T&T CARNIVAL GENERALLY FREE FROM CRIME;

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000294

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR WHA/CAR, INL/LP
CARACAS FOR MLO, LEGAT

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KCRM TD
SUBJECT: T&T CARNIVAL GENERALLY FREE FROM CRIME;
KIDNAPPING SUSPECTS ARRESTED WITHIN 24 HOURS

REF: PORT OF SPAIN 00166 AND PREVIOUS


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Minister of National Security
Martin Joseph noted that Carnival 2006 was relatively
crime free, contrary to media speculation. He praised
the law enforcement forces for their quick action to
resolve the first kidnapping for ransom of the year.
The Ministry utilized surveillance equipment and INL-
funded canines as part of their Carnival security
network, which likely acted as a deterrent. Opposition
Political Leader Winston Dookeran criticized Joseph for
not acknowledging all the crimes that took place during
the festival and announced that the Opposition would
focus on a sustained anti-crime effort. END SUMMARY.


2. (U) Citing heightened surveillance from
helicopters, a blimp and security cameras, Minister of
National Security Martin Joseph used a post-cabinet
press conference to express his pleasure at the
relative lack of crime during Carnival 2006. In spite
of the huge influx of tourists and the general sense of
permissiveness, the festival proceeded unhindered by
significant crime, contrary to much media speculation.


3. (U) Joseph also spoke about the successful
resolution of the first kidnapping for ransom of 2006,
which happened when a funeral home owner and one of his
employees were kidnapped late on February 28. The
victims were released after approximately 24 hours,
upon payment of at least a portion of the TTD 100,000
ransom demanded. Within a few hours of the victims'
release, law enforcement agencies arrested four
individuals and recovered a portion of the ransom.
Joseph commended the forces for their quick action,
noting at a press conference that "They should be
complimented; we've been castigating them for a while."


4. (U) In contrast to Joseph's glowing praise for the
law enforcement, and reflecting how politicized the
crime issue has become, Opposition Political Leader
Winston Dookeran noted that there were a number of
crimes during Carnival, including four murders and at
least one robbery of a group of British tourists during
the festivities. He insisted that Minister Joseph's
assessment of the event served to "hoodwink the
population" by suggesting that the crime situation had
improved. He also indicated that with Carnival over,
the United National Congress intended to focus on a
sustained effort against crime.


5. (SBU) Although lambasted by many of the calypsos
performed during Carnival season, the blimp and other
surveillance tools likely had a deterrent effect on
crime for the weekend. The Ministry of National
Security also independently contracted an American
canine trainer/security consultant (here as part of an
ongoing INL-funded program),to assist in creating a
surveillance grid for the Carnival parade route. The
canines undergoing training in the INL program were
also utilized for the event as "on the job training."


6. (SBU) COMMENT: Although it is difficult to
pinpoint exactly what assistance from which country
contributed to the success of this year's Carnival, it
seems that the entire package has helped. We note with
interest that after the FBI's significant assistance in
breaking up a criminal ring involved in the
kidnap/murder of an American citizen (reftel),there
has been only one kidnapping for ransom so far this
year. There have been other kidnappings-cum-robberies
during the year, however the victim is usually released
immediately after being robbed. We are also pleased
that the government utilized the INL-trained dogs, and
that they took the initiative to use on-the-ground
resources to augment its security capabilities. It
seems that the security agencies are becoming
increasingly professional, and, with time, will be
better able to manage public opinion about their
efforts, increasing general confidence in law
enforcement in the country. END COMMENT.


AUSTIN