National Security Minister Jack Warner said police have started a robust investigation into yesterday's "tragic accident" on the Beetham Highway in Sea Lots, which claimed three lives.Hadeey Paul, 29, and her two daughters Ruthie, 8, and Shakira, 7, died instantly when a private car driven by an off-duty policeman struck them as they were waiting to cross the highway near the Central Market. A fourth person, Amanda Lalla, 26, is in a critical condition at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope.
Speaking with reporters before a function hosted by the Morvant Fire Service Youth Club, Warner said he was fully briefed about the accident.He said he was not one to rush to judgment. He said the police investigations have begun and "they shall do all tests that are necessary, including a breathalyser test and in a week's time or less they shall have this matter investigated."
Warner said he was aware of attempts by residents of the area to engage in protest action."Something like this can cause any community to be angry but at the end of the day we have to understand that an accident is an accident. He said he hoped as the day progressed nerves are less frayed, tempers are cool and common sense prevails." He said he did not see any problem with the residents overnight as security in the area had been increased.
But officers on the scene said late yesterday the residents were still attempting to engage in violent protest as they were intermittently throwing stones on the highway, which was closed to vehicular traffic.Warner said he was not too phased by threats of protest by the Sea Lots residents. He said there were only a few people in the area who were "hard-headed" but the vast majority were law-abiding citizens.He said he expected that common sense would prevail.Warner also extended condolences to bereaved family members.
