00:00It's been a few days since the Ministers of Justice and Homeland Security announced a truce between Trinibad Artis, Plumpy
00:08Boss and Cayman, one which they said should positively impact crime.
00:13However, Justice Minister Divish Marat says he does not believe the duo's decision to make peace is an admission of
00:21criminal involvement.
00:22However, he stresses that determination will ultimately be made by the police.
00:28Well, I mean, that will be up to the police to decide, but I don't think they meant that they
00:32did anything. I think they meant that, you know, there were rivalry between the two groups.
00:37On Saturday, the two Trinibad Artis officially made peace and indicated that their respective communities were prepared to do the
00:45same.
00:46The minister says news of the truce has spread of the islands, with several authorities reaching out to extend congratulations.
00:53Well, I think it's an important start if you have the two cheerleaders, so to speak, of the two major
01:02groups coming together and shaking hands and talking peace.
01:06It doesn't automatically, of course, bring peace. It will take some time.
01:11But the fact that they can signal to their supporters, and I think throughout the Caribbean, people have been calling
01:20Minister Alexander, applauding him for his efforts.
01:25So it's not just Trinan and Tobago, it's regional.
01:28Apparently, they have a very wide cross-section of support throughout the Caribbean.
01:32The minister says, this government is all about second chances.
01:38We have introduced the Parole Act, which is going to give prisoners a second chance at getting out early under
01:49certain conditions.
01:51We have passed the Criminal Records Rehabilitation Act.
01:56This means that if you have a prison record, after a certain time, it is erased totally.
02:05Why that is important?
02:06Many people come, they committed some act in their moment of youth, sometimes a little indiscretion, and you find something
02:17against your name.
02:19As the chairman of the Mercy Committee, as well, I am faced with cases periodically.
02:27I remember a lady, she committed, she was convicted of something in 1992.
02:34Minor offense.
02:35Prevented her from getting a visa.
02:39Prevented her from getting work.
02:41And she was granted a pardon some time ago, a few months ago.
02:46And she broke down and she wept.
02:48The minister says these pieces of legislation could come into force as early as the next two months.
02:56Maharaj was speaking at an art exhibition featuring work done by prisoners.
03:01In collaboration with Raja Prison Ministry, Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
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