Pastor says there is tolerance for violence in TT

Pastor Michael Phillips believes there is a certain level of tolerance for violence in this country. He said it destroys the potential for people to live their lives to the fullest and no one seemed to be able to fix it. Phillips was delivering the sermon at the funeral service yesterday for slain police officer Kryston Ramirez,32, who was shot dead on December 16 outside a sports bar in Carapo, Arima. The service was held at Maloney SDA Church, Euphonia Avenue, Maloney Gardens, Maloney. Marvin Madoo, Alex Sumir and a 17-year-old male appeared yesterday in the Arima Magistrates’ Court charged with his murder. Phillips said something was happening in this country that was challenging morals and values because people were being killed for no reason. He said Ramirez sought to live life to the fullest, taking care of his daughters, but was cut down in his prime.

“The living know they will die so they strive to live, the dead know nothing. Everyone should be given a chance to live in this country, once you are born you should be given the chance to live. We believe in law and order in this country and I hope that this does not change. “

Phillips spoke to a congregation of several hundred people, including Ramirez’s colleagues in his batch, who paid their respects in a presentation tribute. Police Commissioner Gary Griffith and MP for D’Abadie/O’Meara Ancil Antoine also attended the service.

“We need peace that satisfies and makes us comfortable. We need for people to feel secure. We need order in this country and there is a need for justice. All of us are seeking a common purpose where better days are coming.”

The pastor also questioned where all the guns were coming from that were killing so many young people.

“Most of the murders are being committed with guns. Who is importing the guns? Little hit men do not live in ivory palaces or drive luxury vehicles. The crooks will hand over their guns when Jesus comes and God’s people will be taken up and Heaven will open up,” he promised. Ramirez’s mother Anne-Marie Rogers said it was always difficult for a mother to have to bury her child, especially under these circumstances. She said when Ramirez announced that he was going to join the Police Service, she did not stand in his way of his dreams and accomplishments.

“I knew when he joined the Police Service there was always a risk. I prayed more for him than I did for myself. That day I got the call that no mother wants to hear...my son had been shot, and killed. He is gone now, but each one here has the privilege to give our lives to Christ,” she urged.