Thousands walk at Death March

In anticipation of the huge turn- out, streets in the city were blocked off, triggering massive traffic jams and congestion on the few streets left open to vehicular traffic on a busy Saturday shopping day.

The widely publicised event got underway at about 9.35 am led by businessman Stephen Cadiz, chairman of the Keith Noel 136 Committee. The march drew participation from several business organisations, including the TT Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) and the Employers’ Consultative Association.

Victims of crime also took part in the anti-crime march, including relatives of murdered businessman Dr Eddie Koury and psychologist Ronald John who was kidnapped for ransom on two occasions.

After leaving the starting point at the corner of Chacon Street and Independence Square, the marchers, most of whom were wearing red and carrying placards with anti-crime slogans, marched along making emotional appeals for a safer country. Several persons who opted not to join the march, looked on from the sidelines. One woman shouted out to the marchers, "This is not the answer! Seek Jesus!" A large contingent of police officers was deployed along the route of the march. ACP Oswyn Allard told Sunday Newsday all "necessary measures" were in place to ensure that the march went well.

In the vicinity of the Red House, with a National Security helicopter hovering overhead, one of the more dramatic moments of the Death March played out. In a sequence choreographed by veteran masman and designer Peter Minshall, there was a symbolic "Laying of the Dead." A red piece of fabric which stretched from the corner of Hart and Abercromby streets to the front of the Red House, made the way for the dramatic display, a tribute to the more than 300 persons murdered for the year so far. The dramatisation involved 60 persons dressed in white, their faces covered in sheer black material.

They lay face down on the red fabric. Speaking to reporters following that display, Annette Rahael, Koury’s aunt said she and other relatives supported the march in the hope that the "escalating situation" comes to an end. "Our family had to be here because we are no different from any other affected family that has fallen victim to the senseless crimes in the country. We are here hoping that something is done," said Rahael.

Later, the marchers gathered at Woodford Square, where the Noel 136 chairman addressed them. Cadiz announced yesterday’s crime figure to the crowd, noting it had increased by one with the murder of a police officer who was shot dead in Laventille.

"The murder figure now stands at 307, ladies and gentlemen. Everyday the Government is procrastinating.

"We have sent them a petition of 112, 000 signatures from concerned citizens and to date nothing has been done to alleviate the crime in the country," said Cadiz.

Cadiz also responded to persons who had criticised the use of the name "Death March" for yesterday’s activity. He said those people were clearly in the minority. "Today’s march is indeed a success," he declared as he pointed to the large crowd in Woodford Square.

"We have proper laws, we have money and an excellent police service. Why are we still unable to get the job done?" Cadiz asked. Other speakers at the rally included Christine Hosein, mother of kidnap victim Imran Hosein and Wayne Chance, president of the Vision on a Mission prisoner reform group.