Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has condemned the fiery protests that rocked Trinidad and Tobago’s capital city on Monday following the police killing of three men on Saturday.
Speaking at the post-cabinet media conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on Thursday, Dr Rowley said the protests over the deaths of Isaiah Roberts, 16, of Laventille, Leonardo Brandon Williams, 17, of Beetham Gardens, and Fabian Richards, 22, of El Socorro, were unproductive.
In fact, he said it negatively impacted the country’s economy and warned residents of Beetham Gardens and Sea Lots that it would not serve to address their concerns.
“Some people believe that this is how they talk to the government. Some people believe that this is what is going to get them into political office. I simply say that as difficult as our circumstances are, it is not impossible. We have been through far greater difficulties than this and we have come through even with flying colours. So for those who tell you that this difficult period warrants further destruction voluntarily imposed upon us by our own citizens, they are not acting in the best interest of the rest of us who would want to come out of these situations as quickly as possible.”
Furthermore, Dr Rowley condemned the “criminals” whom he said were willing to carry out the deeds of unnamed individuals with political interests.
Nonetheless, he said he would await the outcome of investigations meant to determine if police used excessive force.
On Monday, scores of persons blocked the Beetham Highway and other roads across the capital angry over the police killing and calling for justice.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) claimed the victims in the incident participated in criminal activity including leading a high-speed chase, stealing a car and shooting at the officers.
This has been denied by residents and survivors who said the men were executed after attempting to flee cops once they became afraid for their lives. They also said that the lawmen shot at them which caused them to speed off.
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