Gang members: Cops on violent rampage

A “peace treaty” signed by gangs in the Laventille areas, commandeered by the elders in the various communities on the hill, is believed to be responsible for the massive reduction in murders in the area over the last month. However, the “treaty” may soon come to an end, say residents and gang members, who are distancing themselves from an end to the treaty. “It is the police who want to end the treaty. They boldly said they don’t care about no treaty, they want war.”

This comes on the heels of an alleged rampage last Friday night by members of the joint army/police patrol, where several young men and gang-members from different districts, who had converged on a house at Gonzales/Quarry Road for a “Blocko,” were beaten and threatened. “As part of our peace plan, we came up with this idea and invited members from the other warring gangs. “People came from the Despers area, St Barb’s, Sogren Trace and other areas and were having a good time. Even senior police officers came by and had a beer. “Then suddenly this white jeep appeared and the occupants said they were looking for two brothers. When we asked why, the ‘officers’ called for back-up. “Minutes after, about four jeeps came with dozens of officers who began kicking, beating, spitting on, mashing and cursing people, while shooting up in the air. One man who is still in hospital with kidney problems was beaten on his stomach.

“Others were beaten on their heads, and when we told the police we were just having a ‘Blocko’ as part of a ‘peace treaty,’ they said they do not want any treaty, they want war.” Investigations also revealed that the cops returned the following day and beat a few more people, while asking them about empty shells from the shots fired the night before. “Imagine even women were beaten by the cops. One aged woman, who was selling soft drinks, had her cart thrown on the ground and her investments destroyed, while she was pushed down. “The cops did not want to listen, they were just beating and taking advantage of people when we are trying to put that life behind us. While we have no intentions of retaliating, if the cops should continue this way then there is no telling how certain brothers will react,” warned the elders.

Anthony Fredericks aka “Bulls,” one of the community leaders who was at the function, cried shame on the officers and their threats. “Over the last month, there have been no murders in Laventille because of our involvement. The fellas decided to go one step further by inviting other groups together. “While we have no problem if the police have to arrest somebody, going on a rampage, beating and brutalising everyone, is not the way. “I personally heard the cops say they do not care about the ‘peace treaty,’ so then what is the sense in calling for it if they do not want it?” asked the Laventille elder. The “treaty” was signed just over a month ago, when members of rival gangs met with MP John Rahael and members of the Port-of-Spain City Council at Harpe Place. Police sources said they went to arrest two bothers on suspicion of murder, and were shot at by residents.