It seems as though criminals have waged war against the police, says acting president of the Assembly of Southern Lawyers Dexter Bailey.He made the comment as he spoke with reporters outside the San Fernando Magistrates Court where the atmosphere was sombre.A grave look was on the faces of lawyers, court staff, security officers, police prosecutors and policemen who knew Sgt Hayden Manwaring, who was shot and killed by criminals on Tuesday in San Fernando.
A familiar face in the magistrates and high courts in San Fernando, Manwaring, who had 18 years' service, was described as a decent, dedicated, hardworking, kindhearted, helpful and friendly person.Bailey felt Manwaring's desire was to clean up the southern area of criminal elements."Crime is really getting out of hand. Criminals are moving fearless. They don't seem to be afraid of authority any more," he said.
He also wished PC Nicholas Phillip, who was also shot, a speedy recovery.Police legal adviser, Phillip Ramdath, a former police prosecutor, said: "He was one of the best."He said Manwaring was the complainant in numerous matters, including kidnapping, robberies and gun offences.He was also the complainant in the lone anti-gang case, in which Jason Edwards is on trial.
Senior attorney Chateram Sinanan said: "Sgt Manwaring will be greatly missed by all in the legal fraternity and I have no doubt also by his colleagues and persons attached to the judiciary in South."MTS estate constable Jason Jacob remembered Manwaring as being very serious when it came to his job but a friendly person. "He did not deserve to die like that," he added.
One of the many commendations Manwaring received over the years was in October 2011 when he and PC Avinash Narine were commended for refusing a $20,000 bribe from a suspect.