Trinidad: Public Safety concerns raised after two disturbing incidents

Two recent incidents in Trinidad brought forth the issue of safety; safety on the roads and safety from crime especially on busy roads.

A hit and run accident happened in Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook at around 4:10 o’clock early Sunday morning where a woman hit a man crossing the road and then escaped.

The victim, a 40 year old man from St. James was hit by a Honda Vezel. The police who were on patrol, saw the accident and followed the driver and arrested her at the Maraval Parkway and Audrey Jeffers Highway junction.

The victim was admitted at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital and the report stated that the victim was stable. This social incident went viral after the release of CCTV footage which showed the incident and thus raised awareness on safety of pedestrians especially at night.

On the other hand, another gruesome incident happened in front of MovieTowne in Port of Spain. Marika and her family were robbed when they were entering their car after having a great time at the family entertainment hub, on the Saturday.

The suspect approached Marika and her children. Despite all the efforts they made, the assaulter snatched them off all the valuables and flee away. Police personnel near location made significant efforts to search for the suspect but were fruitless, and nobody was arrested.

MovieTowne’s owner, Derek Chin, made it clear that the robbery took place outside the facility but at the same time he called for more police presence in such areas to protect the public.

The two incidents bring into focus the fact that more needs to be done in order to protect the public whether it is with regards to improving on the efficiency of the traffic or increasing the police presence in such areas.

More caution has to be taken by the police and members of the society in order to avoid such occurrence in the future and also protect lives of people and guests in different parts of the country.