No Trinis have so far been reported injured or dead following Friday’s horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs.
The ministry said yesterday that the information was based on feedback received from the T&T Embassy in Belgium, which has responsibility for France. It added, however, that T&T’s Honorary Consul in Paris, as well as the Trinis in France Association and the T&T French Association will continue to liaise with the T&T Embassy in Belgium.
Over 129 people were reportedly killed in explosions and random shootings now claimed by the Islamic State militant group. The co-ordinated attacks hit a concert hall, a stadium, restaurants and bars almost simultaneously. According to reports, the first of three explosions took place outside the Stade de France stadium on the northern fringe of Paris, where France were playing Germany in an international football friendly.
France President Francois Hollande, who was attending the game, has since described the events as an “act of war” organised by ISIS.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, in a brief statement yesterday, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Hollande and the French people.
“As the Government and people of France struggle to come to terms with these attacks, the rest of the world is also gripped by shock, sadness and outrage,” the statement said.
“No nation should ever have to face such tragedy and it is hoped that nothing of this nature will ever befall any nation again.”
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar also said her thoughts and prayers were with the government, people of France and with the families who lost their loved ones in the senseless attacks.
She condemned the attacks, saying they demonstrated that there remains a greater need for world leaders to work together to combat the threat of terrorism no matter what form it takes or where it strikes.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of so many innocent people. Terrorism is a cancer in our civilised world and there is no justification for such savage acts of murder and terror,” Persad-Bissessar said.
“I join the rest of the international community in condemning this shooting rampage and mass hostage-taking that French President François Hollande called an unprecedented terrorist attack on France.”
She added, “We must never look the other way when innocent people die at the hands of terrorists. My thoughts and prayers are with the Government and people of France and to the families who lost their loved ones in these senseless attacks.” (See pages A7, A9 & A10)
Nationals still trembling
• Melissa Yacoob, who left Trinidad on Tuesday to attend classes for her masters degree, arrived in Paris on Wednesday and was just a few districts away from where the attacks took place on Friday.
Contacted yesterday, she and her husband, Irfan Hosein, were awaiting a train to Brussels at the timne of the attacks. She said some of the metro lines had been closed off. They arrived safely in Brussels last night.
Yacoob said Friday’s tragic events were a very unnerving experience.
The political specialist with the US Embassy here in Trinidad said they were staying at the Latin Quarter.
That’s in an area in the 5th and the 6th arrondissements of Paris. The attacks happened on the 10th and 11th arrondissements.
“We were very fortunate,” she said.
While she and Hosein did not witness any of the events, they were terrified over what they saw on the news.
Via WhatsApp, she said, “What was terrifying is hearing on the news that some of the perpetrators were on the loose and the authorities were unsure if anymore attacks were going to take place in other districts. The streets of Paris went dead, save for the blaring sounds of sirens all through the night.”
She added, “Reading and hearing about acts of terrorism from afar is a very different feeling from being in the midst of it. This morning (Saturday) there was an air of sadness wherever we went.”
• Aruna Maharaj, of Madame Maharaj School of Cosmetology, was also in Paris on Friday.
On her Facebook wall, she posted, “The shootings and bombing in Paris are just a few blocks from my hotel, I’m ok, thank you for your messages and calls. Please keep me in your prayers.”
Efforts to contact her via Facebook proved futile.
• University of the West Indies lecturer Dr Kris Rampersad, who is chair of the Education Commission of the Unesco General Assembly, is also in Paris for its general conference, which began on November 3 and is expected to end on November 18.
On Friday, Rampersad posted on Facebook, “Bombings in Paris just now, 26 reported killed various districts. 60 hostages in theatre...entire city emptied out.”
This was followed by, “Paris in panic...no reasons given ...orchestrated attacks.”
In response to someone, Rampersad said, “I am OK. ..was having dinner and someone living near the restaurant rushed me to home as no taxis and metro shut down.”
She did not respond to messages sent via Facebook yesterday though.