Date: January 13th 2007

From: Dr Kumar Mahabir <mahab@tstt.net.tt Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2007

The statistical trend continues today

PUBLIC LECTURE

HOSTED BY
GLOBAL ORGANIZATION OF PEOPLE

OF INDIAN ORIGIN (GOPIO) INC

TRINDAD CHAPTER

SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2005

4.30 PM

AT DIVALI NAGAR

URIAH BUTLER HIGHWAY
CHAGUANAS

PRESENTERS:

DR KUMAR MAHABIR

ANTHROPOLOGIST

&

MR ROGER SEEPERSAD

SOCIOLOGIST

KIDNAPPINGS IN TRINIDAD: A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS


Abstract – With a record number of 163 reported abductions for the year 2004, Trinidad is now known as the second kidnapping capital of the world. Yet no scientific or empirical research has been published by academics and scholars on this alarming phenomenon. This research is based on the collection, analysis and study of daily reports gleaned from the three main newspapers in Trinidad in 2004. The study examines the amount of ransom money demanded and paid; and the age, occupation, gender and ethnicity of the victims. The study also looks at high-risk geographical areas of kidnappings and the time of the year when they are most frequent. Though the research is based on data collected in 2004, it points to significant trends that are likely to recur in 2005. This presentation concludes with suggestions which Government agencies can implement to arrest and eliminate this recent criminal development that is threatening the safety of nationals in this oil-and-gas-rich country.

Keywords – crime; kidnappings; national security; Trinidad and Tobago; Caribbean.

Correspondence – Dr Kumar Mahabir, President, Association of Caribbean Anthropologists, Swami Avenue, Don Miguel Road, San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. Tel: (868) 674-6008. Tel/fax: (868) 677-7707. Cellular: (868) 756-4961

E-mail: mahab@tstt.net.tt, kumarmahab@hotmail.com

Introduction

Trinidad and Tobago is located between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, and is 10 km (7 miles) north east of Venezuela. Trinidad is 4,828 sq. km. (1,864 sq. miles) which is slightly smaller than Delaware (5,128 sq miles). The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean. The twin-island republic is the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas, and has earned a reputation as an excellent investment site for international businesses. The economy benefits from low inflation and a growing trade surplus. Prospects for growth in 2005 are good as prices for oil, petrochemicals and liquified natural gas are expected to remain high (CIA 2004; CSO 2003).

The twin-island republic has a population of 1.3 million people. East Indians make up 40.3% of the multi-ethnic population; Africans/Blacks 39.5%, Mixed 18.4%, White 0.6%, Chinese and Other 1.2%. Roman Catholics comprise of 29.4% of the multi-religious population, Hindus 23.8%, Anglicans 10.9%, Muslims 5.8%, Presbyterians 3.4%, Others 26.7%. Persons 0-14 years old comprise 21.4% of the population (male 120,153; female 114,205); persons 15-64 years make up 70.6% (male 403,202; female 370,498), and persons 65 years and over consist of 8.1% (male 39,762; female 48,765)

(CIA 2004; CSO 2003).

Trinidad and Tobago is a democratic republic with ethnic tensions simmering throughout the year but heating up during parliamentary elections which are usually held every five years. In recent times, there have been three elections in three years keenly contested by the two main ethnic-based parties, the United National Congress (UNC) and the People’s National Movement (PNM). Indians largely support the UNC led by Basdeo Panday, while Africans mainly support the PNM headed by Patrick Manning.

At the end of his political term in 1995, Prime Minister Basdeo Panday called an election in 2000. Internal dissension within the ruling UNC forced Panday to call an early election in 2001 which resulted in 18-18 tie between the UNC and PNM. For stated “moral and spiritual” reasons, the President of the Republic appointed Manning to form the interim government during the Christmas of 2001. The advantage of incumbency for ten months in government gave the PNM the edge to win the elections in October 2002. The result was a 20-16 victory for the PNM which won the elections by a mere 51% of the votes. The UNC secured a close 47% of the votes cast. (PDA 2002)

Scope and Methodology

The data for this research was sourced from the three daily newspapers in Trinidad – Express, Newsday and Guardian from January 1st to December 31st 2004. Data was collected on a daily basis, entered into the SPSS computer statistical programme, analyzed according to selected variables, and studied to determine trends over the one-year long period. Though the research is based on data collected in 2004, it points to significant trends that are likely to recur in 2005.

