Killings continue in T&T as police court criminals

Police are looking for the killer of Esther Durgadeen, a mother of four, who was shot and killed at her home near Princes Town on Saturday. They say so far they have no motive for the cold-blooded murder and have made no breakthrough in their investigations.

Local media reports say the 36-year-old woman was shot when she went to the bathroom on the ground floor of her home.

Police are working on the theory that she was either the victim of mistaken identity or a stray bullet hit her. Family and friends are in shock and disbelief. They say they cannot imagine why anyone would want to harm Esther.

The senseless killing comes within days of a public appeal from the acting commissioner of police for members of criminal gangs to call in to police if they want to surrender and turn their lives around.

It's a continuing crusade for James Philbert to encourage people who have been involved in criminal activity in gangs to make a fresh start. Senior police officers and evangelical pastors are courting the criminals who now say they are ready live their lives as law-abiding citizens.

Philbert told reporters last week the police must give their full support to gang members who want to get out of crime.

A group of 27 men and women and their pastors met with Philbert recently as a follow-up to another meeting they had with the top cop at an undisclosed location in south Trinidad.

The pastors assured the acting police commissioner that all the men and women have stated their desire to change their lives and walk a new path guided by religion.

“They wanted to get out because they got fed up. They wish to live a little longer, and to enjoy life a little longer, and they suddenly realise there is a God,” Philbert told reporters, adding that they former gang members have vowed to help bring an end to gang violence.

The police chief pledged to help them. “We are willing and able to assist any gang member who is willing to change,” said Philbert, who declared that the goal of the police is to stop gang-related crimes, which police strongly deplore. "We will try to reduce it and eradicate it,” he said.

If you are a gangster who has found God and ready to be cuddled by pastors and police there is a way out. Just call (868) 625-4932 or 623-8440. The two hot lines would connect you to the offices of Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Gilbert Reyes and Assistant Police Commissioner, Crime, Raymond Craig . They are based at the Police Administration Building.

Philbert is excited about the project to save the criminals. He told reporters so far he has been overwhelmed by requests from men and women who have left gangs and want to live law-abiding lives.

In meantime, the killing continues. More than 450 citizens have been murdered so far this year, an all-time high for Trinidad and Tobago. And the majority of the murderers continue to roam the nation.