RADHICA DE SILVA
Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Tensions escalated in Bayshore, Marabella earlier today as a fiery protest broke out in the wake of a police raid.
The discontent also spilled over into the political realm with residents vowing to withhold their votes on August 14.
One demonstrator wielding a cutlass, dragged his blade across the ground as he hurled obscenities.
When Guardian Media arrived on scene, the intensity of the protest surged.
In a scramble to contain the fire they set, protesters resorted to using buckets of water.
Police officers arrived shortly and encountered the protesters, some of whom had concealed their identities by wrapping tee shirts around their faces. One of the protestors called on San Fernando West MP Faris Al Rawi to investigate what they called the illegal arrests. She also accused the police of ill-treating and threatening residents.
"It's government extortion! Stop doing this to people. Like all yuh mother and grandmother never pray with all you. Why are you terrorizing the children," she shouted as she accused the police of levelling false charges against the community members.
Despite the palpable tension, the police maintained their stance, ultimately directing the protesters to put out their fires.
This story is still developing, and Guardian Media will provide updates as more information becomes available.