No word on man kidnapped since Nov 2

A worried Michael Hospedales,  father of Randy Hospedales, is begging the alleged abductors of his son to please allow him to know if Randy is alive. “While I am not sure if he is really kidnapped, a least someone wherever he is can contact us and say if he is alive or allow a family member to speak to him.”

Randy, 35, a graphic artist at SM Jaleel and Co Ltd, left his Maraj Trace, Cantaro Village, Santa Cruz home on November 2 at 7.30 pm headed for Caribbean Cinema 8 at Trincity Mall. He has not been seen since. An anxious Hospedales further explained, “Following this abduction, two days later around 5.15 pm, my daughter Michelle Benjamin in Tacarigua received a call from persons claiming they had Randy and wanted $4,000 for his release by Thursday 6 am or he would be killed. “She immediately reported the matter to Arouca police who in turn handed it over to the Santa Cruz police. The Anti-Kidnapping Squad then took over the investigation. “Nothing was heard again until November 7, when the same person called again. This time, on hearing the voice, my daughter immediately passed the phone to her husband Oscar Benjamin, who said ‘hello’ and the caller hung up. Since then we have heard nothing.”

The grieving father said he is unsure if his son has indeed been kidnapped or if it is an attempt to get money to pay a bill, given the relatively small sum demanded. He said he just wants to know where the last of his eight children is. A concerned Hospedales continued, “Except when he drinks, Randy is a nice boy and only misbehaves at home. He is not into drugs or gambling. The most I can suppose is that he owes somebody some money so this false kidnapping was orchestrated. But 26 days have gone now and I want to know if my son is alive or dead. I feel he should be given the opportunity to contact me.” Concerned workers at his workplace have also joined the call for Randy to be allowed to contact his family.

Persons with any information are asked to contact the Santa Cruz police at 676-8888 or his family at 676-0306 or 792-6180. Sgt McMillan is spearheading the investigation.