This where we reach now. They kidnapping the young sportsmen.
The government and police like they don't exist anymore
Justin Raymond-Guillen, the 19-year-old son of acting Editor of the Trinidad Guardian Judy Raymond, remained in the hands of kidnappers up to late yesterday, having been abducted outside his home in west Trinidad on Wednesday night.
National Security Minister Martin Joseph said yesterday that law enforcement officers were working feverishly to find the former student of Queen’s Royal College and Maple Leaf School.
On Wednesday, the day he was kidnapped, he spent the afternoon training at the Queen’s Park Oval and buying a birthday present for his younger sister.
His distraught family said yesterday, “Justin is a sweet, gentle, bright boy who has never done anyone any harm.
“We are begging whoever is holding him to return him to us unharmed.”
Raymond said she was “touched” by all those people who sent their wishes and prayers.
The victim’s father, Jeffrey Guillen, is a well-known land developer and real estate agent.
He could not be reached yesterday for comment.
Police said a ransom demand was made, but they did not disclose the figure.
Anti-Kidnapping Squad officers said they were told that Raymond-Guillen was about to enter his car which had been parked outside his home on Sanora Park, Pt Cumana, at around 9.15 pm.
Investigators said they were told that Raymond-Guillen was leaving home to meet his father at Trotters sports bar, on Maraval Road, Port-of-Spain, to watch the 2006 World Cup qualifier between T&T and Costa Rica.
Investigators said they could not determine how many people were involved in the kidnapping.
However, they said one resident heard a man’s voice ordering someone into a car.
AKS officers said the neighbour went out to investigate but only saw the tail light of a vehicle leaving Sanora Park.
It was later discovered that Raymond-Guillen, who had only moments before told his mother he was leaving, had been kidnapped.
A report was made and a team of police went to the home and interviewed several people.
Members of the AKS, led by Assistant Police Commissioner in charge of intelligence James Philbert and ASP David Nedd, also responded and spoke with family members.
Philbert and Nedd are leading the investigation.
It was at yesterday’s launch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) computer-based law enforcement training programme at the Ministry of National Security that Joseph said the police were using all resources available to find Raymond-Guillen.
AKS officers also said they were following up on leads which they did not want to disclose.
Police said they strongly believed the victim was being monitored for several weeks by his abductors.
Anyone with information about Raymond-Guillen’s kidnapping can call CrimeStoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).
8 days