Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday journeyed to Laventille and environs where she praised the people for keeping the peace and encouraged parents to educate their children and uplift their lives.

She urged the people to strive for excellence as Olympic gold medallist Keshorn Walcott, who was also on the tour, did.

Persad-Bissessar met the people of John John, Beverly Hills and Picton and congratulated them for working with the people to record a successful ten days without any murders or gunshots in the areas.

She showered them with gifts — teacups commemorating this country's 50th anniversary and water bottles.

Earlier this month there was a spate of murders in the Beverly Hills area prompting National Security Minister Jack Warner to deploy police and army officers into the communities.

Yesterday there was a heavy police and army presence as the Prime Minister herself met with the people and listened to their woes.

Unemployment and lack of proper housing were two of the top problems that were voiced.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Stephen Williams, Chief Defence Staff Brigadier General Kenrick Maharaj, managing director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Jearlean John and several Ministers, including Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, Minister of the People Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh, Minister in the Ministry of the People Vernella Toppin, Minister of Works Emmanuel George, Local Government Minister Suruj Rambachan and Minister of Diversity Clifton DeCoteau.

Persad-Bissessar spoke at all three locations.

Speaking at John John, Persad-Bissessar praised Warner, Williams and Maharaj for their efforts in curbing crime in the area and the people for working with the authorities.

"I am advised that not a shot has been fired and so you deserve commendation and congratulation today," said Persad-Bissessar.

In Beverly Hills, Persad-Bissessar said that Walcott stood as an example that with hard work and prayers, goals can be accomplished.

She noted that the first gift from the Government he took advantage of was a scholarship from the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).

Persad-Bissessar said that a basketball court, a community centre and a children's play park will be built in Beverly Hills.

In Picton, the Prime Minister promised to continue working with the people there to deal with their issues.

She noted that the last time she was in Picton was when the last UNC Government was putting up the tanks in the area.