Safety Crisis in Moruga/Tableland: MP Demands Immediate Action

Member of Parliament for Moruga/Tableland, Ms. Michelle Benjamin, MP,

As the Member of Parliament for Moruga/Tableland, I am heartbroken and outraged by the senseless and brutal murders of Shenelle Singh (17) and her brother Keston Singh (21) of Naggee Trace, New Grant. This heinous act of violence has devastated our community, and my thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the victims.

This tragedy comes on the heels of the horrific killing of 5-year-old Anika Guerra and her father Enrico Guerra, and it underscores the growing crime crisis in Moruga/Tableland. Despite numerous warnings and pleas, this government has failed to prioritize the safety of our community. I am once again calling on Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds and Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland to take responsibility for their inaction and neglect.

For too long, we have been left to fend for ourselves. For example, the police post at St. Mary’s is woefully understaffed, with just six officers trying to protect over 6,000 residents. It is impossible for them to adequately respond to the rising crime in the area. The lack of resources, visible police presence, and the ease with which illegal activity occurs along our coastline has made Moruga/Tableland a haven for violent crime.

I am demanding immediate action to address the urgent security needs of our community:

• There must be an increase in police patrols throughout Moruga/Tableland, especially in high-risk areas.
• Our police stations/posts need proper staffing and resources to ensure that our officers can effectively protect and serve the people.
• More must be done to engage our youth in positive activities and provide alternatives to

crime through increased investment in community safety programs.
I am calling on Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to instruct his Ministers of National Security to treat the safety of Moruga/Tableland as a priority. How many more lives must be lost before this government takes the necessary action? We cannot continue living in fear. The time for talk is over
– we need action, and we need it now.

MP Michelle Benjamin
Moruga/Tableland