades them from using prohibited substances and prohibited methods and for other related matters.

1. 55.The Dog Control Act (Assent 31 Jul 2013, Partial Proclamation 02 Jun 2014) to provide for the control of dogs and to regulate the manner in which certain breeds of dogs are kept by their owners or keepers; to repeal the Dangerous Dogs Act, 2000 and for related matters. Amended by Act 3 of 2014 (Assent 04 Apr 2014, Partial Proclamation 02 Jun 2014, Full Proclamation 31 Mar 2015).

1. 56.Bail Amendment Act, 2014 (Assent 14 Feb 2014) creates the one-strike and you’re out rule for certain offences in which the charged person is not permitted to apply for bail for 120 days.

1. 57.Miscellaneous Provisions (Administration of Justice) Act (Assent 10 Sep 2014) to amend the Administration of Justice (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Act, 2012, the Jury Act, Chap. 6:53, the Criminal Offences Act, Chap. 11:01, the Dangerous Drugs Act, Chap. 11:25, the Indictable Offences (Preliminary Enquiry) Act, Chap. 12:01, the Young Offenders Detention Act, Chap. 13:05 and the Police Service Act, Chap. 15:01.  The act makes many changes, a few of which are summarised below:

1. 1. The Act establishes a legal framework within which forensic DNA evidence can be used in the investigation and prosecution of criminal matters and also provides for the establishment of a DNA Custodian Unit, which will inter alia, house the DNA Data Bank and retain DNA samples.

1. 1. The Act creates an offence for obstruction of justice to prevent the interference with and intimidation of witnesses, judicial officers, jurors and other categories of persons that are directly involved in the justice network

1. 1. The Act provides for the fingerprinting of suspects, deportees and detainees. A National Fingerprint Database is also established.

1. 1. The Young Offenders Detention Act is amended to remove the requirement that the Minister give his approval of any sentence of detention under penal discipline in the Youth Training Centre.

1. 58.Miscellaneous Provisions (Prisons) Act (Assent 05 Sep 2014, Awaiting Proclamation) Includes new penalties for offences under the Prisons Act with increases in fines and penalties for stated offences; the removal of an Inspector of Prisons; the creation of an Inspectorate of Prisons and the establishment of an Appeals Tribunal in respect of disciplinary actions against prisoners

1. 59.Indictable Offences (Committal Proceedings) Act (Assent 05 Sep 2014, Awaiting Proclamation) repeals the Indictable Offences (Preliminary Enquiry) Act Chap.12:01 and the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act, No.  20 of 2011 and replace them with new legislation to govern indictable offences.

1. 60.Miscellaneous Provisions (Proceeds of Crime, Anti-Terrorism, FIU) (No.2) Act, 2014 (Assent 13 Oct 2014) to amend the Proceeds of Crime Act, Chap. 11:27, the Anti-Terrorism Act, Chap. 12:07 and the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago Act, Chap. 72:01.  Amongst other things, the Act creates the Seized Assets Fund

1. 61.Bail Amendment Act, 2015 (Assent 29 Apr 2015) restricts bail applications for persons a) charged under the firearms act with a pending charge for certain other offences, b) charged with certain offences when using or possessing a firearm or imitation firearm and c) over 18 years old and charged under the Anti-Gang act.

1. LEGISLATIVE MEASURES (Introduced, not passed)

***This section only includes a select list of proposed legislation

1. 62.The Evidence (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2010 required a special majority and lapsed after debate and passage in the Senate by unanimous vote. The Bill proposed to extend the use of video recorded evidence to encompass all criminal proceedings and to allow for the admissibility of the video recorded statements of both accused persons and witnesses, even where witnesses are absent at the trial.

1. 63.The Miscellaneous Provisions (Defence and Police Complaints Authority) Bill, 2013 this was the “Soldier Bill” which would permit members of the Defence Force to assist the Police in the conduct of their duties with the same privileges and immunities as a member of the Police Service.

1. 64.The Cybercrime Bill, 2014 and the Trinidad and Tobago Cyber Security Agency Bill, 2015 the cybercrime bill seeks to provide a legal structure for treating with computer related crime.  It proposes several offences related to illegally acquiring or interfering with computer data, child pornography, violating a person’s right to privacy, distributing computer viruses, computer fraud and forgery and online harassment.  The Cyber Security Agency to act as a national point of contact for all cyber security related concerns and other related matters.

