By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE member of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) who fired the shot that killed little one-year-old Ya Elvis Santoyo who was on board a migrant vessel last Saturday is not a murderer, declares Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
He said the individual committed a legal and appropriate action at the time in order to defend his country in an incident that has engaged the attention of international media and Venezuelan authorities.
Dr Rowley on Thursday while speaking at the opening of the Maloney community pool continued his defence of the TTCG.
The Prime Minister said, “I don’t know which officer pulled the trigger, but I know that officer would feel the pain of knowing that the result of that action, that legal action, that appropriate action in defending T&T, resulted in the killing of that child.
He said, “And to be called a ‘murderer’, I reject it, I reject it and I reject it. These are the challenges of holding office and having authority.”
Dr Rowley said that as a grandfather of two grandsons, he understands the pain being felt by the child’s mother and other family members.
He also said the person who pulled the trigger would have been pained by the action but did what he had to do in his line of duty. The autopsy on the baby revealed that he was shot in his head.
Dr Rowley added, “But if along the way incidents like this occur, I trust we will be able to deal with it as a people without increasing the pain that we all feel. And as we extend our sympathy to those that have been directly affected by the tragedy, we also have to confirm that our borders will remain protected.”
He again promised that all attempts will continue to be made to protect the borders from illegal arms, ammunition, women and drugs.
The prime minister had come under fire especially from the Leader of Opposition Kamla Persad-Bissessar who claimed that his failure to effectively protect the borders resulted in the death of the innocent baby.
Referring to the pool of which the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) and the TTCG have accepted responsibility, Dr Rowley said he was hoping that communities and young people will be able to develop.
The Prime Minister said officers may be able to assist youths by keeping them on the right way and enhance their personal development, sporting ability, chances of joining the armed services, or of saving a life at the nation’s beaches.
Also in attendance at the event was Minister of Planning and Development Camille Robinson-Regis and Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe.
