Government Silence on Tobago Murders Highly Unacceptable

Member of Parliament for Couva North, the Honourable Ramona Ramdial

The recent double murder in Tobago of British national, Richard Wheeler and his wife Grace has yet again brought our sister island negative international attention because of crime.

The UK has updated its travel advisory to reflect this latest killing and international media houses such as the BBC and the Daily Mail have carried reports.

Tobago’s economy is highly dependent on tourism and this continued spate of crime on the island is certain to affect its visitor numbers.

It is surprising, disappointing and outright unacceptable that Minister of Tourism, Shamfa Cudjoe who is also Member of Parliament for Tobago West, the constituency in which this latest murder occurred has to date not commented on Tobago crime. Two days have elapsed since this latest murder and Minister of National Security, Edmund Dillon remains silent on the issue.

A clear plan of how government intends to curtail this spate of crime afflicting our nation should be publicly outlined to appease the minds of both citizens and prospective visitors to our country. International eyes are now on us because of crime and the safety of every person on our soil has to be ensured; yet the voices of those in authority remain silent.

OFFICE OF THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR COUVA NORTH
HON. RAMONA RAMDIAL
L.P. 436 SOUTHERN MAIN ROAD, CHASE VILLAGE
TEL: 672-2206 FAX: 665-5140