Country wears black for Sean

Since the child’s battered body was found in a canefield on Tuesday, feelings of anger have gripped the nation and the story has been the front page lead every day since then.

Police, who were slow to respond to Sean’s mother when she reported the child missing, have been severely criticised by everyone.

Lack of confidence in the Police has not been quelled by Police Commissioner Trevor Paul’s order for a probe into what Paul himself described as the lackadaisical behaviour and inaction of the police.

In the South, the picture was the same with many responding to the call to wear black and drive with headlights on. Throughout the day yesterday, many persons on High Street, both old and young, wore black.

Some mothers also clad their children in black. Other areas where the call was supported included Princes Town, Point Fortin, Penal, Siparia, Chaguanas, Couva, Waterloo and Freeport.

On Thursday, text messages were forwarded by cell phone users to their co-workers, friends and family to join with each other in protesting the gruesome killing of Sean.

The text message read: ‘‘On Friday 31 March we wish to protest the killing of Sean Luke. Wear Black. We mourn the loss of another of our nation’s angels. Voice your opinion on Friday.’’

The call for solidarity was made by one of the country’s local group of car enthusiasts through their website — trinituner.com and President of the Pre-Owned Automobile Dealers Association, Inshan Ishmael.

Ishmael told Newsday yesterday that he appreciated the overwhelming support he got from the people. “It is unbelievable. This experience I think has brought the citizens of the country together. It is time that the people wake up and unite for the fight against crime, especially to our little ones.”

Public Relations Officer of the Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat Association, Kamal Hosein, in a press release, called for God-consciousness among the citizens of the country.

He said that ASJA was appalled by such a senseless act against Sean.

“This was a diabolic and utterly repulsive atrocity against a helpless innocent child snatched from the safety of his home environment,” Hosein said.