Reverend calls for public hangings

Reverend Elmore Anthony, of the Daybreak Assembly in Morvant, yesterday called for those in authority to allow members of the public the opportunity to view hangings at Woodford Square instead of in the privacy of the prisons. He feels that this will serve as a deterrent against crime. Rev Anthony made the call during the delivery of a sermon at the funeral service of Special Reserve Police Constable Heston Charles Joseph. Joseph, of the Highway Patrol, was shot and killed in a maxi-taxi last week. Yesterday, he was laid to rest at the Tunapuna Cemetery after a military send-off with a 21-gun salute.

Rev Anthony said PC Joseph was a young man with a bright future, and he lamented the fact that the lives of persons are being snuffed out without remorse by the person or persons who carry out the brutal acts. “I hope the day will come when hangings will be carried out at Woodford Square, instead of the privacy of the prison,” the Reverend added. He said that life was a gift from God. Rev Anthony pointed out that PC Joseph was excited about his music, having produced a number of songs, and had intentions of becoming a full-time member of the Police Service. “He was a good father, a good son, an excellent police officer, a talented and extremely humble person,” said Rev Anthony. Minister of National Security Martin Joseph, Police Commissioner Trevor Paul, members of his executive, and family and friends of the dead police constable gathered at the Daybreak Assembly at Coconut Drive in Morvant yesterday to pay their last respects.

The dead man’s father, Eddie Joseph, gave an emotional description of his son. He said his son was a gift from God and he was sure he was now with the Lord because of the type of life which he led. “He will always remain in my heart and mind,” Joseph said. Deputy Commissioner Glen Roach, who spoke on behalf of the Police Service, described PC Joseph as an extremely dedicated officer with a promising future. On Monday, the Police Second Division offered a $20,000 reward to any member of the public with information on who killed PC Joseph. PC Joseph is the second constable to have been murdered in  the last week.