More peace plans to fight crime

Gang leaders and community activists from Port-of-Spain, Laventille and environs held two meetings that followed a peace march on Sunday.

UNC candidate for Laventille, Sean Francis, TUCO president, Michael Legerton, Spiritual Baptist Mother Monica Randoo, Warrior Princess (representative of community active group for Laventille) and former PNM senator Muhammud Shabazz also attended the meeting.

Minister Boynes told Newsday there was progress at the talks.

“Things have calmed down a bit, and we are optimistic. We are here to listen to what the community leaders would like, and their concerns,” Boynes said.

The Minister said the men have asked for employment opportunities, sporting programmes, youth training, and the upgrading of sporting facilities.

When asked about the three murders that had occurred two hours after Sunday’s peace march, Boynes responded, “We are now dealing with the Laventille area, and those leaders are now attending the peace talks.”

Monica Randoo said there were many acts of crime hence the situation must be studied in a holistic context. “This (meeting) is what we should be getting for Independence! The youths are trying to change their lives,” Randoo stated.

Christopher Williams, also known as “Blues” said the talks were to keep crime low and hope that peace will begin.