Following murder of security guard

THE ESTATE Police Association (EPA) has sought legal advice on whether a charge of negligence could be brought against security firm Securicor in the death of one of its employees, Manmohan Ramdhan.

Ramdhan, 46, a father of four, was shot Wednesday as he sat in the company’s pick-up van while his colleague went inside Len Hap Supermarket in Duncan Village San Fernando to collect money.

Speaking to reporters at Ramdhan’s funeral service yesterday, EPA President Andrew Dardaine, called on security officers to boycott jobs to collect money from business places if proper safety equipment and armoured vehicles are not provided.

He said his union will stand by officers who take such action, adding that security officers who take on such high-risk assignments “are like lambs being led to the slaughter.”

Dardaine claims that the company did not follow the proper procedures to ensure Ramdhan’s safety.

Dardaine, who revealed that the EPA has two cases before the courts against security firms, called on Police Commissioner Trevor Paul and Minister of National Security Martin Joseph to deal with poor practices by security firms. EPA’s Education Research Officer, David Webber, said the proper safety practice was for security firms to despatch three officers, not two, to collect money. Webber added that security companies are required to provide armoured vehicles for employees.

Several of Ramdhan’s colleagues, dressed in uniform, attended his funeral service which was held under Christian rites at the house of mourning at Mungal Trace, Woodland.

Securicor Managing Director, Joseph Smith and other officials also attended the service.

Hyod Cruickshank, manager of Securicor’s north branch, expressed condolences to Ramdhan’s family.

Crucickshank said Ramdhan left a legacy and a reminder to everyone.

Describing Ramdhan as a committed and dedicated worker, Cruickshank vowed that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that justice is done.

Ramdhan’s wife, Jenny, sat alone on a chair in front her husband’s casket, silently wiping her tears away, as villagers and colleagues recalled their most cherished memories of her murdered husband.