Tabaquite farmers beg for protection from criminals

Senior Multimedia Reporterradhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt

Tabaquite farmers are calling for the reopening of the Brasso Police Station or the establishment of a new police post in Tabaquite.

At a press conference yesterday, the farmers said they no longer feel safe in their homes or fields and are now demanding protection from authorities.

A spokesman for the group, Kelly Badal, said more than 300 acres of land are cultivated by 100 farmers from the Tabaquite region.

“We are the food basket of central and we supply many supermarkets and export to several parts of the Caribbean,” he said.

Badal said recently the farmers have become victims of thieves who monitor their movements before attacking.

“We get robbed and it is occurring not only on the farms but in our homes, and even when we are transporting our produce,” he said.

Badal called for a police post in Tabaquite as the Brasso Police Station is no longer operational.

He said the farmers were convinced that thieves had been waiting until they leave the fields to strike.

“We spend eight hours in the field, and within two hours, they come in and take the crops. They patrol the roads and watch all angles,” he said.

The farmers have also been victims of violent home invasions.

Badal said, “Two weeks ago, a farmer lost his licensed firearm and cash during an invasion. He was sitting in his living room when gunmen entered his home. The second time they came in at 7 pm and they tied up his hands and feet with tie straps. If we had a police post in the community, we would see a difference.”

Peter Noriega, who was targeted in his home, revealed, “Three weeks ago, I was lying down watching TV when I heard a noise. A masked man came inside my house, and my brother and I struggled with him. One had a gun. They left after the fight without taking anything.

“I feel they violated my home. Now I cannot feel safe in there.”

Another farmer, Nigel Meharris, said the once peaceful community has been overtaken by fear.

“So many people have been robbed in home invasions since the Brasso station closed down. We report the incidents and the police know exactly what is going on but we have to wait for a patrol from Cunupia to get here when something happens. That’s not right,” he said.

Meharris added that his children are no longer able to play outside.

“We want to send a message to the bandits who are coming here to distress our community. We will take whatever action we need to take to safeguard our families,” he warned.

Farmers said they are feeding the country, but feel abandoned.

“We need the help and protection we deserve,” Meharris said.

Stephen Baptiste echoed these sentiments, saying, “Farmers need help now. We are fed up. We spend hours working, and it seems we cannot enjoy the rewards of our hard work.”

They are urging the authorities to act before the situation gets worse as their livelihoods and safety are at risk.

At a recent press conference, Senior Supt of Central Division Naim Gyan said there are structural issues at the Brasso police station which are being addressed.

However, patrols have been increased in the affected areas utilising manpower from Gran Couva Police Station, the Central Division Task Force and the Emergency Response Patrols.

Contacted for comment ACP Wayne Mystar said patrols will be boosted in the Tabaquite region. He advised residents to call 486-9999 or 999 and make a report.

“The patrols will already be on the ground and will respond,” Mystar said.

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