Murdered man’s family calls for end to URP

Dead is Matthew Ainsley Byer, 28, alias "Darkman," of Building E Paradise Heights, Morvant. The former Duffugang member was released from prison three years ago after serving time for possession of drugs for trafficking.

"Too many people’s lives are being lost for a hungry $562 that is paid a fortnight in URP. All because a person who works the programme refused to pay his $40 tax to the foreman, labour recruitment officer, or whoever is responsible for stating which names should be put on the roster. The person with this power normally represents a gang," the angry relative said.

"It is time the Government find something else to replace this programme where there will be less corruption and better distribution of resources."

According to reports, the father of three was sitting on a bench outside Building B at 12.45 pm, when he was approached by two gunmen. Byer ran a short distance in an easterly direction before he collapsed outside Building A with bullet wounds to the back and leg. The two gunmen then walked over him and repeatedly shot him before running off.

Byer was shot nine times about the body and head.

"While I cannot put my head on a block for anyone, I did not know my brother to be in anything. After making his jail, he done with that life," cried Leslie Byer, the dead man’s sister.

"My brother was a good man, who spoke of no enemies and we spoke often. Why someone would want to kill him, we do not know.

"I can only leave this in the hands of God."

Efforts to talk to Byer’s mother, who was crying uncontrollably, proved futile.

An eyewitness told Newsday that the killers were apparently "novices" as they walked up to Byer and started shooting nervously.

Investigations revealed that Byer, a foreman/painter with the URP, was a suspect in recent kidnappings in Central Trinidad had fallen out with fellow gang members over certain payments, when the hit was ordered.

Police believe the hit was gang-related.

Relatives of the dead man are calling on the relevant authorities to hire more district medical officers or look into DMO operations, as Byer’s body remained uncovered in pouring rain for four hours before the DMO arrived. Visiting the scene were Supt Cummings, ASP Rodriguez, Insp Singh and Hilare, Sgt Stewart, Samaroo, Boyce, Cpls Hunte and Brown. Sgt Stewart of Besson Street police is investigating.