Westmoorings student kidnapped

A $5 million ransom has been demanded for Brandon Montrichard, the 20-year-old son of businessman Brian Montrichard, who was snatched in Westmoorings early yesterday morning while dropping off a friend. It is understood that a relative of Montrichard paid $20,000 to the kidnappers, but up to late yesterday, he had not been released. This is the 23rd kidnapping for the year. Reports revealed that about 2 am, Montrichard of Sandown Road, Goodwood Park, left his home to drop off a friend in Westmoorings.

At 2.30 am, his father received a call that Brandon had been kidnapped, and the caller demanded a $5 million ransom for his safe return. A report was made to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) and police began a search for the kidnapped student. The Suzuki vehicle which Brandon was driving at the time of his abduction was recovered in Belmont, and tested for fingerprints. Yesterday, Brian Montrichard told Newsday through an intercom at his home in Goodwood Park that it was a difficult time for him. He said that he was not in a position to divulge any information at this time.

Montrichard, 20, of Sandown Road, Goodwood Park, is said to be a student and also works part-time at his father’s business place — Xante and Xanadu Private Members Clubs. Montrichard Sr also owns Credit Chex Ltd, a collection agency, and other businessplaces. One of Montrichard’s relatives was among the four persons who appeared before a Port-of-Spain magistrate on Monday, charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

She was arrested last week at another house in Westmoorings  and charged with possession of 60.2 grammes of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. She is now on $50,000 bail. Yesterday, AKS officers told Newsday that they have no leads in the kidnapping. The AKS confirmed reports that some members of the business community were being threatened that members of their family would be kidnapped if money was not paid. Some scared businessmen have paid the cash demanded, while others have made reports to the AKS. In Chaguanas, a well-known hardware owner fled to Miami after he received kidnap threats.

Members of his family recently migrated to the United States and the business is being run by a relative. On Thursday, less than a day before Montrichard was snatched, the business community declared that it would no longer accept promises or await the passage of legislation before crime in Trinidad and Tobago was brought under control. In response, Minister of National Security Martin Joseph said it was unfair for anyone to say that Government was doing nothing to curb crime in Trinidad and Tobago. He will be meeting with members of the business community on Monday to update them on the ministry’s anti-crime operations.