Thousands march against crime

IN A massive show of condemnation over crime, a  crowd estimated at well over 10,000 crowded the streets of rural Barrackpore yesterday afternoon in a solidarity march against crime. “Hearts are bleeding for the Baksh family,” one loud speaker mounted on a car blared, as thousands marched from different districts, converging at Petrotrin Recreation ground. Among the UNC MPs seen marching was former Works and Transport Minister in the UNC Government, Sadiq Baksh.

Dozens of policemen,  many armed with sub-machine guns, were present during the march which started in front of the Rochard Douglas home of UNC Naparima MP Nizam Baksh, who wore a jersey with the words, “Who’s Next?” written on the front. Baksh, was the father of the murdered Ashmead Baksh, who was shot to death and his body partially burnt after being abducted two weekends ago. Baksh (Nizam) led the march with his son and two daughters. Hindu pundits, Hare Krishna Movement devotees, Opposition MPs and priests from the Catholic and Presbyterian faiths joined the march which started at 2.30 pm, with Nizam Baksh leading the marchers, most of whom were carrying banners and shouting anti-crime slogans. They were greeted by thousands of Siparia marchers led by Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who came from New Colonial Road in the opposite direction.

The massive crowd converged on Rochard Douglas Road junction then marched two miles to the Petrotrin Recreation Ground where another group of marchers met and merged with them. In a sea of red, white and black banners, the marchers proceeded down Carrot Hill, east of the recreation grounds. Nizam Baksh’s eldest child, Shazaara kicked off the condemnation of Ashmead Baksh’s killers and called for an end to crime. Imam Yacoob Mohammed, Pastor Clyde Ramlochan and a member of the Parish of St Finbar, Diego Martin also spoke. Speaking to Newsday during the march, Nizam Baksh said, “the people have come out against crime. “This is just the beginning here and I wish other communities will join and send a strong message to the Government. This is not from me as MP...the people here are now calling themselves the friends of Barrackpore.” Today, as a mark of solidarity against crime, members of the Debe/Penal business community are expected to  close their businesses.