National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds has asked if the country will use the “madness” which occurred at Harpe Place as a call for determined action, or if will it be business as usual.
In a post on his Facebook page yesterday morning, Hinds described the killings of five people in East Port-of-Spain as a “murderous explosion of deadly violence” that “shocked and traumatised us all. Again!”
As he offered condolences to the loved ones of those affected by the violence, the National Security Minister said he knew three of the victims.
“This bloody event took five lives, including my friend (everybody’s friend) Larry Phillips, a Sergeant of Police/Bandsman, who was “liming” there as he usually did. Including Pete, who I knew and interacted with over many years. Actually, I know three of the deceased,” he said.
He added Harpe Place and “many of these communities are doing well. Many have done well, but this trajectory of violence seems non-ending.”
Hinds said that police have attributed gang activity as the motive behind the deadly incident. He lamented that police have had “only limited success in eradicating the gangs” but said it can be done and requires a multi-pronged approach, including “ALL aspects of the State’s possible response.”
But he added there must also be a “GENUINE DESIRE on the part of the non-gang residents and business owners in these communities. Not only a burning desire but a sincere, unselfish, non-deceitful, clean and courageous collective response on the part of the people.”
Hinds also questioned if it would be business as usual or a movement to ensure the safety of communities for the next generation.
“Will Harpe Place/Techier Terrace, Charford Court, Bath Street, Basilon Street and environs, go through the rituals as we always do; and go back to life and business as normal by tomorrow? Or will we use this “Madness” as a call to sincerity and determined action, for the sake of our future generations?”
