(Trinidad Express) NATIONAL Security Minister Emmanuel George yesterday called an emergency meeting with the heads of the country’s protective services in the wake of a dozen murders being committed in less than 72 hours.

The meeting was chaired by George and included Police Commissioner Stephen Williams, Chief of Defence Staff Major General Kenrick Maharaj, Commanding Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment Colonel Rodney Smart and Deputy Police Commissioner Mervyn Richardson.

The meeting, which lasted two hours, began at 9 a.m. and was held at the Ministry of National Security, Abercromby Street in Port of Spain.Speaking to the Express in a telephone interview yesterday George said the meeting was called to “deal with the murders”.Of the 12 murders, five are being treated as gang-related, George said.