Santa Cruz businessman released by kidnappers

KIDNAPPED businessman Anslem Choo Woon Chee was released by his captors early yesterday morning at the Lady Chancellor Hill.

The 42-year-old father of two daughters, ages 8 and 3, was spotted at the side of a road around 5am by two joggers, who then contacted officers of the St Clair Criminal Investigations Department. Officers headed by Cpl Brian Mercer and PC Stephens, who were patrolling the area at the time, responded and found Choo Woon Chee, proprietor of Archie’s Supermarket, Cantaro Village Santa Cruz. The first thing he told the police was that he was hungry, and he was taken to the Quik Shoppe, corner Park and Richmond Streets, Port-of-Spain where he was fed.

Choo Woon Chee had been snatched by armed men from his Sandbank Avenue, Sam Boucaud, Santa Cruz home on the night of May 7. Choo Woon Chee told police that the kidnappers treated him well, but that he was feeling a bit weak, and a bit dazed. After eating, he was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, where he was treated and discharged. Officers of the Anti Kidnapping Squad (AKS) were later contacted and the businessman interviewed. AKS sources said they believe the people who snatched Choo Woon Chee broke down and released him because they had no directions from their leaders, some of whom are in jail.

AKS sources also told Newsday that the kidnappers contacted Choo Woon Chee’s relatives around 9pm Tuesday asking for a ransom of $2 million. Police said the family offered $100,000 and that the kidnappers were willing to accept. The kidnappers called around the same time Wednesday night, but police said sometime between then and 5 am yesterday, the kidnappers released Choo Woon Chee. At Choo Woon Chee’s home yesterday, relatives kept the businessman away from the media, saying he was not ready to deal with the public. A woman claiming to be a close relative, stood outside the house and said Choo Woon Chee was doing well and that she wouldn’t wish what happened to him on anyone else.

“We are just joyful that he is safe,” the woman said, also thanking the AKS and the media for their support, as well as members of the community for their constant prayers. During his week in captivity, Santa Cruz residents kept vigil in hope of the businessman’s release. The woman said further that Choo Woon Chee’s daughters were extremely relieved that their father was home with them once again. “They (daughters) couldn’t express the way they felt and they are just relieved to have him home. They are very close to him,” she said. Choo Woon Chee had entered his yard in his blue four-door van around 8.10 pm on May 7, when an armed man stopped the vehicle and abducted him.