The raids at seven homes in Gulf View may not be political, as none of the homeowners are active supporters or contributors to the UNC, says Oropouche MP Dr Roodal Moonilal.
In an interview hours after the raids yesterday, Moonilal said, “T&T is facing dark days as the police are now executing a reign of terror on ordinary citizens.”
Having examined all the homes which were raided, Moonilal said, “I can say categorically that no one has any association with the party or being an active supporter or contributor. Most of them are not acquaintances. I am devastated that in a community like this, police can take such action without finding something or coming up with some kind of evidence to suggest they have acted properly.”
He added, “This makes Buju Banton’s raid pale in significance.”
Moonilal said he was also concerned that the raids were unsuccessful.
“Up to this time they have found nothing. It is tantamount to a reign of terror. I call upon the TTPS to say what is the cause which triggered such a mammoth search in the Gulf View area.
“Other residents have spoken to me. I have had contact with our MP Faris Al-Rawi and we are calling on him to inquire quickly into the circumstances that led to that operation in this residential area,” Moonilal said.
He lamented that a retired teacher’s home was searched and her door broken in. “It is unforgivable, untenable and speaks to a reign of terror. Our community is under siege. I wonder what is the purpose when nothing has been found? I am calling AG to act immediately and although the substantiative Commissioner is out of the country, the TTPS must issue a statement.”
He noted that he has been a recent newcomer to Gulf View.
“As some may know, I am a new resident in the area and I have been well received by my fellow residents,” he said, adding he was prepared to meet with the affected residents and offer legal advice.
Asked whether he believed the raids had any connection to politics, Moonilal said, “I am clear that the matters involving the arrests of Anand Ramlogan and Gerald Ramdeen are political in nature. Neither of them is charged and they have been placed in an oppressive and dictatorial environment. I don’t know whether this (Gulf View raids) is about politics or an attempt to distract. This speaks to the State’s reign of terror.”
Moonilal added, “I am calling on the TTPS and AG to immediately inquire and issue a statement.”