Cop killing renews call for State of Emergency

Immediately after the shooting, which killed her father’s security guard Tuesday night, Margaret Ann Robinson, the former president’s daughter, who had accompanied him to the dinner party, quickly took charge of the situation until the arrival of the police more than one hour later. By this time a shaken Robinson and several of the special guests were whisked away to safety. Acting Insp Williams, who was holding on for another officer who is on a two-week vacation, had only minutes before relieved another female officer who was providing security for the former President. Robinson, his daughter, former attorney general Russell Martineau SC and several other dignitaries were at the time attending a dinner hosted by Dr Marjorie Thorpe. Ironically, the former president had just congratulated the host for the soup and was just about to address the gathering on fundamental issues to alleviate crime when the five gunshots rang out causing everyone to scamper and shout, “Shades of 1990.”

The dead policeman, who had 34 years service, was supposed to go on pre-retirement leave in two months before leaving the service next February. According to information, Williams and Simmons, the driver, were sitting in the president’s BMW when three men scaled a wall on the western side and pulled them out of the car before robbing and shooting Williams, then running off. Several senior officers such as Police Commissioner Trevor Paul and Deputy Commissioner Glen Roach were some of the top police officials who visited the scene. Police believe the three men, who had committed a robbery minutes earlier in the El Dorado area, were driving through the area when they spotted the cars and saw an opportunity for another robbery, but did not cater for Williams, who had put up a fight. CoP Paul said the service had lost another good officer, killed in the line of protecting the lives of others, and expressed his deepest sympathy to the family.

“This murder shows the level of recklessness and the total loss of respect for human lives we are now seeing in this country.” When Newsday visited the Victory Street, Arima home of Williams, no one was available for comment. His wife Pamela and relatives whom we met at the Forensic Science Centre refused to comment. An employee at Robinson’s Ellerslie Park home said he was resting and would make a statement later this week. Dr Thorpe also refused to comment. However one guest at the dinner, artist Leroy Clarke, while expressing concern about the death, was more concerned about the attitude of the police. “The police arrived about three to four hour  hours after the shooting and that was only some of them. For most of the time there was only one officer. “I was totally disappointed with the response time, and can well imagine what takes place in Laventille and other areas.

“There should be some policy for when persons of the calibre of Mr Robinson are travelling that his people call the police before, and a proper escort and security provided.” “I fully support the call for a state of emergency and a curfew. It is time the business people stop their self interest and put their money to mobilise forces  civilian resources in community watch programmes,” added Clarke. “The vision of the Social  and the  CEPEP programmes should be expanded to be more community involved if we are to look at eradicating crime. “As to the police service something is wrong with the internal part of the organisation, and there should be more focus on training and dealing with the community not all on cars and guns.” Autopsy results performed by Dr Evelyn Boris confirmed death by haemorrhaging consistent with bullet wounds. Police said they were leaving no stone unturned in finding Williams’ killers.