PNM Port of Spain South constituency chairman Alderman Wayne Griffith says he was assaulted by a group of students after attempting to break up a fight near Tranquillity Government Secondary School on Monday afternoon.
Griffith said he stopped along Dundonald Street after seeing several students beating a boy.
He claimed a female student attacked him when he intervened, before others joined in, kicking and punching him.
The 62-year-old suffered injuries to his knees, elbows and head, and later discovered his cellphone and watch were stolen.
Khadijah Ameen, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, has expressed deep concern following reports and circulation of a video on social media of an assault involving Port of Spain City Corporation Alderman, Mr. Wayne Griffith.
Minister Ameen confirmed that upon becoming aware of the matter, she immediately attempted to contact Mr. Griffith directly but got his voicemail and opted to leave a What’s App message out of concern.
The Minister said she contacted Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, to convey their concern about the incident and was advised that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is actively addressing the matter.
The Minister expressed hope that the Police investigation will reveal the wrongdoers and appropriate interventions will be made.
She also expressed her support for continued preventative measures to address school violence and antisocial behavior among young people.
Minister Ameen acknowledged ongoing initiatives involving police officers within schools and noted that such interventions have already contributed toward reductions in incidents of school violence across the country.
Minister Ameen says while she prefers to wait on the police investigation rather than point fingers concerning the incident she reiterates her support for all efforts aimed at promoting safety, respect and civility within communities and schools across Trinidad and Tobago.
