Paray: Citizens left vulnerable by government inaction

In a recent statement, Member of Parliament for Mayaro Rushton Paray criticized Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley for not taking enough action to address the rising crime crisis in Trinidad and Tobago. Paray referenced the recent shooting spree at Harpe Place, where five people were killed and three others were shot. Despite recent security deliberations and changes in leadership within national intelligence, Paray believes that the PNM administration has not implemented substantive strategies to combat violent crime, leaving citizens feeling disillusioned and vulnerable.

Paray highlighted the lack of arrests in the Harpe Place massacre, which took place in broad daylight near law enforcement infrastructure and surveillance systems. He expressed concern that despite significant investments in national security, including budget allocations and initiatives, the country remains at risk from armed criminal elements. Paray likened the frequency of murders under the current administration to the routine occurrence of water shortages in citizens’ daily lives, emphasizing the deep trauma inflicted upon communities by senseless violence.

The MP also criticized the government for failing to address the issue of illegal arms trade, noting a lack of action to stem the flow of illicit firearms, dismantle criminal networks, and enhance law enforcement capabilities to improve detection rates. Paray’s remarks come in the wake of the tragic incident in Mayaro where four campers were killed in an act of violence, further underscoring the urgent need for concrete strategies to address the pervasive threat of crime in the country. He called on the government to take effective measures to protect citizens and dismantle criminal networks to ensure the safety and security of the population.

The shooting incident at Harpe Place, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, has shed light on the escalating crime crisis in Trinidad and Tobago. Crime scene investigators recovered over 50 spent shells at the scene, indicating the use of various types of firearms in the attack. The brazen nature of the shooting, occurring in broad daylight and near law enforcement installations, highlights the audacity of criminal elements and the challenges faced by authorities in addressing the pervasive threat of violence in the country.

Paray’s criticisms of the government’s response to the crime crisis reflect widespread concerns among citizens about the increasing levels of violence and insecurity in Trinidad and Tobago. The lack of arrests in high-profile cases like the Harpe Place massacre has raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts and the need for concrete strategies to combat crime. As the country grapples with the aftermath of tragic incidents and the ongoing threat of violence, it is clear that urgent action is required to address the root causes of crime and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.