(Trinidad Guardian) Chaguanas businessman Tariq Razak, 59, was gunned down outside of his business place on the western end of Eric Street yesterday morning.
Residents said three loud explosions were heard after 6 am, and Razak’s body, bearing gunshot wounds to the head, was discovered. He was wearing a blue shirt and a blue pair of trousers and slumped next to a grey sedan parked outside the gate of the compound.
Relatives of the deceased said family members had taken the decision not to speak with the media. Residents said Razak, who operated a construction business, may have had financial difficulty.
Officers from the Chaguanas Police Station and Homicide South visited the scene.
Baldath Maharaj, head of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC), said the chamber was deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal murder of Razak.
Maharaj said, “We extend our 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.
“This fosters a dangerous sense of impunity among perpetrators and erodes public confidence in the justice system. 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.”
He said the crime situation creates an environment of fear and uncertainty that stifles economic growth and undermines the borough’s reputation as a hub for commerce and trade.
While Maharaj commended the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) for introducing new crime-fighting initiatives in the Borough of Chaguanas, he said it was evident that criminal elements remain undeterred.
“These initiatives must be bolstered with targeted, intelligence-driven actions to disrupt criminal networks and restore safety to our communities. As president of the Chaguanas chamber, I call upon the TTPS 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 Chaguanas chamber, Maharaj said, remains committed to collaborating with law enforcement and relevant stakeholders to address these security concerns.
Chaguanas Mayor Faaiq Mohammed called for more police patrols. He said Razak’s killing sends a clear message that no one is safe. He added, “This affects everyone, not just the victims and their families. It’s bad for the community and bad for the economy. The Government has failed us. They’ve made big promises but haven’t delivered. We need real action now to protect the people of Chaguanas.”
Razak’s death brings to three the number of businessmen gunned down within the last few days.
Contractor Praimraj Heerah, 44, was gunned down in front of his Cocoyea Village, San Fernando, home last Tuesday night, more than a month after he survived an attempt on his life. Meanwhile, San Fernando businessman Christopher Rajbally, the owner of Top Dog Pet Shop, was shot and killed outside V’s Casino at Southland Mall, Cross Crossing, on Thursday night.