Anthony “Boombay” Boney, one of 33 persons detained during T&T Police Service (TTPS) red alert exercises last week, was released from custody yesterday and reports are that several more are expected to be freed over this weekend.
However, Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith warned that he would not hesitate to “Go Code Black” if gang-related homicides and shootings continued. He said the red alert is being maintained
A TTPS release stated that since the start of the red alert on Wednesday afternoon and during the period of the ongoing Operation Strike Back in hot spot communities, there had been no gang-related homicide and a virtual shut down of related criminal activities.
Several persons of interest were held for questioning and Griffith said a few of them might be released pending further investigations.
“However, it is to be noted that I expect no change in the status of the current low levels of crime and homicides in these areas, as has been experienced over the last few days, as we will not hesitate to act again, within the law, maintaining a level of intensity at the Red Alert State. As I stated before, they would not wish for us to go, Code Black,” Griffith said.
On Friday, Boney’s attorneys sent a request to the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court asking for Griffith to give the reason for the detention of their client and asking about his whereabouts. The application was filed before High Court Judge Eleanor Donaldson-Honeywell.
It was subsequently ordered that Griffith was to complete all interviews with Boney on or before 10 am yesterday.
Boney was represented by attorneys Fayola Sandy and Coreen Findley. He was released from police custody at about 9 am.
When contacted, Boney’s relatives said they got the message about his release but were yet to meet with him. They could not state his whereabouts up to press time, although news of his release spread like “wildfire” throughout the Laventille and Port-of-Spain East.
Some residents expressed concerns over the pending release of the people who had been in police custody since Wednesday.
“We are just watching the scene and hoping that the pettiness stops,” a resident from Beetham Gardens said.
Griffith said the men and women of the TTPS had a responsibility to enforce the law and to protect the rights of all citizens.
“I am very aware of my rights and authority as Commissioner. swore an oath not to abuse such rights and authority. However, I also swore an oath to protect the lives of law-abiding citizens, and therefore, I will continue to pursue this end,” he said.
“We have the right to engage persons of interest for specific periods for investigative purposes, and would continue so to do toward the greater good—whilst not infringing on anyone’s right to freedom.
“That being said, I will make it my responsibility to make life as difficult as possible for any citizen who may think utilising the judicial system as a loophole is in their favour, whilst utilising other young men to engage in criminal acts on their behalf.”