Prisons Commissioner: Officer’s killer will be found

Acting Commissioner of Prisons William Alexander urged mourners at the funeral of murdered prison officer Glenford Gardner to find solace in God and that in due time his killer would have to answer to a higher power.

Alexander delivered an impassioned address before a densely packed Church of Resurrection in Carenage yesterday and extended his condolences to Gardner’s relatives. Quoting from the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible, Alexander said he was optimistic the forces of the state would prevail in bringing the killer to justice.

“No one is immune to the wicked actions of criminals, be they members of the public or law enforcement officials in uniform, but God is the final judge for all unjust deeds. Vengeance is his. The feet of those assailants shall slip in due time. It is of paramount importance that we seek answers in the wisdom of the almighty.”

Williams also urged parents and guardians to assume a greater role in the lives of their children. He said the key to success in the fight against crime was to curb waywardness and indiscipline among children in the home and called on officers not to shirk their duty, but remain committed to their duty and service to the nation.

“To all parents, stand up to your responsibilities to grow your children in the right values. Guide them and steer them away from this plague.”

Priest Fr Ashton Gomez echoed Alexander’s sentiments and urged parents to take a more proactive role in their children’s upbringing and make an effort to teach them the importance of hard work and sacrifice to steer them away from criminality.

“All too often we give our children what they want too easily and that is in essence what Trinidad has become - an island of spoilt children.”

Gomez also called on Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon to work towards removing errant law enforcement officers who may seek to use their authority to undermine the efforts of the state. He said such elements continue to endanger the lives of law abiding citizens and officers alike.

“We have degenerated as a society because of one thing in particular, money. Any time you try to make a dent in crime, you are playing with people’s money. No doubt our late brother Glenford Gardner was playing with people’s money by doing a good job. There are people that we need to get rid of from within the service.”

Gardner’s daughter, Chelsea Gardner, delivered an emotional eulogy in which she recalled his role as a family man and mentor.

Gardner was buried under full military rights at the Carenage Public Cemetery after a procession by members of his graduating batch and the Prison Service marching band.