Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
When the Hunters Search and Rescue Team started helping the police look for missing people, they never envisioned their work would be so much in demand.
With crime increasing daily, the forests became a haven for criminals. But the hunters’ vast knowledge of the forests proved invaluable in finding those held by criminals in and out of the forest canopy.
The group is so vibrant, now, they are receiving more than 20 calls each month. It’s why the chairman of Caribbean Safety Products Ltd (CSPL) Dipinder Manocha decided to sponsor the 32-member group with individual first aid kits, boots, and other safety gear to assist them in their operations.
Presenting the group with the items on Wednesday at the company’s Point Lisas, CSPL’s chief executive officer Shaun Manocha shared his admiration for the team.
“They have been risking their lives, leaving their families at all hours to search for people who are missing. They have been finding missing people and helping the police. For a group of this size, our chairman wanted to give back to them, to keep them motivated and to keep them safe whilst they look for people and find their loved ones,” Manocha said.
Speaking about the collaboration, Manocha added, “As a safety company, we believe in giving back. We are experiencing a huge crime wave, and anything citizens or businesspeople can do to make things better, we will do our best to go out there and help.”
Meanwhile, the head of the group, captain Vallence Rambharat, reflected on their four-year journey and the challenges they faced.
“When we began, we had no idea just how crucial our role would become. We are not working full-time although it seems so. We are on call 15 to 20 times a month. As we finish one search, we are often called to another. Our motivation is the passion we have for doing this. We have stuck together, and the team is as strong and responsive as ever,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude for the much-needed support. “During the past four years, we have come out unscathed. One reason for that is we have always been prepared. We needed personalised safety kits so each member could take care of cuts and bruises. The boots and other gifts come in a timely fashion. We use a lot of gear, and every three years we need to change out,” he said.
He noted that the cost of fuel has been a challenge. But Rambharat was grateful that meals are now provided by KFC, and Starbucks donates much-needed coffee. Tyrell James, CSPL’s sales supervisor, assured the company would continue to replenish the items for the team as long as they require them.
Anyone wanting to contribute to the Hunters Search and Rescue Team can call Rambharat at 799-1453.