MP’s son shot in robbery bid

The 40-year-old son of Laventille West MP Eulalie James was shot in the groin and right thigh on George Street, Port-of-Spain on Friday night. Reports revealed that around 7.30 pm, Patrick James of St Thomas Street,  East Dry River, Port-of-Spain, was walking down a flight of stairs in an apartment building between George and Nelson Streets, Port-of-Spain when he was confronted by two men armed with guns. The men pointed the guns at James and attempted to rob him. He reportedly pushed one of the gunmen who retaliated by shooting at James and hitting him in the groin area. The gunmen then fled the scene.

James was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he was treated and warded. A party of officers led by Ag Inspector Sahadeo Singh, Cpl Mercer and PC Edwards went to the scene and carried out enquiries. Sunday Newsday learnt that two suspects in the shooting were being sought by the police yesterday. In a release yesterday, the United National Congress (UNC) condemned the attack on James and expressed concern over the escalating criminal activities in the country. “The UNC empathises with MP Eulalie James, noting our own horror when Ashmead Baksh, son of Naparima MP Nizam Baksh was kidnapped and murdered two months ago. “We assure MP James of our continued prayers and support for her in this moment of grief,” the UNC release stated.  Ms James could not be contacted yesterday but relatives claimed she was distressed over the shooting, but grateful that her son escaped death.