PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Criminologist, Professor Ramesh Deosaran has described as "tragic" the murder toll in Trinidad and Tobago, and is calling on Prime Minister Patrick Manning to take "the bull by the horns".

At least 502 people have been murdered so far this year, dwarfing last year's figure of 380. Deosaran, who is also an independent senator, said it was important for the government to deal with the situation expeditiously.

"I think it is time for the government to give a reasonable response and the question of arrogance, the question of not taking the bull by the horns, I mean all those sleepy postures should be changed," Deosaran told reporters.

Time to act

"We have to hear something definite. We've got to experience a sense of urgency from the authorities.

"We have not been getting the particular response required so that has the public doubly afraid and scared for their safety," said Deosaran.

He called for an immediate review of the crime plan, as well as policies that have been delivered and articulated in the last three years.

"We need a serious professional and independent review. Maybe that review should come from Parliament. If I have to move a motion I might very well do it in Parliament again," Deosaran said.

Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce has called on the Patrick Manning administration to pursue new measures to collar criminality.