Families of murder victims in anti-crime march

"We must not see the police and soldiers as the enemies. We must see them as friends, as persons there to protect and serve," Paul told participants in a march against crime through the streets of San Fernando.

Paul was among a group of speakers, including United National Congress (UNC) political leader Winston Dookeran, Opposition Senator Sadiq Baksh and San Fernando Mayor Ian Atherly who addressed a rally on Harris Promenade at the end of the march.

The event, organised by National "Y" Organisation (NYO), was led by Atherly, who rode on his motorcycle, and was attended by hundreds of people. NYO was formed by relatives of murdered mechanic Nigel Allen.

Wearing NYO jerseys with a picture of Allen printed across them and armed with anti-crime placards and banners, the marchers were accompanied by moko jumbies as they marched through the streets of San Fernando. Among the participants was Geeta Seebran, mother of murdered Granville brothers, Nigel and Neil Seebran, who wore an NYO tee shirt with the pictures of her sons.

Paul recalled his two encounters with bandits when he was beaten and robbed, and reminded law enforcement officers that they are there to protect and serve.

Referring to an incident where all arms of the protective services joined forces when a woman was kidnapped in Toco, Paul said: "I will like to see the protective services get into action if anyone is kidnapped. Let us not wait until certain people get into trouble for them (the protective services) to get into action."

Dookeran called on citizens to search their soul to find a solution to curb criminal activities. The UNC leader said there had been many complex proposals for a crime-free society but he hoped "we get the resolve and the political will." Dookeran said he hoped persons in public life would carry out their responsibilities with honesty, trust and political will to make the country safe.