Derrick Gives Report Card On Safety

A task force will soon be commissioned to combat the increase in gang activities among the youth.

The Ministry of Public Safety is embarking on a campaign which will target school principals and teachers across the island, to educate them on signs and details of gang activity.

Minister of Justice and Public Safety Colin Derrick made the disclosure at a recent United Progressive Party public meeting in Clare Hall.

He said this initiative is just one of the many projects to come, as he sought to outline the progress made by his ministry and exactly how tax revenue has been spent.

"I want to tell you that the UPP, since taking office in 2004, have invested over $132 M in law enforcement and public safety for the benefit and protection of the citizenry," Derrick told the gathering.
"Our predecessors have never spent that amount of money. It was never deemed as a priority."

The justice minister said the government has devoted its energy to making the communities safer, and by extension, the homes of Antiguans and Barbudans

"So when the opposition talks about too many taxes, we are showing how the taxes are spent," he said. "We don't steal it and send it to be lodged on banks overseas. We invest it in making the country a secure place to live."

Derrick said the money has been mostly spent to provide necessary training and equipment. He noted that both police and prison officers have benefitted, as they now receive better earnings and have recently been outfitted with additional security paraphernalia.

The UPP administration, he said, in keeping with its promise to improve the working conditions for the country's law enforcement officers, has also done major construction work on all major police stations across the island.

Police Insurance coverage was also paid up to date, he said, although neglected by the previous administration. The last payment was made some 15 years ago, prior to 2004.The Police Credit Union monthly contribution has also been brought up to date after being back logged for over a decade.

As the police grapple with the recent spate of robberies and break-ins, Derrick noted that over 30 new police vehicles had been issued to allow quick response to emergency calls and easy access to and from crime scenes.

Full Article