There will be increased police patrols in Port of Spain, specifically at Harpe Place where five people, including a police sergeant, were killed by gun violence last weekend.

Police sergeant Larry Phillip, Rudolph James, Randy Graves, Pete Noray, and Devon Jack were killed in a brazen daytime attack on Saturday. Three others – Richard Pierre, Wendell Primus, and Akina Thomas – were injured and hospitalized. Police have so far said the killings appear to be gang-related.

Addressing the incident in the Lower House on Monday afternoon, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said counselling will also be offered to traumatized residents.  

The National Security Minister reiterated that majority of the weapons used in these violent crimes come from the United States, adding that government continues to work with the US to combat the influx of weapons.