Trinidad gone mad

IN AN emotional and dramatic sermon at the funeral service of slain Special Branch officer, acting Insp Edward Williams at the Holy Trinity Cathedral yesterday, Anglican cleric Dean Knolly Clarke declared that the country had gone mad with crime and violence. “I am not trying to frighten you but I am asking you to look at this nation that seems to have gone mad with crime and violence,” Dean Clarke told the packed congregation. His statement was made in the context of an out of control crime situation, including an alarmingly high murder rate. As of yesterday, 165 persons have been murdered for the year. Dean Clarke appealed to citizens to come together and collectively turn around the frightening situation. He said putting blame was an easy way out. He said the country’s Parliament had been reduced to a wrestling ground and urged pastors and politicians to watch their language, since violent words can bring about violent actions.

Dean Clarke also challenged the police to bring about quality policing and pointed out that their uniforms must reflect discipline to the highest order. He described Williams as a martyr. A visibly upset former President Arthur NR Robinson, who delivered one of three eulogies at the funeral service, raised the possibility that the bandits were on their way to the room where he was seated with others for dinner when they were confronted by Insp Williams and their plans were foiled. “The life of Edward Williams was sacrificed so we could be saved,” he told the congregation. “His life was sacrificed for us all, this man was a hero, who ought to be honoured in a fitting form.” The former President called for Williams to be honoured for giving up his life, while providing guard duties for him at a dinner party in St Augustine. Well-placed sources later told Newsday that Williams would be given a posthumous National Award for gallantry during Independence Day celebrations at the end of the month.

Robinson said the rapid gunfire which claimed the life of his bodygard reminded him of the scenes of 1990 and he was saddened by the brutal manner in which Williams was killed. He revealed that hostess of the party, Dr Marjorie Thorpe, was devastated by the shooting death as was his daughter, Ann Margaret. He described Williams, 54, who served all of this country’s Presidents, as a man who was always punctual, courteous and performed his duties with competence and loyalty. Assistant Commissioner in charge of Special Branch Frank Diaz also spoke highly of the slain officer. He said Williams was a dedicated officer who spent 34 years in the service, starting on March 2, 1970. Dignitaries at funeral included President George Maxwell Richards, National Security Minister Martin Joseph, Junior National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, Police Commissioner Trevor Paul and several senior police officers Williams was buried at Lapeyrouse Cemetery with full military rites.