Only twenty-four (24) cases were published in the newspapers out of a total of 163 kidnappings reported to the police. This small number (15%) may appear to be erroneous but the reality is that the same cases are reported in the newspapers repeatedly with every new development in the real-life suspense drama. For example, the story of Saada Singh was carried at least 10 times in the Express for the month of June alone. It is very likely that the number of kidnappings is larger than that reported to the police. Families of victims of abductions may sometimes be threatened to stay silent. Others may willingly choose not to report the matter to the police who they may perceive as ineffective, corrupt or accomplices to the crime. Failed attempts at kidnappings are also not likely to be reported to police or press except if the person is well-known to the public. Kidnappings have been found to be underreported in Colombia (Lawrence 1996) and Britain (Economist 2001). According to “reasonable reliable statistics” obtained around the world from Hiscox Group, “only a tiny fraction (10%) of all kidnapping cases is reported to authorities for fear that it will trigger further kidnappings” (Butler 2005).

With the murder rate at almost one every day, Trinidad has become the fifth most dangerous place to live in the world (Express March 23, 2005). Kidnappings in Trinidad have been on a sharp rise in the last few years. This country has been ranked next to Colombia as the second kidnapping capital of the world (Express October 19, 2003). Up to yesterday (April 2, 2005), the British travel advisory was warning it citizens to be aware of attacks in this country (FCO 2005). The advisory states: “Kidnappings have been a problem in Trinidad since mid-2002.” The gravity of the crime situation caught the attention of Donna Jacobs, a journalist in Canada, whose article on January 24th 2004, threw this Government on the defensive.

The objective of doing this research is to map trends in the spate of kidnapping which is gnawing away at the heart of the society. The study constructs a collective profile of kidnap victims according to their age, occupation, gender and ethnicity. The study also looks at high-risk geographical areas of seizures, and the time of the year when they are most frequent. The aim of the study is to focus on the victims of abductions and not on the perpetrators of the crime. A collective profile of kidnappers with their age, address, gender, ethnicity, etc. will be sketched in another research paper. Our next study will be based on the collection of narratives of victims – their pain, trauma, torture and even sexual abuse suffered by the hands of their abductors.

Kidnapping is defined as being taken or detained against one’s will. There are three broad types of kidnapping in the world: (1) family kidnappings (2) political kidnappings (3) kidnappings for money. We make no distinction between any of these, and between kidnapping for ransom and kidnapping without ransom ransom. The latter type may be motivated either by vengeance or for the collection of unpaid debts (legitimate of otherwise). The Trinidad police seem to consider only kidnapping for ransom to be of statistical value. But there is no difference if a man is snatched, bundled in a car, taken to a jungle hideout, and tied for several days without a ransom demand.

Profile of Victims

Gender

The data points out that more males (75%) than females (25%) are being kidnapped. This figure corresponds to the fact that men are more visible in business even when it is a family-owned enterprise. Snatching a man in the presence of his wife and children is emotional and devastating, and can have long-term psychological effects on the young ones. Women are also more cautious about their physical safety especially outside the home. The experience is more traumatic for women who are taken by strangers to lonely areas in the night. The names of some of the victims are Saleema Meighoo, Elizabeth Reyes, Amrika Praimsingh, Michelle Rostant, Tricia Suryadeva, Cindy Mahase and Adriana Ramsingh. Last month (March 2005), a 60-year-old Glencoe woman victim named Tamen Abraham received much prominence in the media.

Age

Age of victims

The predominant age of kidnap victims appears to be 31-40. These individuals are likely to be more active, mobile and outgoing. Still in the hand of abductors is Brian Bachan who is 39 years old. Children are also easy and common targets for kidnappers to steal because they cannot fight back and are soft spots for their parents. Children abducted in 2004 include Vijay Persad, Joel Ragoo, Brian Bedase, and Saada Singh who was just 3 years old.

