News Releases

UWI Symposium Calls for Urgent Security Reform and Collaboration to Tackle Crime

For Release Upon Receipt - February 21, 2025

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, February 21, 2025 – A recent research-based symposium entitled, “Towards Improved Public Security: Crime Reduction and Prevention Through the Lenses of the Private Security Industry and Law Enforcement Agencies in Trinidad and Tobago,” underscored a crucial reality: the private security industry, with over 50,000 officers, outnumbers the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) nearly eight to one. This disparity highlights the urgent need for regulatory reform, standardized training, and closer partnerships to strengthen national security.

Held on February 13, 2025 at the Daaga Auditorium, the call for urgent security reform and stronger collaboration between law enforcement, the private security industry and the business community took centre stage at this revolutionary symposium. Led by Dr. Annita Montoute and Dr. Michał Pawiński of the Institute of International Relations (IIR) at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine, the event was a collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Private Security Association (TTPSA) and the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GTCIC).

Key stakeholders from law enforcement, private security, academia, and civil society discussed security challenges and explored solutions, emphasized that fragmented efforts will not curb the escalating crime crisis—only a unified, strategic approach will.

Opening the event, Professor Derek Chadee, Deputy Principal of The UWI St. Augustine, issued a powerful call to action, warning that crime reduction is not solely a police issue. “It is a national imperative that demands a coordinated, strategic, and unified response. A fragmented approach will not suffice,” he stressed, advocating for an integrated framework where law enforcement, private security, businesses, universities, and communities work seamlessly together. “Dialogues alone are not enough,” he added. Dr. Annita Montoute, Acting Director of the IIR, stated that the symposium is one of the many initiatives the IIR undertakes to promote public presence, generate knowledge, and meet the pressing needs of the country and the region. As such, the event was aimed at shedding light on the possibility of new or revised approaches to address crime and enhance the security of  the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region. Mr. Michael Grant, Vice-President of the GTCIC, reiterated the business community’s role in fostering a secure environment.

Delivering remarks, Minister of National Security the Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds, highlighted that the private security industry in Trinidad and Tobago, comprising approximately 50,000 officers, far exceeds the 6,500 members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. He underscored the need of collaboration, “The private security sector is very, very critical. The state just cannot be everywhere and do it all,” he admitted, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the resources and expertise of private security firms.

A key takeaway from the discussions was the pressing need to regulate and professionalize the private security industry. Mr. Callixtus Joseph, Assistant Director of Policy, Strategy, and Innovation (Ag.) at CARICOM IMPACS, made a compelling case for a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee licensing, training, and industry standards. “Reform and regulation are critical to increasing professionalism, integrity, and public trust,” he stated, highlighting the need for background checks, mandatory training, and wage standardization to prevent criminal infiltration.

Panellists also addressed the harsh realities faced by security officers, many of whom work 14-hour shifts or longer to make ends meet. The symposium shed light on the need for better wages and working conditions, recognizing that security personnel are often the first line of defence in crime prevention. Mr. Richard Smith, Assistant Commissioner of Police, addressed the operational challenges faced by law enforcement. Mr. Carlos Neptune, Chairman of TTPSA, reinforced the importance of standardized training and licensing to enhance trust and efficiency.

Beyond reforming private security, the symposium examined the long-term goal of reducing dependence on both private security and law enforcement. Mr. Nirad Tewarie, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T), argued that a truly safe society should not require an overwhelming presence of security personnel. “Our goal should be to reduce the need for both private security and police officers. That doesn’t mean businesses will disappear, but we must ensure profitability does not come at the expense of society,” he emphasized. Tewarie also noted that Trinidad and Tobago’s private sector is already ahead of global averages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and is eager to do more. “We are begging to help more,” he said, urging for greater public-private collaboration in national security efforts.

With crime remaining a top national concern, the symposium underscored the urgent need for structural reforms, stronger industry regulations, and greater collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors. The clear message: the time for talk is over and action must follow.

 

Notes to Editor

 

Photo Captions

 

Photo credit: Ms. Gina Ravello (IIR), Mrs. Chinelle Chadee (IIR) and Mr. Peter Bowman

 

Photo 1: Dr Michal Pawinski, Lecturer Programmes Coordinator Institute of International Relations [left] and Dr Annita Montoute Acting Director of the Institute of International Relations giving remarks at the Crime Reduction and Prevention Symposium. 

 

Photo 2: The Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of National Security giving remarks at the Crime Reduction and Prevention Symposium. 

 

Photo 3: Attendees engaged during panel discussions at the Crime Reduction and Prevention Symposium. 

 

Photo 4: Panellists [L-R] Mr. Callixtus Joseph Assistant Director Policy Strategy and Innovation at the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), Mr. Nirad Tewarie Chief Executive Officer, AMCHAM T&T, ACP Richard Smith Head of Operations, TTPS, Mr. Carlos Neptune Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Private Security Association (TTPSA) and Moderator Ms. Alana Wheeler. 

 

Photo 5: [Centre] Minister of National Security, The Honourable Fitzgerald Hinds alongside other attendees [L-R] Mr. Carlos Neptune Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Private Security Association (TTPSA), Moderator Ms. Alana Wheeler, Mr. Callixtus Joseph Assistant Director Policy Strategy and Innovation at the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), ACP Richard Smith Head of Operations, TTPS, Professor Derek Chadee Vice Principal of The UWI St. Augustine, Dr. Acolla Lewis Cameron Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. Michał Pawinski Lecturer Programmes Coordinator Institute of International Relations, Dr Annita Montoute Acting Director of the Institute of International Relations, Nirad Tewarie CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago and Ms. Krystal Seecharan, IIR Alumna.

 

 

 

About The University of the West Indies

 

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

 

As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

 

Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

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