‘One Foot’: I’m not a criminal

Anthony “One Foot” Knights is disputing a newspaper claim that he is responsible for crime in Oropune Gardens, Piarco and is calling for an apology from the newspaper that printed the article.

In yesterday’s Express under the headline, One-foot terror in Oropune, Knights is alleged to be the cause of the criminal activity in the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) housing scheme. The article stated that “residents claimed a “one foot man” with many illegal business operations is responsible for the crime in the area”. Knights was not named in the article but he is the owner of three businesses the article mentioned.

The amputee and his family moved into the area in 2011 after an arsonist set fire to an HDC apartment complex in Trou Macaque, Laventille, killing four including a 10-month-old child. His son, Keston, was murdered in 2017 after he went to the aid of a woman that was being beaten. Knights was earlier this year recorded fighting with a man which was widely shared on social media. The man had an altercation with another which spilled into his mini-mart, one of the three businesses he owns and operates with his family. The video showed Knights, using his crutches, to get the men out of his business.

In an interview at his business, Knights Mini Mart, which built on to Building 3A, opposite his car wash – Singles Car Wash – and Singles Construction Hardware, Knights confirmed he did not have authorisation to operate the businesses. He said he was given an eviction notice to cease operations by May 31. Knights claimed he met HDC managing director Brent Lyons, in June, and was given “word of mouth” authorization to continue his businesses temporarily until a permanent solution was made.

“He (Lyons) knows the community needs this,” Knights said before stopping to assist a resident who arrived to purchase an LPG gas tank. “I am a service to the community.”

He added that he has never been involved in illegal activities and with cameras around his property, no one dares to engage in crime near his businesses. He said he has been targeted by residents because of jealousy. On more than one occasion, police searched his home and businesses but never found anything illegal. “One time they come with a warrant with ‘One foot’ on it, I tell them that is not my name. They said I fit the description,” he recalled laughing.

Knights and his daughter, Camille, said they will visit their attorney Pamela Elder tomorrow to discuss the next step. Camille told the media yesterday, after a meeting at the Police Youth Club where residents again voiced their concerns about safety in the community, that she and her family were fearful of their lives.

Camille said the accusation in the article made them targets for criminals who may believe her father is a gang leader. She had a brief stand-off with the reporter who wrote the article. Spokesperson for the residents, Colleen Holder, a former journalist and media relations officer for the Office of the Parliament, reiterated that HDC was not doing enough to keep residents safe. She said the HDC could not pass the buck on security by saying it’s a police matter when many of the concerns, including the operation of Knights businesses, are within the remit of HDC.

Holder, who has been robbed twice in the community, said she is no longer afraid of being targeted because she is “totally fed up”. She added that when she was asked about placement she chose Oropune Gardens twice.

“What am I to do to protect myself? I am not going to buy a gun but I want to feel safe. I had a chance to live in Oropune Gardens, I am living in Oropune Gardens and I am not moving from Oropune Gardens unless HDC put me out but I pay my mortgage on time. Something has to happen,” Holder said, adding that there many good things happening in the community but the “bad seeds” gave it a bad name.

Resident Angelo Ferdinand raised issues concerning recreational facilities which, he said, were never addressed by HDC, as well as transportation into and out of the area, where there is only one access, as well as proper drainage to deal with flooding. Another resident, Patrice Alexis-George, said she has been living in the community for the past 13 years and they have been promised a community centre yet to date there is none. She complained of having been affected by flooding on three occasions and with the rainy season here, she is “bummy” about more flooding. Holder is hoping to meet with Lyons about illegal occupancy of HDC apartments – which facilitates criminal activity; possible eviction of people flouting community rules and engaging in illegal activities; the status of a proposed business park; the status of drain pumps and overgrown bushes on empty lots, among other things. In a media release on Friday, HDC said while the safety of all residents “remains a top priority”, it cannot be held “solely responsible” for crimes in any of its communities. There are several issues at play at Oropune Gardens, which require a multi-pronged and multi-agency approach for resolution, the HDC said. HDC also promised to work alongside residents to promote peace and safety.