Place of abductions

The data on the place where the snatchings were done contradicts the popular perception that your home is the safest place. Burglar-proofed and alarm-secured homes are a deterrent but not a prevention from being nabbed. Sixty-two percent (62%) of kidnappings took place in and around the victims’ home. Ravi Kallipersad Maharaj was snatched at his home in Lange Park, Chaguanas. Newspaper reports reveal that Maharaj “was about to open the gate of his house when he was grabbed by two armed men and bundled into a Nissan Maxima car.” (Express March 19, 2005). The second highest number (23%) of kidnappings occurred at the place of business of the victims. These statistics may strike fear in the hearts of many Trinidadians and perpetuate the feeling of insecurity and helplessness.

Area of abductions

Again, contrary to popular belief, most abductions in 2004 took place in South (30%) and not central Trinidad. South Trinidad was followed by Port of Spain and the East-West Corridor (26% each). Arima and Central Trinidad had the least incidents (9%). This pattern may be changing in 2005 with the last three victims Davan Bharratsingh, Ravi Kallipersad and Brian Bachan all from central Trinidad. South and central Trinidad are highly populated with Indians and have become hot-spots for robberies and abductions.

Ethnicity

Race of victims

The study found that that a large majority of victims (71%) of kidnappings are Indians. Non-Indians comprise just 29%. This ethnic variable adds another dimension to what is commonly perceived to be a crime motivated by quick-money. Why are Indians the main target? Are they perceived by criminals to be wealthier or weaker targets? Or are they not likely to retaliate with brute force as is expected of other ethnic groups in the country? One theory can be that they are larger in numbers than Chinese, Whites and Syrians; and they are more geographically dispersed than other wealthy ethnic groups.

Time of the year

Our research shows that June and December have the highest number (17%) of abductions for the year. April has the lowest (4%). There are no explanations for these trends except that money is in high circulation for the Christmas holidays in December.

Fatalities

Fortunately, most of the kidnappings in Trinidad do not result in death. Eight-three percent (83%) of them return home alive. They either pay the ransom, escape or are rescued. Once the kidnappers receive their money, they usually release the victim alive. Our research shows that only one victim has died. He is Ashmeed Baksh, son of an Opposition UNC parliamentarian. Still missing for over 11 months now is schoolchild Vijay Persad. Homicide officers are now treating this case as murder. In neighbouring Latin American countries, most victims vanish or “disappear.”

Ransom

The amount of ransom money demanded in 2003 was TT $95,170,000, and the sum paid was $3,498,600. These figures convert into an actual 4% handed to kidnappers after negotiations. Ransom demands for 2004 ranged from $40,000 to $10,000,000 depending on the estimated value of the victim. The most frequent amount demanded was about $.3 million. A $2 million ransom is now being demanded for the safe release of transport contractor Brian Bachan. Clearly, kidnapping is growing into a booming criminal industry with high profits and low risks.

It is expected that soon kidnappers will turn to foreigners who work in multinational companies in this oil-and-gas-rich country. In Colombia and Mexico, kidnapping syndicates consider oil-company executives as juicy targets. In Peru, there is the increase in “quickie kidnappings” in which the victim is escorted to an ATM machine and forced to withdraw hard cash.

The politics of kidnappings


There is a clear relationship between the increase of kidnappings and the rise of the PNM over the last four years.

When the UNC was in government in 2001, the rate of kidnapping was less than 10 for that year. When the PNM was given power as an interim Government for ten months in 2002, kidnappings rose to 29 - an increase of nearly 300%. When it was elected to Government and was in power in 2003, the rate if kidnappings increased in a spurt of 164 - an increase of an unprecedented 565%. There was a minimal decrease in 2004 with 163 abductions. As of April 2nd 2005, there have been 34 cases reported; an average of three kidnappings every week. And while Brian Bachan and Kallipersad Maharaj still remain in the hands of criminals, another businessman Davan Bharratsingh has been snatched.

What is the connection? Is it pure coincidence or is the PNM instigating the kidnappings of mainly Indian businessmen? If so, then what is the motive for this ethnically-directed crime? Are these businessmen targeted because they are likely to be supporters and financers of the Opposition UNC? Or is there a plan to run Indians out of business and out of the country? Are there links to be made of the fate of Indians here and their diaspora counterparts in Guyana, Uganda and Fiji? Is there an unofficial law with some diabolical plot?

