IT
was with great respect for freedom that I observed the comments
of a couple of elderly women during one of my daily journeys through
the “killing field” that Morvant has become.
“The dogs come from up so and go back with a pampers in his
mouth,” was the comment.
Only a couple of months ago, no one on this said street dared to
offer assistance to a couple of wounded youths that were shot while
working on a WASA project nearby.
Thank God for a taxi-driver who stopped and took the wounded to
the hospital.
The gunman had taken on the disguise of a woman, down to timble
heel shoes and an umbrella to carry out his dirty work.
And less than quarter-mile away, innocent victims suffered fire
bombing and gunshots to their houses as they angered the gunman
with a prayer for peace.
A raging gun battle had been the order of the day between rival
gangs for “turf”.
At least five bodies were dropped with a number of injuries between
the gangs of Coconut Drive and Never Dirty.
An imaginary line divided these two areas but the entire community
became a “ghost town” as only a brave few dared to venture
out of their houses.
Not even the heavy daily presence of security forces nor the nightly
helicopter and Blimp patrols seemed able to stem the “senseless
war”.
Enters Sean “Bill” Francis, former United National Congress
(UNC) local government candidate who ventured into Never Dirty and
managed a “truce” between the two warring gangs.
With quite a number of youths and elders assembled on the Never
Dirty basketball court with hugs and drinks, a peace treaty was
agreed to.
The youths of “Young and Restless’” fame agreed
to put down their guns as the entire nation looked forward to the
outcome of this truce.
Four weeks passed and there was a scarcity of gunshots as the treaty
held.
Into the fifth week Francis then ventured into Coconut Drive with
part two of the peace treaty.
Again, the rival gangs hugged and drank beverages as complements
of the peace.
Coverage was given of the venture in the daily newspapers and one
television station highlighted the efforts, with Junior Minister
of National Security and Member of Parliament Fitzgerald Hinds daring
“Bill” to allow the gunmen to bring in their illegal
guns to the authorities.
“What do you have to say concerning the MP’s comments?”
was my question to “Bill” when I caught up to him.
“The MP is a hypocrite,” was his stinging remark.
“When I asked him on national television if he was aware that
there was a lull in the gun activities since the truce, he replied
that he was unaware.
“Now what kind of answer is that?
He must think that people are fools.
“If the MP is unaware then he is irresponsible in his job.
“Since he is unable to reach the people he must now join the
movement and let us work together for the good of all.”
“You can only die once and my wife Gayleen (Bonadie) was murdered
by the hands of security forces not by gangsters, yet I am venturing
to do the work that I do.
“What the government lacks are follow up plans.
“They are lacking when it comes to following up. When we gathered
in Coconut Drive it was follow-up to the Never Dirty truce.
“We have planned an excursion between the two areas to be
followed up with a youth fest. At present, there are no ventures
for the youths so they remain idle and become restless.
“It’s time that the people realise that Hinds is helpless
and has failed the community.
“Remember that Hinds voted against Manning for leadership
of the party.
“So the prime minister is certain of one vote against him
and this is to the detriment of our Constituency.
“That vote for Rowley by Hinds continues to stagnate Laventille
East/Morvant. In the meantime, Hinds must work along with the movement
instead of being diplomatic and work to increase the peace.
“The big question now is, is PM Manning supporting my movements?”
In the meantime, into the sixth week of the peace treaty, life is
returning to normal as everyone I have spoken to is happy with the
results as there is just the odd gunshot heard at nights as residents
now venture outside once again. |
