Minister of National Security Says ComPol Can Deliver on his Commitments

John Saldivar

Earlier this week, the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said he intended to reduce the murder count to below one hundred per year. The last time that happened was in 2013 when ninety-nine persons were murdered.  To many, the proposed dip seems overambitious. Today, his boss, National Security Minister John Saldivar was lauding Williams’ approach in policing.

John Saldivar, Minister National Security

“No. Absolutely not. We have done it before. If you can recall in 2013, we were able to get the murder rate to below one hundred. I took over as Minister last year in a very challenging time when we were almost twenty-four murders above the 2017 figure. And if you know the figure ending for 2018, we were only one above the 2017 figure which means that the trend has been down in terms of murder and we hope to continue that trend in 2019. So, I don’t think it is over ambitious. I think it is achievable and I think the new commissioner will work hard to ensure that we achieve that.”

Reporter

“What has the conversation been like between you and the new commissioner in terms of his strategy going forward in policing this country?”

John Saldivar

“I think one of the good attributes of our new commissioner is his hands on approach. He is very much involved in the operational aspect. He is always on the ground and the discussion has surrounded that. How we are going to organize ourselves to be more effective. I believe he has the knowledge; the experience to guide us in that direction.”