On Wednesday December 3rd, 2025, Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, together with the Deputy Commissioner of Police – Operations Suzette Martin, convened a high-level strategic meeting with representatives of national business associations to discuss collaborative approaches to enhancing safety, security, and public confidence during the upcoming festive and peak commercial periods.
The meeting, held at the Commissioner’s Conference Room, 6th Floor, Police Administration Building, Port of Spain, focused on strengthening operational coordination between the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the business community, with emphasis on crime prevention, intelligence sharing, and rapid-response support in commercial districts.
Representatives attended from several key organisations, including the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers, Private Pharmacy Retail Business Association, Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce, Siparia Chamber of Commerce, Cunupia Business Association, Arima Business Association, Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Commerce, Petroleum Dealers Association, and the Tobago Chamber of Commerce, all signalling their commitment to continued partnership with the TTPS in ensuring a safer national business environment.
Key matters discussed included:
* Operation Festive Shield deployment strategies and high-visibility policing in business zones.
* Increased joint patrols, mobile units, and directed foot patrols in mall districts, shopping strips, and high-traffic commercial areas.
* Strengthening communication channels between business owners and divisional commanders.
* Measures to support safer late-evening shopping, including dynamic shift adjustments and enhanced CCTV coordination.
* Reporting mechanisms and early-warning signals relating to larceny, burglary, shoplifting syndicates, fraud activity, and emerging crime trends.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the TTPS’s commitment to providing a secure environment that supports economic activity and protects citizens, business owners, staff, and customers. The DCP Operations outlined upcoming operational initiatives and invited continuous feedback from private-sector partners to fine-tune deployments.
Business association leaders expressed appreciation for the TTPS’s proactive approach and committed to strengthening their internal security protocols, sharing timely information, and supporting joint public-safety messaging to the national community.
This engagement forms part of the TTPS’s ongoing partnership framework aimed at promoting safety, reducing criminal opportunity, and building resilient commercial spaces throughout Trinidad and Tobago.