US Embassy reaches out to attacked missionaries

Yvonne Webb

Following the attack of an American missionary family, Charge de Affaires of the United States Embassy John McIntyre has said they remain very concerned about the levels of crime in Trinidad and Tobago.

However, he has pledged to partner with the government to prevent crimes and prosecute wrong-doers, while focusing on the safety and security of their citizens.

McIntyre’s response follows Newsday’s article on Thursday which told of the terror an American missionary family endured at the hands of cutlass wielding criminals, at their Aripero home, South Oropouche on Tuesday night.

Michael and Kathryn Purdom and their 16-year-old son, Silas, originally from Arkansas were beaten and robbed of US, TT and EC currency. The bandits stormed into their home, when Purdom, 61, opened the door in response to a knock, thinking it was a member of the church seeking his assistance.

Following the publication on Thursday, the embassy called the Purdom’s to express regret and offer support.

In response to an email, McIntyre in a statement said the wellbeing and safety of American citizens is one of the most important reasons why United States embassies exist throughout the world.

“We remain very concerned about the levels of crime in TT, just as our fellow Americans remain concerned about crime at home. The American citizen family that was attacked and robbed in their home will have our full support.”

He expressed appreciation for statements made by Purdom, which he said echoed fundamental truths, “that crime is and can be everywhere and that TT is a great country and an exceptional place to live.”

McIntyre said, “It is for both these reasons that our embassy is and continues to work closely with the Government of TT, civil society, and anyone else who wants to ensure that TT can effectively address the current untenable crime situation. We do this as a supporting partner. Others have spoken of the need to include civil society and we agree but there is also an important role for the business sector to play.”

He said now is the time for everyone in TT to be involved, including the U.S. Embassy. He also pledged to continue the Embassy’s involvement in promoting strong effective criminal justice system with their local partners.

“This includes working with the GOTT to extradite criminals to serve their sentences in U.S. prisons, when appropriate. We will also remain actively involved in programmes that prevent, detect and prosecute crime.

“Let me be very clear. We are committed partners to the government and people of TT and we will always focus on protecting the safety and wellbeing of American citizens living in this great country.”