Carnival violence leaves five dead

BY CAMILLE CLARKE

The Carnival has been marred with violence, as five men, among them the brother of attorney Wayne Sturge, were killed in separate incidents during last Friday’s Soca Monarch competition and J’Ouvert morning.

Their deaths have pushed the year’s murder toll to 50.

Several others were stabbed and robbed during the Carnival celebrations.

It was only last week that Police Commissioner Trevor Paul announced that no one would spoil the mas, while Tourism Minister Joseph Ross said tourists had nothing to fear.

Nicholas Sturge died at Port-of-Spain General Hospital on Sunday, after he was stabbed during Friday’s Soca Monarch at Queen’s Park Oval.

Sturge, 25, of Greenhill Village in Diego Martin, died after suffering from multiple stab wounds to his back, detectives said.

A report said Sturge was at the competition around 5 am on Saturday when he was accosted by two men who attempted to rob him.

Sturge struggled with the men and was stabbed in the back. The men disappeared in the crowd.
Sturge was taken to hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.

Three other patrons were stabbed at the Oval and taken to hospital for treatment.

Up to late yesterday evening, one partygoer was listed in critical condition. The other two patrons were treated and discharged.

Wayne Sturge Snr, father of the deceased, complained in a telephone interview about the lack of proper treatment at the hospital and from the police.

He said nurses ignored his son when he complained of breathing problems.

“My son cried in pain and we (relatives) told the nurses, who only said he saw a doctor half-an-hour ago.”

“I don’t want money; it can’t bring back my son. I want justice for them doctors to face the penalty. They are lapsing.” .

The irate father said when he spoke to a police officer, he said he could not do anything, because of the lack of evidence.

Former Laventille Executive Council member Sheldon “Croc” Scott, of Picton Road, was killed on Sunday night at Fatima Trace in Laventille.

Police said Scott, described as “Most Wanted and notorious,” died around 9 pm.

A report said residents heard several loud explosions. On checking, Scott’s body was found in a pool of blood.

Macdonald Padmore, public relations officer of the Laventille Executive Council, said men were killing for fame or a stupid cause.

Padmore said peace talks would be held after Carnival.

Wayne Sherry, 40, of Prizgar Lands in Laventille, was found dead on Sunday night on Sixth Street, Beetham Gardens.

A police report said Sherry left home with a female companion to find transport for her around 10.15 pm.

Beetham residents reportedly heard several loud explosions and called the police.

When officers of the Inter-Agency Task Force responded, they found Sherry’s body on the road.
His body bore multiple gunshot wounds.

Police list of Carnival stabbings, shootings

* Aaron Ganish of Laventille, shot around 4 am in Port-of-Spain.
* Adison Gaines, 18, of Laventille shot in Port-of-Spain.
* Gary Lawrence of Aranguez, shot in Morvant.
* Indra Maraj, 47, of St Joseph, was shot in her left foot at George Street, Port-of-Spain.
* Camille Durham, 17, of Cocorite, stabbed in the back at Roxy Roundabout, St James.
* Marcus Phillips, 22, of St Augustine, stabbed in the back around at a St James bar.
* Kareem Forde, 19, of Upper Laventille, stabbed in the left arm in Port-of-Spain.
* Rose White, 25, of Petit Valley, was stabbed in her back on Frederick Street around 4 am in Port-of-Spain.
* John Pierre, 17, of Barataria, was stabbed about his body on Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain.
* Sheldon Charles, 20, of Laventille, stabbed in Port-of-Spain.
* Ravi Seecheran, 17, of St James, suffered injuries in an attempted robbery in Port-of-Spain.
* Marcus Phillips, of Barataria, stabbed on Alfredo Street, Woodbrook.
* Kiuro Brawaithe, 23, of Gonzales, stabbed on Broadway, Port-of-Spain..
* Marcia Phillips, of Barataria, stabbed on Alfredo Street, Woodbrook.* Anthony Butler, of Morvant, stabbed on Greaves Street, St Clair.
* Curtis Simon of Beetham Estate, beaten in Port-of-Spain.
* Ralph Cupid, 25, of Carenage, stabbed on St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain.
* Anita Nicolas, 21, of Woodbrook, beaten on her head in Port-of-Spain.
* Shelly Ann Downes, 25, of John John, suffered head injuries in a fight in Port-of-Spain.
* Robert Mitchell, of Port-of-Spain, beaten on Queen Street, Port-of-Spain.

Ah thought we big fockin pappy Com. of Pricks said it "was jail for Carnaval."

Oh Lord, this is the fockin Carnaval...

I so happy to see that is plenty niggas geh lick up. Go Fete some more, we still have today and cool dong day.

Fockin kill one another, I enjoying it.