By Sue-Ann Wayow
MEMBERS of the Chaguanas borough are hopeful that soon, kidnapped businessman Kartikey Ramsundar will be returned safely to his family.
The search continued on Friday for Ramsundar who was taken around 2.30 pm Wednesday from his business place Riverside Marina along Cacandee Road Felicity.
Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West Dinesh Rambally said the kidnapping has left the entire community distressed and traumatised.
He said, “Even one kidnapping is one too many, and it has the effect of sending the country reeling back to a time when citizens were gripped by fear and anguish, and had to be constantly looking over their shoulders.”
He is hopeful that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) despite being without a Commissioner of Police (CoP) will spare no resource into finding Ramsundar and is also hoping that his kidnapping was not the start of a resurgence.
Rambally added, “I also sincerely hope that the TTPS will be properly equipped and maintained in this fiscal year, as what has become evident is a certain air of apathy from the Minister of National Security who, during the budget exercise, has remained evasive on issues for which he has responsibility and accountability.
“I ask for an assurance from the Minister of National Security that nothing will be spared for this and other issues that seem to be crippling the security of Trinidad and Tobago.”
He asked for the entire country to pray for Ramsundar’s safe return and for the general safety of all.
Chaguanas Mayor Faaiq Mohammed told AZPNews.com that recently, crime was increasing the Central area and he is concerned that criminals may have been taking advantage of the TTPS situation being without a CoP.
He said the police continued to do their duties but hopes that the TTPS will get resolve the issue soon.
More CCTV cameras needed
The Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) is also extending its prayers and support for Ramsundar’s family.
CCIC President Richie Sookhai said: “This event is very unfortunate and we want the Ramsundar family to know that they have the full support of the Chaguanas business community.”
However, he said, better deterrents could have been in place to prevent or better assist his recovery.
Recently, the CCIC recently called for greater surveillance in the country after the murder of Chaguanas businessman Ramnarace Nandoo, the owner of C’s Cuisine Corner and BBQ.
The CCIC is once again proposing a Public-Private Partnership where the business community of Chaguanas subsidises a portion of the installation and running costs of the surveillance technology available to prevent crime in the area.
Sookhai said, “We are open to discussions with the Ministry of National Security and the TTPS to execute this initiative. Criminal elements must not be allowed to run rampant and do as they please while tax-paying citizens are afraid in their own communities.”
While Chaguanas was thankful for the regular TTPS patrols in the area, the police cannot be everywhere all the times which was why the added support was needed, Sookhai said.
He said, “Neither the government nor the business community can accomplish such a project alone, we need each other to make it happen.”
Sookhai added that if the surveillance devices were installed, it will not only bolster the economy as investors feel more secure about their investments, but it will cause families to be at ease knowing that their loved ones are living in a safer Trinidad and Tobago.
And Ren Gopiesingh of Hunters Search and Rescue team said the team was ready to assist in searches if called upon by the family members to do so.
The team will also collaborate with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to verify and notify of any new information or leads into Ramsundar’s kidnapping, he said.
