They disappeared without a trace. Mysteriously gone from the face of the earth. Statistics from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit revealed that 904 people have been reported missing over the past year. Fifty three of those people have not been found. In 2008, the figures were just as worrisome with 610 people reported missing–48 of them remain unaccounted for. When the issue of human trafficking reared its ugly head again in March, the calls came fast and furious from almost ever sector of the society for the urgent implementation of legislation to deal with the issue.
The clamour grew when rumours surfaced that children were seen, packed like sardines, in large containers at the Port of Port-of-Spain. The word on the street was that the container was destined for Cuba and that the children were going to be exploited for labour and sex. However, the authorities quickly played down any assertions of human trafficking in T&T, insisting that "there was no evidence to suggest that people are being trafficked." Still, the question remains: Where are T&T's missing persons?
Gale Lammy: Where is my daughter?
Gale Lammy knows all too well the anguish that comes with losing a loved one. Her daughter, eight-year-old Leah Lammy went missing on February 10. Despite countless searches, including one led by acting Police Commissioner James Philbert, Leah has not been seen or heard from since. Salis Mack, a 33-year-old Cunupia PH driver has since been charged with Leah's kidnapping. Mack, who has also been charged with stealing the child's $1,700 cellphone, remains under 24-hour watch by Prisons officers at Remand Yard, Golden Grove, Arouca.
Meanwhile, Lammy said she has not given up hope that her daughter will be found. "She used to help me in the kitchen with the cooking for Christmas. She was always anxious to learn new things. All these things I'm missing. It's very difficult for me. They took something that was precious to me without my consent. I feel the pain and hurt everyday," she said, in a recent interview. "When I sit and study that she's not here and I don't know what is going on, it's very hard to accept." Lammy claimed the authorities have not contacted her to inform her of the status of her daughter's case. "They seem to have given up. The police have not called me to tell me anything. I only hear updates about my daughter's case over the news. It seems they have forgotten about me and my family. But I can't forget because my daughter is still out there."
Philbert: We are trying
Philbert says tackling the issue of missing persons remains high on his agenda.Describing the situation as a "major concern" he said the authorities have made significant changes to policies surrounding missing persons. Among the more critical initiatives were the amendment of the definition of a "missing person" and the implementation of specific procedures for receiving and closing a report, as well as the time-frame used for making a report. He said the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Homicide Bureau were being contacted immediately whenever a missing person report is received.
"There's no longer a 24-hour wait period to make reports on missing persons. For kidnapping and murders, the homicide and Anti-Kidnapping Squad would collaborate and work in conjunction with the investigator. We publish faces of these persons in the media as soon as we get a photograph," he said.
Philbert said due to the T&T's escalating crime situation, these initiatives allowed for more immediate action from the police. Referring to the case of Leah Lammy, Philbert said the situation was "disturbing." "The issue with Leah is something else. I want the family to know that we are doing all we can. These things grieve us just as much as it grieves the families.
"We never give up hope. Even though the case seems to be far fetched, we want them to know that we support them. We implore our police officers to work as hard as they can to bring closure." Philbert also noted that the police service's web site was being revamped and should be launched early in 2010. All pictures of missing persons, he assured, would be published there. Philbert also warned citizens to remain vigilant to safeguard themselves and their families against kidnappings and other crimes. "Just last week we had to get into quick action to rescue a two-year-old child. We're moving faster in responding to these situations but people also need to be careful."
More needed
Founding member of the MPA, Nathifa Mitchell, has again reiterated her call for greater support from the authorities when dealing with missing persons. Mitchell, whose aunt Lena Johnson, 35, went missing on November 8, 2008, accused the Police Service of turning a blind eye to the issue. "We don't get any co-operation at all from the police. When we contact them for an event, we wish they would give us their support.
"Next year we will hold a public meeting to inform the family members and the public about our cause. We would be inviting someone in authority to answer some of the burning questions that families have pertaining their loved ones." Mitchell said the association is also working to provide counselling for families of missing persons and will soon establish a web site where the pictures of all missing persons will be posted.
Help us
Meanwhile, CrimeStoppers' general manager Keith Subero is appealing to citizens to report crimes they had witnessed. Subero said given T&T's rising crime rate, the biggest challenge facing the organisation remained public confidence. "We face the issue of people being reluctant to come out and give the information. We're calling for citizens to be more responsible. Please call our 24 hour call centre," 800-Tips. He added, "Our system is safe and confidential and it's part of an international network. We are one of over 1,500 crime stoppers units operating throughout the world in 35 countries."
