Just over a week after Sangre Grande businessman Danny Guerra was gunned down near his businessplace, residents in the nearby streets say they are fearful in the aftermath of the attack.
Guerra, 49, was shot and killed near his office at the corner of the Oropouche Road and Guy Trace, Sangre Grande, on the afternoon of March 13, by gunmen who escaped in a white Nissan Tiida.
The vehicle was found hours after the attack on River Road, off the Toco Main Road. Police said the vehicle was bearing false plates and was reported stolen from its owner in Tunapuna in February.
As of yesterday, no one was arrested in relation to Guerra’s murder.
Guardian Media yesterday visited Guerra’s businessplace, DG Homes, but was told by an employee that Guerra’s relatives were originally expected to arrive there but did not show up. He noted that business at the establishment was temporarily halted and could not provide a timeline as to when it would resume.
A resident of the nearby Guy Trace, who asked not to be named, said she recalled hearing the sound of gunfire on the afternoon of Guerra’s murder, but initially did not think it was gunshots.
“I lived here all my life and never heard a gunshot before. That afternoon, I thought it was firecrackers, then when I heard it was still continuing, I knew something was wrong so I ran inside,” she said.
“Even sitting here in the gallery is taking a chance, because everybody is uneasy with the kind of things that have been happening. My son used to go and walk with my granddaughter at the end of the street, but since that happened all of that stop now.”
The resident said she was particularly saddened by the incident, as she described Guerra as a fixture in the neighbourhood and the wider Sangre Grande community, having grown up alongside him.
Another resident said since Guerra’s murder, he had been venturing outside only when absolutely necessary, as he was cautious of any continued violence. The man referred to a shooting at Guerra’s property in the gated Ella Vista Gardens community on Saturday, which he said was evidence of continued danger in the neighbourhood, even to residents who were simply walking outside.
“Sometimes you walking on the road and you innocently enough end up coming out at the wrong time, so it’s hard to feel safe right now.
“It’s 62 years now I living here and this is the first time I experiencing something like this in this village,” he said.
Another man who lives on the street opposite Guerra’s businessplace, on the other side of the Oropouche Road, said he vaguely recalled seeing the white Nissan Tiida used by gunmen, as it remained parked on a gravel road, opposite the business for a “few hours.”
The man said the vehicle’s presence did not arouse his suspicions, given the busy nature of nearby streets.
“The Oropouche Road is right here, so I know a lot of cars would pass and use this little track to turn around or whatever, so I didn’t think much of it. Plus, I know there are lots of cars passing in and out, but after what happened, I will have to keep my eyes open and be more vigilant, but the thing is nobody expected this to happen.”
Responding to questions through the TTPS Corporate Communications Unit, head of the Eastern Division, Snr Supt Christopher Paponette, yesterday acknowledged the anxiety among residents but assured that efforts to secure the community were underway.
“I wish to assure the public that the police are actively engaged in ongoing operations within the district, with a focus on maintaining public safety, preventing any escalation of violence and providing a visible and reassuring presence,” Paponette said.
“These efforts include targeted patrols, intelligence-led exercises and co-ordinated operations with other state agencies where necessary.”
In his response, Paponette said while he could not divulge details behind Guerra’s murder investigation, all information was being “thoroughly assessed and appropriate action is being taken.”
He also called on the public to report any suspicious activity, citing community co-operation as a critical aspect of law enforcement.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our operational posture as required.”
