“A step in the right direction.” This is how President of the Police Social and Welfare Association, ASP Ishmael Pitt, described government’s proposal to provide an additional $64.2 million dollars to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
The additional funding was announced by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the Mid-Year Budget Review and is intended to address several operational needs within the Service.
Minister of Finance Davendranath Tancoo said the government is seeking funding of 64.2 million dollars for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
“64.2 million to purchase much needed uniforms, rent for properties, rental of vehicles, meals for officers working during Carnival, for prisoners at various holding units, repairs and maintenance of buildings, gratuity payments, and IT subscriptions and software maintenance.”
In response, President of the Police Social and Welfare Association, ASP Ishmael Pitt, says the proposed additional funding is crucial for the effective functioning of the TTPS.
“That is excellent. It is a step in the right direction. You see, we have always indicated that in order for the police service to function at optimum, we must be appropriately resourced. So we are very, very encouraged by the gesture in terms of providing the necessary to address the issues in different areas within the organization.”
Minister Tancoo said the government is also seeking 39.2 million dollars for the defence force, some of which will be allocated to the hosting of this year’s Independence Day parade.
“Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Defense, Heads 84, 39.2 million is being allocated to finance filling of
contract positions, upgrade of equipment at the National Coastal Surveillance Radar Center hosting the
2026 Independence Day Parade, purchase of uniforms for members of the Defense Force, and for repairs and maintenance of the four Air Guard helicopters.”
The Finance Minister was delivering the country’s mid-year budget review in the Lower House on Monday.