Conclusion

The findings overwhelmingly indicate that kidnapping is not a passing craze but a dramatically growing criminal industry. The average kidnapping victim appears to be a middle aged Indian businessman. He resides in South Trinidad, the East-West Corridor, or Port of Spain and is likely to be snatched in or close to his home. If the hefty ransom of about half a million dollars is paid, he is likely to return safely to his family.

The experience and fear of being kidnapped have driven many business-based families to flee the country. Families are being torn apart, and little children are separated from their parents and moved to a strange land. Those who risk staying in Trinidad are forced to live in perpetual fear at every turn, every day, every minute. They convert their homes into barricaded fortresses with private security guards, attack dogs and surveillance alarm systems. The impact of this type of criminal activity is not good for the family, the society and the economy. Financers and investors, producers and traders, industrialists and professionals, business pioneers and their successors are all on the run. Trinidad is quickly resembling Guyana, Uganda and Colombia – the latter holding the lacklustre title of kidnapping capital of the world (Johnson 2003).

With these figures and trends in mind, the Government should begin to take drastic measures to protect those who are most at risk of being kidnapped. In closing, we would like to take a cue from the mother of kidnap victim Davan Bharratsingh. Distraught and in tears, she said, “There is no government in Trinidad. Look at what is happening. Crime is out of control” (Guardian April 3, 2005). The family had to hire a helicopter to track down the getaway car.

All previous attempts by this Government to arrest and eliminate kidnappings have failed. There is only one solution. What we would recommend to the Government is to seek foreign help – not just advisers and consultants, but anti-kidnapping troops and squads to flush out these bands of terrorists and kidnappers. In the meantime, individuals and groups can make their experiences and fears known to the United Nations Human Rights Agency, Amnesty International, The Carter Commission, and such other powerful international organisations.


REFERENCES
Butler, Rhett

2004 Kidnapping in Foreign Countries.

http://danger.mongabay.com/kidnapping_stats.htm Cited April 2, 2005.

CIA - The World Factbook

2004 Trinidad and Tobago.

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/td.html

Jan 1. Cited on April 2, 2005.

CSO (Central Statistical Office )

2003. Trinidad and Tobago Statistics. Port-of-Spain.

Economist

2001 “Open Season.” Vol. 358. Issue 8208. October 2.

Express, Newsday, Guardian

2004 January 1st to December 31st 2004. Trinidad Newspapers.

Express, Newsday, Guardian

2005 January 1st to April 2nd 2005. Trinidad Newspapers.

FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

2005 Travel Advice by Country – Trinidad and Tobago. London, April 2, 2005

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename Cited April 2, 2005

Mac Dacanay, Barbara

1997 “Manila is Asia’s kidnapping capital” Gulf News.

http://www.gulf-news.com/gn/international/080397.htm

March 8. Cited April 2, 2005.

IIE Solutions

1999 “Kidnapping in Colombia” October, Vol. 31, Issue 10. P.11.

Jacobs, Donna

2005 “Trinidad has a troubling kind of beauty.” The Ottawa Citizen. Canada. January 24.

Johnson, Tony

2003 “Global security groups ‘surprised’ at rapid growth.” Express October 19.

Jordan, Pav

1996 “A cottage industry in abductions” Maclean’s July 26, Vol. 109, Issue 35, P. 29.
Lawrence, David Aquila

1996 “Three-a-day kidnappings put Colombia on edge.” Christian Science Monitor December 17, Vol 89, Issue 16. P. 5.

Newsweek.

1998 “The crime blotter.” April 20, Vol. 131, Issue 16. P. 5.

PDA (Political Database of the Americas)

2002 Trinidad and Tobago. Parliamentary Elections. Georgetown University and Organisation of American States. Website: http://www.ifes.org

Cited April 2, 2005.



--
To unsubscribe from: International Hindu Think-Tank Bulletin, just follow this link:

http://www.hinduvoice.net/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?f=u&l=tt&e=example@example.com&p=[pin]

Click this link, or copy and paste the address into your browser.