Chaguanas Mayor: Law And Order Is About Structure, Not Punishment
Chaguanas Mayor Faaiq Mohammed says he is in full agreement with the Prime Minister that law and order is not about punishment.
Speaking exclusively to TTT News, the Mayor said recently-passed legislation and increased fines, which come into effect on January 1st, 2026, are about protecting many from the misconduct of the few.
He says it is passing strange that when action is taken, certain segments of society « cry wickedness, spite and hate. »
« We are living in a society where too many people believe there are no consequences. Ask any Mayor or Chairman, they will tell you the same story. Overgrown bushes on private properties creating health and safety risks, neighbours blasting music with no regard for the elderly, children, or working families next door, illegal dumping poisoning our communities, parking anywhere you feel like without respect for traffic or pedestrians, PH drivers cutting up taxi drivers, street vending blocking pavements and roadways, hurting small business owners who pay rent, licences and taxes. »
Putting it in the context of his borough, Mayor Mohammed said his burgesses will be seeing a major shift starting in 2026.
He noted there will be clear measures in place to assist, guide, and transition people into compliance.
« This shift is not about punishment first. It is about structure, opportunity, and fairness. Spaces will be created for vending and transportation, because order must come with opportunity. We will work closely with central government to draft and strengthen laws to deal with errant landowners who abandon properties and create health and safety risks for entire communities. More Litter Wardens will be deployed, more Traffic Wardens will be on the ground, not to harass, but to restore order and protect the rights of law-abiding citizens. »
