Father wants redress for 1990 coup death

HIS SON was killed in the 1990 attempted coup by a rampaging soldier but 13 years later sports coach Michael Joseph is still seeking compensation for the death. His son, Michael Joseph Junior, a 23-year old father of two, was killed at his home at St Paul’s Street, East Dry River. What is particularly aggrieving Joseph is to see the insurrectionists whose acts led to his son’s death, the Jamaat al Muslimeen, still prospering daily.

He recounted: “My son was killed on July 30, 1990, during a lull in the curfew. A soldier came around the area and was shooting up the place, sending people scampering. My son was hit by a bullet fired by a soldier who later raped some women up in Cumuto.” He said: “I wish to add my voice to the letter to the editor from Niekelle Caesar. It is amazing this same Abu Bakr is being treated as if he is the most important person in Trinidad and Tobago. This man who caused murders, looting, loss of State property and damage to our nation’s reputation, is being treated as a god.    

“I’d like to query what became of the judgment awarded by the High Court in favour of the people of the nation for the destruction of State property caused by the Muslimeen insurrection. The Muslimeen have been paid by both the UNC and PNM Governments but nothing has been done about the people who lost their loved ones, the hundreds of people who have suffered. The Government paid Mr Bakr compensation and we would like to know what has happened to ours? Why hasn’t the State levied on him for the $15 million he owes, which I understand has now grown to $30 million?”

In contrast Joseph said that he is yet to find out why his lawsuit against the State for negligence in his son’s death and for compensation has never been called in all that time. He said his attorney, Stephen Salandy, told him he has repeatedly been given the runaround in bringing the lawsuit. He lamented that meanwhile three of his witnesses have died. Joseph said: “If you could forgive Abu Bakr for all the damage he caused, and give him big jobs and let him ride on the Priority Bus Route, why can’t you give a poor man and his surviving family something?”.