Shot Independent candidate out of hospital

“Right now I can’t move my arm at all,” said Roberts, “but the doctors said I would regain 50 percent of its use.” Roberts was shot in the chest on November 26 while campaigning through the Palo Seco area on the tray of a pick-up truck.

According to him, the bullet entered near his shoulder, deflected downward to break a rib which punctured one of his lungs, and exited his back near his spine. He visited the Port-of-Spain General Hospital yesterday for a further assessment.

Asked whether he had any idea on who shot him, Roberts said, “I believe I know where it came from, but I am leaving the police to do their investigations.” Investigations are being led by Sgt Haynes of the Santa Flora Criminal Investigation Department.

Roberts earned 602 votes for himself, beating the United National Congress’ Abigail Alexis who got 537. “They are saying it is the highest number of votes for an independent candidate in the history of the elections,” said Roberts. The People’s National Movement’s Christine Neptune, however, won the seat with a landslide 1845 votes.

Roberts credits his 602 votes to the work he has done in the community.

“How is it that after 100 years of oil and gas, our community is still in such a deplorable state? It means we have not had proper representation.” Roberts intends to continue working in the community through the group “People for Progress” of which he is chairman. Among other things, his focus will be on reinstating the defunct Palo Seco Trade School, the Carpenter Shop and Apprenticeship Programme.

“To fix crime in this country, focus needs to be on three things: education, employment and equity.”