1. 65.The Precursor Chemicals (No. 2) Bill, 2014 to establish a Precursor Chemicals Unit within the Strategic Services Agency. The Precursor Chemicals Unit will monitor and control precursor chemicals in Trinidad and Tobago which are used or capable of being used in any type of illicit transaction involving narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and other substances which have a similar effect.  The bill passed with unanimous support in the Senate, but never made it to a vote in the House of Representatives.

1. SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES

1. 66.There are many social programmes which currently exist to help empower citizens to reach their fullest potential, namely: the Higher Education Loan Programme; the MIC craft programmes; Helping Youth Prepare for Employment, commonly known as HYPE; Life Skills Unit; the Multi-Sector Skills Training Programme, commonly known as MuST; On-the- Job Training Programme, OJT; Servol Hi-Tech and Advanced Skills Training Programme; the retraining programme for displaced workers; the Military-Led Youth Programme of Apprenticeship and Reorientation Training; YTEPP; Metal Industries Company Limited; National Skills Development Programme and the Youth Academy Training.

1. 67.Among other measures taken to intervene into at-risk communities, partner with other State agencies and Ministries and build a holistic platform for fighting and preventing crime, the People’s Partnership pursued:

Universal Pre-School Education achieved; every one of our 36,000 children aged 3 and 4 can now be assured of a place in an ECCE:

• Centres Public & Private across the country
• 210 Government and Government assisted ECCE providing early childhood care and education
• 200 Private ECCEs have Partnered with MOE
• 300 ECCEs Providing Private tuition
• 57 new ECCE Centres constructed already, another 52 under construction
• Over 400 new qualified ECCE teachers hired

1. 68.All schools had the full complement of required Deans of discipline. We ensured that Security Officers and Schools Safety Officers had two hand held scanners in every secondary school, along with other security measures such as CCTV, etc.

1. 69.Launched the first National Student Hotline (free talk) 800-4321 to provide professional counselling to students with confidentiality.

1. 70.Established a Circle of Hope where students have a special session on a weekly basis where they speak with teachers on issues they may have.

1. 71.We had the full complement of student support services which constitutes guidance counsellors, guidance officers and school social workers, with educational, behavioural and clinical psychologists looking after our students in need as well. This comprises over 700 personnel in all our schools-all primary schools and secondary schools.

1. 72.Implemented the RETIRESS ADOLESCENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME (RAPP) a community-oriented programme which seeks to utilize the skills and experience of retired persons to provide assistance and supervision to low school performers and out –of-school adolescents between the ages of 12 and 16.

1. 73.We provided approximately 95,000 laptops to students and over 4,000 laptops to teachers, principals and schools supervisors.

1. 74.Computer labs were provided in our secondary schools and primary schools in Trinidad.

1. 75.Implemented universal after school homework and study centres, ‘Dial­a­Teacher’ programme, providing toll­free help in Math and English Language for SEA students and Math, English and Integrated Science for CSEC students at no cost to them or their parents – courtesy the Ministry of Education and TSTT.

1. 76.Approximately 2,000 scholarships (Open and Additional) awarded to CAPE students from 2010 to 2015.

1. 77.Expansion of Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) at the secondary level from 42 to 102. 5200 students participated
2. 78.Pilot Testing and Neuro-diagnostics of Children to test for special needs.

1. 79.There was approximately one teacher to every 14 students in primary schools and one to every twelve students in secondary schools, which is superior than the Gold Standard around the world.

1. 80.All teacher vacancies were filled.

1. 81.93 schools constructed: 28 new primary schools, 57 ECCE centres and 8 secondary schools.

1. 82.91 schools were left under construction: 31 primary schools, 52 ECCE centres (26 under IADB Phase II) and 9 secondary schools. Additionally, there were 11 secondary schools administrative and science blocks under construction

1. 83.The Government’s Community Mediation Programmes achieved the following:

1. 84.Twice increased Senior Citizens Pensions and the Minimum Wage as a measure in part to ensure the lowest earners have a benchmark minimum monthly income and they receive either medical support and/or training for better jobs.