Massy Distribution employee Che Mendez, 42, tragically lost his life during a robbery on July 3 while delivering cigarettes to shops in St Ann’s. Accompanied by an unnamed security guard, Mendez fell victim to two armed men who tied them up, drove them to River Road in Fondes Amandes, and fatally shot both men before fleeing with a truck loaded with cigarettes. While the security guard survived and was hospitalized, Mendez succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Following the incident, Mendez’s sister Akai Webster emphasized the urgency of removing guns from the streets to prevent further tragedies like her brother’s violent death. Expressing disappointment in the lack of collaboration between individuals who possess gang-related information and law enforcement, Webster called for vloggers to prioritize public safety over online views and engage responsibly with authorities.
Webster urged National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher to intensify efforts in combating crime, emphasizing the need for decisive action such as a state of emergency to curb the escalating violence. She shared her family’s heartbreak and the impact of Mendez’s untimely death on his daughter and other relatives, highlighting Massy’s supportive role in providing assistance during this challenging time.
Despite Mendez’s jovial nature, Webster believed he bravely resisted during the robbery, reflecting his unwavering commitment to his job and responsibilities. As she waits for justice and seeks closure on Mendez’s tragic passing, Webster emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues leading young men to criminal activities and encouraged them to seek alternative paths for survival and expression rather than turning to violence.
In a moving reflection on the state of the nation, Webster expressed deep concern for the pervasive threat of crime in Trinidad and Tobago, prompting her to advise her children studying abroad not to return to the country once their education is complete. Sympathizing with the country’s plight, she urged for collective efforts to address the root causes of violence and create a safer environment for all citizens.
