NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Jack Warner said yesterday that Government would not give up on the people of Laventille.

"Many of our nation are beginning to lose patience with Laventille.

Many in our nation may be wishing that the problem in Laventille will simply burn itself out. In fact, there are those in this country that clap their hands in glee for each murder that takes place in our country, hoping no doubt that each murder would be a chink in the armour of the People's Partnership Government," said Warner. However, he said, ways had to be found for the people of Laventille to "live normal lives once again".

Warner made the statement while speaking at the Drug Treatment Court Pilot Project launched at City Hall, San Fernando.

Regarding the project, Warner said that drug offenders comprised half of the 3,400 prison population and accounted for 2.5 per cent of country's population.

"It has taken too long for modern thinking to infiltrate our public systems and institutions. In many ways our systems and institutions have been left behind and consequently the progress of society has been held back. Our prison and correction system have been a revolving door for the members of society who have fallen," he said.

Warner congratulated the Judiciary on the drug pilot project, saying that it was a new way of thinking and a changing of paradigms.

The project was launched yesterday by Chief Justice Ivor Archie.

The first set of participants will be selected from the San Fernando area.

Two other courses are expected in Tunapuna and Port of Spain in the next six months.