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A call from the President of the Republic to come together and deal with most pressing in the country crime.

President Christine Kangaloo wants the ruling and Opposition representatives, in the houses of parliament to put aside the rivalries and deal with the scourge.

The President’s urging, was welcomed by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley after her address to the two houses of parliament yesterday.

Dr. Rowley says, he wants collaboration but he is doubtful it is going to happen.

During the reception which followed the formal ceremony at the Red House leader of the opposition Kamla Persad Bissessar insisted her side is ready to sit and talk with the government.

The National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds agrees, with the utterances of the President on dealing with crime.

Former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday is not convinced, there will be collaboration on crime.

After the formalities the cabinet went into a two day retreat, where crime is expected to be one of the issues to be dealt with.

Farmers are said, to be under attack due to praedial larceny.

The Opposition United National Congress wants the police commissioner to give them guns.

Couva North MP Ravi Ratiram says, their crops are stolen on a daily basis and the praedial larceny unit has failed to protect them.

At a news conference yesterday Mr. Ratiram said, the unit is grossly understaffed and under-resourced and the farmers are paying the price.

He called on Police Commissioner Erla Harewood Christopher, issue firearm users licenses to all registered farmers.

He said, the time for talk is over and Commissioner Harewood Christopher must act now to protect the vulnerable group.

Mr Ratiram said, there is urgent need for alternative measures to protect the interest of farmers who feed the nation.

A working retreat for members of the cabinet begins at the Crews Inn in Chaguaramas today.

The two day retreat was announced by the office of the Prime Minister yesterday.

The release from the OPM said, the retreat begins after the ceremonial opening of the parliament this morning.

The OPM said, the retreat ends at midday on Wednesday.

President Christine Kangaloo will address the two houses of parliament today, for the very first time since she assumed the position.

There is also word today that a new look Independent bench is likely to be unveiled.

President Kangaloo was sworn-in as the country’s 7th President in March this year.

The reportedly new Independent bench, will be her first selection as President.

The nation’s schools will see an increase in the presence of police officers soon.

Word of this from Senior Superintendent of the North Central Division Brian Ramphal.

Supt Ramphal says, there are programs in training to address the many ills that face students on a daily basis.

He says, school principals are cooperating with the Trinidad and Tobago police service in this initiative.

Supt Ramphal says, the TTPS is also targeting a much younger group of pupils.

The Senior Superintendent of the North Central Division is giving an early assurance to persons planning to shop within that division, at the year’s end.

Supt Ramphal says expect to see more officers at shopping centers.

He says, crime is everybody’s business and he is encouraging everyone to assist the police in the fight.

Supt Ramphal was speaking at the weekly police media briefing in Port of Spain yesterday.

Government turns the sod to begin construction of a new five-story facility to house socially displaced persons.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services will allocate $5 million dollars for the first phase of construction in the capital that will host 180 persons.

The new facility will include parking, a hard-court, courtyard, green space and vegetable garden, among other features.

Government says, it will also serve as a refuge for deportees.

Minister Donna Cox says, the assessment Centre will be a new beginning for socially displaced persons and opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds says, the new facility will join like facilities in other jurisdictions.

He says, one NGO is already on board with the plan.

He says, a public education campaign will be launched to bring awareness.

Minister Hinds says, the Social Development Ministry will reach out to persons on the streets encouraging them to come to the facility.