(Trinidad Guardian) A business group has denounced as unfair claims by criminologist Dr Daurius Figueira that an upsurge in extortions in central Trinidad is linked to businesses that are using drug money to fund their operations.
Figueira said in a social media post: “If you take drug man money to build your empire, and the drug man operation collapses, ent people come looking for the money? People come looking for the man money that you are owing. How come that is extortion? They are running around now bawling extortion to make themselves victims, but they owe the people money and they are not paying.
Figueira said it was not by coincidence that kidnappings were occurring in central Trinidad following the collapse of an illicit business operation.
Noting many business owners are complaining about the extortions, but not going to the police to report it, he added: “If you know you owe the people money and you are not paying the people, you are in the game, and you know the next thing is to kill you. Who are you going to, to report it when he has all his people in the police station watching alyuh?
“From the time you see they grabbing man and sending ransom, but they finding the man dead. Ent, they get their money and they kill him?”
However, the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) denied Figueria’s claims in a strongly worded statement, saying they were unfair to all businessmen.
CCIC president Baldath Maharaj described the criminologist’s comments as unfortunate.
“While I understand the importance of examining all factors contributing to crime, I must emphasize that the vast majority of business people in our community are honest, hardworking individuals striving to grow their businesses, support their families, and contribute to our economy by creating much-needed jobs,” he said.
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“It is both inaccurate and unfair to paint all businessmen as complicit in their victimization. Many local entrepreneurs are operating within a challenging economic landscape, facing real issues such as limited access to affordable financing, high operational costs, and a pervasive threat of crime.
“For many, these challenges are compounded by extortion and threats that are entirely undeserved and are unfortunately indicative of a broader crime issue in the country.”
Maharaj said the CCIC continues to advocate for increased support from the Government and law enforcement agencies to tackle the root causes of crime.
“While we acknowledge that no institution alone can resolve these complex issues, a collaborative approach is essential. We are committed to working with the police and the government to enhance security measures and ensure that all business owners, who are crucial to the region’s economic vitality, can operate in a safe and supportive environment.”
Maharaj said the CCIC will continue to stand by our members and represent their concerns fairly, while also working with all stakeholders to promote a community where lawful businesses can thrive without fear.
Head of the T&T Police Service’s Extortion Unit Senior Superintendent Richard Smit said he had no information to suggest that some businessmen who are being extorted are linked to the drug trade.
Smith said, he doesn’t know everyone’s business and he can’t say if the information the criminologist has is correct or incorrect, as he would have his sources.