Police set up fund for murdered PC Joseph’s daughter

Joseph, 22, was murdered two weeks ago and her body dumped in the Gulf of Paria, near Sea Lots. She is to be laid to rest with full military rights after a funeral service this morning at the Daybreak Assembly Church, Poinsettia Drive, Morvant. Kenneth Browne, 38, and his ex-wife Melissa Browne, 28, have been charged with murdering Joseph who lived at Marie Road, Morvant and had joined the police service just four months ago. Her mother, Paula Guy, is taking care of her infant daughter.

On Wednesday, president of the Police Social and Welfare Association (PSWA) Michael Seales and the association’s central committee representative, went to the Port-of-Spain branch of Unit Trust and established the fund by contributing $80,000 which represents the stipends paid to the association’s executive members.

The account number is 6016383-2. Special Reserve Police officers who will also benefit from the back pay are being asked to contribute only $100 per person. Yesterday Seales said that the setting up of the fund has received the full blessings of Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams and members of his executive are also being asked to contribute.

He said he was told by Williams that the fund is an excellent idea since it will mean that a child’s life could be brightened in the future as a result of the assistance.

“I have contacted president of the Fire Services Association Leo Ramkissoon and president of the Prison Services Association Ceron Richards who both committed to contributing to the fund and will rally their membership who are also benefitting from back pay to make a contribution,” Seales said.

Corporate citizens and other concerned members of the public are also being asked to support the fund.

Asked by Newsday why this fund was never set up for children of other police officers who were murdered, Seales said unfortunately he was not the president then. He said similar funds will be set up in similar circumstances.

“I want to do more for the membership and this is a start.” Newsday understands that Joseph’s family will benefit from payment of three months of her salary initially, and the Police Service will make a one year contribution of her salary as well.