Senior Reporter
jensen.lavende@guardian.co.tt
Residents of Edinburgh 500 say they remain on edge following the murders of close friends Jealani Williams and Shanice Morris, which occurred just over a month apart in the community.
Williams, 30, a private with the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, was fatally shot on March 16 around 9.30 pm while entering his Nissan X-Trail outside a parlour along La Clave Road, Edinburgh 500.
Police said another vehicle pulled alongside him and a gunman exited and fired several shots before fleeing. Williams, who was reportedly armed at the time, died at the scene. Investigators have suggested the killing may be linked to aspects of his past, although they say he had distanced himself from that lifestyle.
On April 17, Morris, a customer service representative at Progressive Credit Union, was killed after she was called to her boyfriend’s home following a reported shooting incident.
Police said her boyfriend may have been the target. Investigators believe Williams and the man shared a close bond, often referring to each other as brothers.
Around 7.20 pm, gunshots were heard at a home on Victoria Drive West and Queensway Drive, Balmoral Park, Edinburgh Gardens. Morris, who lived in Edinburgh 500, was chased and shot by a gunman and ran towards her boyfriend, who was in the yard doing work with another man, before she collapsed. Her boyfriend and the man were also injured.
Speaking with Guardian Media at the Edinburgh 500 Community Centre yesterday, E500 Sports and Arts Society president and a friend of both victims, Kirk Langton, said crime is a national issue rather than one specific to the community.
He said the Masters’ Tournament, in which both Williams and Morris were involved, is part of ongoing efforts by his organisation to promote positive change among young people and across the wider society.
“As a resident and activist of Edinburgh 500, I still feel safe. I haven’t felt the need to add anything extra security-wise,” Langton said. “Giving up is not an option. Crime is not unique to us; it is a national problem.”
He said historically, the community has been more affected by property-related offences such as car theft.
Edinburgh/Longdenville South councillor Stacy Murphy said she has made several requests for increased resources for the area, particularly in relation to municipal police support.
Speaking during a women’s empowerment workshop at the community centre, Murphy said unity is essential in tackling crime. While acknowledging that some residents may fear speaking out, she said crime prevention requires collective responsibility.
She also highlighted an initiative in the Jade Park area, where residents use an airhorn alert system introduced through Crime Stoppers, suggesting it could be expanded across the wider community.
According to the 2011 census, Edinburgh 500 has an estimated population of about 8,500 residents. Murphy said initiatives of this kind could help strengthen community-based crime prevention efforts.
“If we can have more initiatives like that, in terms of community groups coming together, because the Government can’t do it alone. The Government is not God—they can’t be everywhere at the same time. So you have to be your neighbour’s keeper,” she said.
Resident Hansel Edwards also called for stronger family and community involvement in tackling criminal activity.
“All I am saying is that we need to deal with whatever is taking place in 500 now. There are too many police, soldiers, coast guard officers, prison officers and firemen living here for us not to come together,” he said.
“If we can squeeze out the small group of bad elements, things will get better.”
All three said increased police patrols would help restore a greater sense of safety in the community.
