Ashanti's aunt: Register sex offenders, regulate PH drivers

Through the trauma and pain of losing her niece, the aunt of 18-year-old Ashanti Riley says the family is committed to finding justice and is calling for a renewed approach from the authorities to protect Trinidad and Tobago's women.

Ashanti's body was found last Friday in a river in a forested area in Cakes Land, La Canoa, Santa Cruz, five days after she was reported missing from her home at Lloyd Street, San Juan.

She was last seen getting into the car of a private hire (PH) taxi driver in San Juan.

Two men, 32 and 29, are in custody for her murder, while police are looking for a third.

Speaking with reporters at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, on Monday, Ashanti's aunt Lisa Riley called on politicians to strengthen policy and legislation to regulate PH taxi drivers.

Riley also said she hoped the government puts more focus on implementing a sex offenders registry, especially as one of the suspects was accused of grievous sexual assault recently.

"If there was a registered sex offenders list, we would have known these people, or these repeating offenders, and they wouldn't be plying taxis in these areas where innocent children can get in.

"We need to step up in passing laws that could have prevented this heinous act. We need to advocate for legislation to regulate the PH drivers. It's about time."

Ashanti's cousin Roland Riley said, "Somebody who has been convicted of a crime should not be driving taxi. So as a mission we have to agitate for this industry to be regulated."

During the post-Cabinet media briefing on Saturday, the Prime Minister said making pepper spray and Tasers available to the public might place women at greater risk, as they could be used by criminals themselves.

Ashanti's aunt disagreed, and felt such weapons could possibly save lives.

Samples were taken from Ashanti's body for a covid19 test. An autopsy is expected to be done on Wednesday.

Newsday contacted a member of the Santa Cruz Taxi Driver's Association who offered condolences to Ashanti's relatives. The driver, who asked not to be named, said Ashanti's murder was cause for concern not only for San Juan and Santa Cruz residents but for the general public, and called on commuters and the police to work with registered taxi drivers.

"We feel very strongly about this situation, and while we understand there are some good PH drivers, we have to understand that it's important to travel with official, registered taxi drivers. We (registered drivers) are insured, so in the event of an accident, our passengers are covered.

He also complained, "We need the support of the police, because sometimes in the evening we are bullied by the PH drivers, and when it's time for us to ply our own car for hire, we can't do so."

The driver said the association would be bringing its website back online, which would list regulated taxi drivers to better ensure passenger safety.