NWRHA increases armed security at St James Medical after deadly shooting

Senior Reporter

jensen.lavende@guardian.co.tt

North West Regional Health Authority CEO Anthony Blake says security at the St James Medical Complex has been increased.

Blake gave the assurance after Guardian Media visited the facility yesterday and only saw two unarmed security officers, a day after employee Jamaal Watts was gunned down at the facility.

His assurance came as National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said his ministry will continue to provide support to the Health Ministry.

Yesterday, Blake said there was always armed security, but the number was increased after Wednesday’s deadly shooting.

“There is active security in terms of what you will see in front of you. We have installed over 100 cameras which are monitored off-site, which is something we have done over the last year in the St James Medical Complex. We always had armed security on the compound, but we put additional armed security and we’re working with the TTPS in terms of they doing regular patrols,” he said.

He added that Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland and TTPS members visited the facility yesterday.

While there is expected to be a police presence around the hospital, Watts’ sister Shanika said she has no confidence that the police will catch her brother’s killers.

Speaking with the media at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, Shanika said her brother was not a gang member but was killed because of the area he lived—Belle Eau Road, Belmont.

“It ain’t making no sense, and for what? We just killing out one another for what? Just hurting mothers and family like myself and Jammy now start to live,” she lamented.

Watts, a daily paid worker, was cutting grass on a field at the back of the complex when he was shot.

Two men reportedly drove into the compound, came out of the car and searched for Watts before approaching him. One of the men and Watts had a brief scuffle before he was shot. The two men then left in their car.

Watts died while being treated at the nearby Accident and Emergency Department.

Some employees told Guardian Media yesterday that Watts was not supposed to be on the field cutting grass, as that was not part of his duties. They suspect someone working with him may have set him up, as he seldom did field work but volunteered to help as other employees complained of feeling tired.

Shanika said that was the type of person her brother was—always jovial and seeking to help and not hurt. She said the 31-year-old, who was also a pannist, returned to the country last week and resumed duties last Friday.

Watts was a member of the Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille.

Steelpan arranger and musician Duvone Stewart, who is in the US, said he would cut his trip short to return for Watts’ funeral. He said he taught Watts to play pan and was always told by Watts that he would one day join him at BP Renegades. Stewart said he never got the chance to play a song for Watts while he was alive but must do so for his friend in death.

Blake said the NWRHA will assist the family with their funeral expenses.

In a media release yesterday, the National Security Minister condemned Watts’ killing. He assured measures will continue to be implemented to safeguard employees, patients and visitors “in our health institutions.”

“In this regard, the Ministry of National Security will collaborate with the Ministry of Health, to provide support, including activity designed to bring relief to all at these institutions,” he said.

He also denied social media claims he facilitated employment for criminals at various facilities run by the NWRHA.

The post NWRHA increases armed security at St James Medical after deadly shooting first appeared on CNC3.