Murder of Sean Luke —

SOCIAL Services Delivery Minister Anthony Roberts is to bring in a psychologist to speak to the two boys charged with the murder of six-year-old Sean Luke, who was found dead in a canefield in Orange Valley last Tuesday.

Speaking yesterday during the PNM’s St Ann’s East constituency third annual Family and Sports Day at Bourg Mulatresse recreational grounds, Lower Santa Cruz, Roberts said he planned to meet with the police to have a psychologist visit the teenagers, so the Government could deter further incidents. “We have to find out what is happening with our youths. We want to know what is going on inside their heads,” said Roberts.

Roberts said counselling began on Saturday for the family of Sean Luke and his ministry will also be pursuing the assistance of persons who are close to the family in the community. Roberts said the murder was a traumatic and most devilish act which should not be allowed to continue in society.

Discussions between Roberts and the Education Ministry are also underway to provide counselling for the students at the Waterloo Hindu Primary School, and Sean Luke’s schoolteacher. Roberts said the ministry will work hard to bring back normalcy to the family and its community.

For other persons who have suffered a loss of life in their family because of murder or rape, Roberts said the ministry is preparing a proposal for a National Counselling Programme and amendments to the legislation of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act, which he said will also have to provide besides compensation, some kind of counselling for persons.

Proposals for a National Parenting Programme will also be critiqued and carried before Cabinet within one week, as Roberts said parents are in need of help in TT.