National Security Minister Martin Joseph has expressed confidence that a "strategic restructuring of the national security sector" would contribute significantly to a reduction in the escalating crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago.

"I am convinced that it is going to provide the framework for the transformation that must take place. I am confident ... the report is going to provide the platform for the transformation of the entire national security architecture in this country," Joseph told a news conference.

Misinterpretation

Joseph told reporters that there had been a "misinterpretation" of the strategic plan done by Canadian company, HCR Security Ltd International, led by retired major-general Cameron Ross.

The National Security Minister also dismissed suggestions that a five-year TT$80 million (US$13.3 million) undertaken by US-based criminologist Stephen Mastrofski was being dumped.

"As noted by the prime minister, this is a strategic restructuring of the National Security Sector," he said.