Three recent murders in the usually peaceful community of Sangre Grande have sparked serious concern to the police in the district and the Member of Parliament.
Speaking at a Police Service town meeting at Festival Park, Valencia, the MP, Glenda Jennings-Smith, who was earlier this year appointed a Minister in the Ministry of National Security, said she was very concerned about the spiralling rate of shootings and killings in the Eastern Division over the last few days.
In the last five days, there have been three murders in the Sangre Grande district: Wendell Thomas, 43, shot dead on April 3; Sheldon Sutton, 43, shot dead on April 4, and Sheldon Raymond, 36, shot dead on April 6.
There were also two murders at Copper’s Bar, in Valencia, on February 26 and March 5, where Seon Edwards and Steven Villaroel were shot dead, respectively. No charges have been made in any of the cases.
She said she was particularly disturbed by the fact that two of the victims were shot dead in the presence of their wives and children within a day apart.
One resident complained about the increasing number of illegal immigrants, especially from Jamaica, who are living in the Valencia district, and despite making several reports to the police, nothing was being done to address this problem.
Another resident complained about the inability to contact officers at the Valencia Police Post because the lines were always busy. He said when he did make contact, it took police officers about 50 minutes to respond.
Other residents praised the police for their swift response to reports of gunshots being fired in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Glen Hackett, who responded to some of the complaints, said the lines at the station were usually busy because police officers were taking reports.
He said he would see how feasible it would be to have special lines for emergency calls for the residents of Valencia.
Hackett issued a public plea to Jennings-Smith to ensure that Valencia got a police station to enhance the delivery of service as the population of the community had rapidly grown.
“Give us the resources to go forward so as to give the level of security and safety for which the community wants and our children deserve,” Hackett said.
ASP Mario Robain, of Eastern Division, who gave the closing remarks, told residents they should not be afraid about the escalating crime as police officers from the division would ensure a safe and protective environment for all.
RALPH BANWARIE