Evangelical Council calls for action after killings

The Trinidad and Tobago Council of Evangelical Churches said it is concerned following the death of Municipal Police Officer Anusha Eversley and four persons in Morvant, including a child aged eight.

The Council extended condolences to the families and to the community affected by the incidents.

The Council said the incidents are part of a pattern of violence that requires response from state, civil society, and community groups. It said statements of grief and statements of outrage are not sufficient.

The Council said it has a meeting scheduled for May 23 with stakeholders including National Parent Teachers Association, Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association, and Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International Trinidad and Tobago. The agenda includes education and teaching of values related to conduct and ethics to children.

The Council said efforts include outreach in schools and work among community groups and churches. It said partnerships between churches and community groups will be strengthened. It said leaders will be provided tools for youth development and family life and for support of values.

The Council said churches serve as places of worship and as centres for guidance and mentorship and support within communities. It said faith-based networks can support families and youth. It called on citizens and leaders to act together. It made an appeal to persons involved in gang activity to leave that activity and said there is a way in Jesus Christ.

It said responsibility is shared among state agencies, community groups, and institutions. It said coordination of efforts is required to address causes of violence and social conditions linked to crime. It said its role includes participation in meetings and contribution of programmes through churches and partner organisations. It said information sharing among organisations is part of its approach.

The meeting scheduled for May 23 will include the National Parent Teachers Association, the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association, and the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International Trinidad and Tobago.

The Council said discussions will focus on schools, community engagement, and teaching of values related to conduct and ethics. It said schools will be a focus of outreach activities with churches and community groups. It said citizens and institutions have role in addressing violence and crime.

The Council repeated its appeal to persons involved in gang activity to leave that activity and said there is a way in Jesus Christ.