Across several residential and commercial communities in Trinidad, local residents and business owners are reacting to a new national crime-fighting plan: the government’s rollout of 30 joint army-police outposts spread across the country. During on-the-ground interviews with the Express in communities including Acono Road in Maracas Valley-St Joseph, zones adjacent to the Grand Bazaar Interchange, and Kelly Village in Caroni, most stakeholders expressed broad support for the initiative, even as many raised pointed questions about its implementation and potential unintended consequences.
On Acono Road, a taxi driver who goes by Malcolm questioned why existing local police officers could not already carry out the increased patrol duties that the new posts are designed to deliver. “I am not saying current officers are doing nothing,” he explained. “If they are already based at the nearby station, they could carry out these same daytime patrols right now.” Malcolm also raised a key concern that the visible security presence could unfairly stigmatize his community, which relies heavily on tourism. The area is a popular starting point for hikes to Maracas Bay and local waterfalls, and hosts private events like wedding receptions for visitors. “An army and police post might make visitors think this is a dangerous place, and that could hurt the local economy that depends on tourism,” he added.
Despite Malcolm’s concerns, many other residents in the area welcomed the new security measure. A woman at Acono Junction called the plan a positive step, saying it could deter criminal groups from roaming freely and ultimately bring down local crime rates. A man who was gathered with a group of nearby residents also backed the initiative, noting that while he still lacks details on how the posts will operate, the idea makes sense. He argued that consistent, active patrols would push loitering individuals with criminal intent out of the area and crack down on open drug dealing. Other locals said they reserve final judgment until they see how the initiative is carried out, with many emphasizing that officers need to leave the posts to conduct active patrols rather than staying stationary on-site. Steve Villaroel, a local resident, framed the plan as a net positive, noting that most criminal activity in the area is carried out by outsiders, and the posts would help residents feel safer.
In Kelly Village, at a roundabout off the Southern Main Road, poultry vendor John Ramlal also threw his support behind increased permanent security presence, while adding a key recommendation that all officers deployed to the posts should wear body cameras. “Body cameras would help hold everyone accountable,” Ramlal explained. “Good citizens will feel safer, and criminals will be deterred from operating here. We already see how visible police presence improves the area – whenever officers park near the Beetham, traffic flows far more smoothly.” Ramlal added that Kelly Village has struggled with violent crime for years, including shootings in public areas, and has long needed a permanent police footprint. “The area has gotten a bad reputation because of crime, but beyond that it is a nice, convenient place to live,” he said. “A permanent post will help us feel protected again.”
Ornamental plant vendor Felix Hernandez, who operates along Caroni South Bank Road, echoed Ramlal’s support, saying the area has long dealt with persistent crime issues and the new posts are a much-needed intervention. Business owners in the nearby Bamboo community shared similar positive views. A local food vendor, who keeps his stall open until 2 a.m., said already frequent police patrols have had a clear positive impact for late-shift businesses. “I have operated here for 15 years, and thank God I have never been robbed, which I credit to the consistent patrols we already get,” he said. “A permanent post will only drive crime down further.” An employee at a local pizza outlet also supported the plan, noting that response times for emergency police calls are often unacceptably slow in the area, and a local post would cut down on wait times for help when incidents occur.
Overall, while community members raised legitimate questions about operational details and potential negative impacts, the overwhelming reaction from the communities visited was approval of the government’s new crime-fighting push.