[UPDATED] Chaguanas mayor heartbroken after businessman's murder

CHAGUANAS has been left in shock and grief after the fatal shooting of 59-year-old businessman Tariq Razack early on December 7.

Chaguanas Mayor Faaiq Mohammed described the tragedy as heartbreaking and deeply troubling for everyone in the borough.

The shooting occurred around 6 am on Eric Street in Montrose, as Razack, of Couva, arrived at his scaffolding business place.

Gunshots were heard and Razack's body was found lying next to a car, with multiple gunshot wounds.

ASP Singh, Sgt Ali and other police from the Central Division responded.

Sgt Elvin, PCs Lall and Sirkissoon, WPC Fairly and other police from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, also responded and gathered evidence.

Mohammed expressed deep concern over the killing, highlighting that it happened so early in the day, showcasing just how bold criminals have become.

A statement from Mohammed, hours after the murder, criticised the government's response to rising crime in the area.

"Time and time again, we have been promised more police and army patrols to tackle crime, but where are they? The criminals are out in full force, yet the government seems to be nowhere to be found," Mohammed said.

"People are living in fear, businesses are under threat, and the entire borough is feeling the weight of this lawlessness."

He referred to Chaguanas as the heart of business in TT and emphasised how crime affects everyone.

"It is where hard-working people build their lives and provide for their families. But when businessmen like Mr Razack are killed, it sends a clear message: no one is safe," Mohammed said.

"This affects everyone, not just the victims and their families. It is bad for the community and bad for the economy."

He accused the government of failing the people and making "big promises" but not delivering them.

Mohammed added: "We need real action now to protect the people of Chaguanas. Enough is enough. The safety of our citizens must come first."

He offered condolences to Razack's family, adding no one should have to go through this kind of pain.

"His death is a wake-up call. It is time for the government to do their job and make Chaguanas safe again," Mohammed said.

Baldath Maharaj, present of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC), condemned the murder, saying the organisation was deeply saddened and outraged by it.

On behalf of CCIC, he offered heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this tragic and distressing time.

"This heinous act highlights a troubling reality: violent crime, particularly murders, has become a prevalent method for resolving disputes, fuelled also by an alarmingly low detection rate of less than 15 per cent with minimal convictions," Maharaj said.

"This fosters a dangerous sense of impunity among perpetrators and erodes public confidence in the justice system."

Maharaj charged that the ripple effects of such acts of violence extend beyond personal tragedy and community safety.

"They deter shoppers and visitors from coming to Chaguanas, negatively impacting businesses already grappling with economic challenges," Maharaj said.

"This creates an environment of fear and uncertainty that stifles economic growth and undermines the borough's reputation as a hub for commerce and trade."

He commended the police for doing their part to fight crime in Chaguanas. However, he said it is evident that criminal elements remain undeterred.

Maharaj called on the police to act swiftly and ensure justice is served.

"We also urge the government to allocate additional resources to combat the pressing crime issues in the central region."

"This includes enhancing preventative measures, increasing police presence, and improving investigative capabilities to boost detection and conviction rates. The chamber remains committed to collaborating with law enforcement and relevant stakeholders to address these security concerns."

He said the chamber would continue advocating for the safety of its business community and burgesses, emphasising the urgent need for collective action and meaningful solutions.

"We also reiterate our call for calm and unity during this challenging time. The chamber will persist in its efforts to create synergies aimed at fostering a safer environment for all and stands ready to support any measures to ensure that justice prevails."

Razak is the second businessman to be gunned down in two days.

On December 5, pet shop owner Christopher Rajbally, 38, of Gulf View, La Romaine, was shot in his Range Rover while leaving V's Casino on Golconda Connector Road, San Fernando, around 11 pm. He died in the driver's seat.

Maharaj had also commented on Rajbally's murder, highlighting the vulnerability of people, especially those contributing to the economy.

He charged that Rajbally's murder was a grim reminder that crime has no boundaries, impacting communities throughout the country, where businesses and residents remain at the mercy of criminal elements.

Another businessman, Shastri Anand Rampersad, of Lendore Village, in Chaguanas, was kidnapped on November 21 and remains unaccounted for.

Rampersad who operated Jit's Quarry was snatched outside his home.

Police have not confirmed whether a ransom has been demanded for Rampersad's release.

This story was originally published with the title "Chaguanas businessman shot dead outside workplace" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

A businessman identified as Tariq Razak, 59, was fatally shot in a carpark on Eric Street, Montrose, Chaguanas, early on December 7.

The incident occurred around 6 am as Razak arrived at a businessplace.

Police said his body was found on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds next to a car.

Officers of the Central Division and Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, were at the scene gathering evidence.

Razak is the second businessman to be gunned down in two days.

On December 5, pet shop owner Christopher Rajbally, 38, of Gulf View, La Romaine, was shot in his Range Rover while leaving V's Casino on Golconda Connector Road, San Fernando, around 11 pm. He died in the driver’s seat.

Baldath Maharaj, president of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce, commented on Rajbally’s murder, highlighting the vulnerability of people, especially those contributing to the economy.

He said Rajbally’s murder was a grim reminder that crime has no boundaries, impacting communities throughout the country, where businesses and residents remain at the mercy of criminal elements.

This is a developing story.