Witness hid in office from gunman

LISA JAIKERANSINGH admitted yesterday that she hid in an office when shots rang out at the International School in Westmoorings on November 20, 2002. Jaikeransingh, administrative assistant to the director, said she reported for work around 7 am. Around 3 pm, she was standing at the front desk when she saw a man dressed in black with a knap sack and something in his hand which she thought was a toy gun pointing it downwards. Jaikeransingh said she heard a loud noise which sounded like a fire cracker. She said the business manager and security officer Anthony Ralph, who were in a meeting, ran out. She saw Ralph push the gunman and hold on to him by the shoulder. More explosions were heard.

Jaikeransingh could not say to whom the gunman was pointing his gun. She did not see security officer William Ramnarine at any stage. Terrified at what was happening, Jaikeransingh said she ran into the office of the business manager and locked the door. She said she followed emergency procedures and called for the chairman of the Board. She then looked through the window and saw members of staff on the outside. She heard no more noises. She came out of the office and was back at the receptionist’s desk. Jaikeransingh said she never saw the gunman again. She remembered calling the police 999 unit. Minutes later, she saw Ralph with several police officers at the front of the building. But after speaking with Ralph again, she hid again in the business manager’s office. There, she heard another five to six shots. Jaikeransingh stayed in the office for ten minutes. She heard voices which she recognised and felt it was safe to go outside again. There were a lot of police officers in the office. She made two announcements and all the students and staff later assembled in the gymnasium.

Another witness, police photographer PC Wayne Phillip said yesterday that he took 13 photographs of the scene at Westmoorings on November 20, 2002. At the scene, he was shown several areas by the investigating officer, ASP Terrence Badal. He took photographs of areas with metal objects as well as an upper room at the school. He also took pictures of broken panes near to the door leading to the computer room. He also took photographs of two areas with stains resembling blood. When cross-examined by Patricia Roberts, PC Phillip said he would have taken more than 13 photos on the day in question. He could not remember, but promised to bring the negatives to court today.