Celebrating Hunters Search and Rescue Team

RESCUING and recovering bodies, under sometimes grotesque and gruesome circumstances, is not a job for the faint-hearted.

Yet it is a task the 32 men and women of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team volunteer to do, to help families in distress, without financial reward, out of the goodness of their hearts.

“It is not something we would ever change for the world,” team captain Vallence Rambharat said. “We enjoy what we do. It is not all serious. We have fun.”

He admitted that members have broken down and cried like babies on bizarre discoveries, but said the bond that connects them in a common purpose has transformed them into a familial unit. He said they also have family outings and other fun activities.

It is the pursuit of this ideal that moved the Greater San Fernando Chamber (GSFCC) and 519 Restaurant, C3, San Fernando, to honour the men and women who make up this unit for their selfless service to Trinidad and Tobago.

In commemoration of Independence and Republic days, the two business entities have, for the second year, decided to recognise heroes and reward them for their contribution to national development and service in various spheres. Honours will be conferred on other deserving men, women, and organisations, over seven Wednesdays, until Republic Day on September 24.

They are akin to the national awards, but not on so large a scale or with such pomp and ceremony.

The second instalment of the initiative began on August 7, with the Hunters team being the first to be honoured, at a simple ceremony at 519 Restaurant.

Noting the crime challenges, restaurant owner Anthony Haynes was eager to point out, “Not everything is bad in this country. We have exceptionally good things going on. We have heroes, like the Hunters team, who are doing a tremendous job, and it is important that we recognise and celebrate them. We are so grateful for what they are doing, and we wish them continued success.”

President of the GSFCC Kiran Singh underscored the pro-bono humanitarian service the group has undertaken almost daily to rescue individuals in very difficult situations, and ensure, when possible, their safe return to loved ones, community and families.

Such philanthropy is what prompted Singh to call for national recognition for the group.

“The GSFCC will make recommendations to the National Awards Committee for the Hunters group to be given a national award for the yeoman service they have been giving for the past four years.”

The group consists of young to the elderly, including parents and grandparents. While the retirees have the time to invest in rescue and recovery, the employed members volunteer their services after hours and weekends when they are not on duty.

“I think it is only fitting the committee recognises the Hunters for the valiant effort they have been providing for this country thus far.”

Moved by the gesture, Rambharat said the group was not deserving of such honour, owing to the short time it has been doing search, rescue, and recovery.

Singh countered the argument, saying, “It is not the number of years, but the quality of service which justifies national recognition.”

Rambharat said between 2,500 and 3,000 families whose loved ones have gone missing have made use of the group during its existence.

“We have become a household name. We get calls daily. People know to call us when they are in distress. They have our numbers.”

The size of a search party vary from between eight and 12 members. If reinforcement is required, there is backup, if for instance a search has to go into the night. They usually work with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other arms of the police, depending on the areas and terrain into which they venture.

Family members of missing people and volunteers also assist the team.

“We believe we have been able to assist 96 per cent of those persons with positive outcomes and reunite them with their families."

On the other hand, he pointed out, there have been less happy outcomes, for an average of 30 families a year: “Families whose loved ones were missing, and we recovered bodies. For the past four years we have recovered close to 150 bodies.”

The group continues to be troubled by the ones who are never found, including three women, one from Penal, another from Diego Martin and the third from Princes Town.

While the finds have had a mental impact on some members, Rambharat said the North Central Regional Health Authority has partnered with the team to provide counselling for those in need.

“We have to look after our members’ mental health. Counselling is available whenever we feel members need it.

"We have had instances when members broke down on searches when they discovered a body and cried. We have learnt to manage the resources in that regard, so we no longer put such vulnerable persons in the front line. We put people who can handle it out front.

"I am one of those who can’t handle it and move away quickly after such a discovery.”

While the group started without any formal training, Rambharat said through the kindness of an energy company, every member is now internationally certified as a first responder. The training has also prepared them for journeys into the bush and to be aware of certain poisonous plants and wild animals.

While the work they are doing is slowly being recognised and rewarded. Rambharat said there is still a wide gap in terms of their fitting into the national agenda.

“Search and rescue is now on the front burner. People know our names, our numbers, who to call, and therefore this has to be framed into some kind of national plan to ensure the work continues and continues effectively.”

Through corporate sponsorship, the team has most of the equipment it needs, meal plans with KFC and coffee from Starbucks. But he would like to see a financial model to work through other expenses.

“We do have a small fund, but that is quickly exhausted. We need a financial base, to continue to be effective and efficient.”