During a heated session at the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives on October 22, Minister of National Security Roger Alexander outlined a dual strategy for police vehicle procurement: purchasing and leasing. The latter, he emphasized, is aimed at reducing maintenance costs. The draft estimates of recurrent expenditure revealed a significant shift in allocations, with $25 million earmarked for vehicle rentals—a rise from $18.5 million last year—while maintenance costs saw a $15 million reduction, dropping from $39.95 million to $25 million. Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales pressed Alexander on the number of suppliers involved, to which the minister responded with a vague ’18,’ declining to disclose specifics citing national security concerns. Opposition MPs, including Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert, challenged the secrecy, questioning how routine vehicle details could pose a security risk. Alexander remained steadfast, asserting that compromising national security was not an option. He later clarified that the government would lease vehicles to cut maintenance expenses, with Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young arguing that the public had a right to know the leasing companies. Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle probed the leasing process, but Alexander’s responses remained evasive. The minister also announced plans to purchase 300 ‘purpose-built’ vehicles, though opposition MPs questioned the adequacy of the budget. Laventille East/Morvant MP Christian Birchwood highlighted a ‘sharp increase’ in funds for minor police equipment, with Alexander citing national security as the reason for withholding detailed purchase lists.