Syrian community calls meeting with gov’t officials, including Minister of Public Safety, after murder of young businessman
Members of the Syrian community – still shocked by the shooting death of one of their own – have called a meeting with government officials to discuss the rising crime situation and the threat that local businesses face.
That meeting reportedly is set for Tuesday night, May 23, at 8 p.m., at the Orthodox Church, on the grounds of the Antigua Syrian Club at Langfords.
Reports say the gathering is being arranged by the Honorary Syrian Consul on behalf of the Syrian community here.
Expected to be at the meeting are Attorney-General and Minister of Public Safety and Legal Affairs Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin; Tourism Minister and Rural North MP Charles “Max” Fernandez; and Minister of Education Daryl Matthew.
These government representatives are also expected to address family members of the recent homicide victim, 25-year-old Roudi Shmaly, late of Utopia Place, Sir George Walter Highway, and the Syrian community in general.
Shmaly was shot during a robbery of the Pick n Mix Mart on DeSouza Road on Monday, May 22, at about 1:10 p.m. He reportedly arrived at the hospital in an unresponsive state and was pronounced dead about 25 minutes later.
Reportedly he had been shot in the back and had sustained a head wound, as well. A spent 9 mm shell allegedly was found at the scene of the crime.
The Police continue to appeal for further assistance in this recent homicide, even as sources say that at least six persons have been detained on suspicion of murder as investigations continue.
Anyone with information that can further assist officers is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at 462-3913 or call Crimestoppers at 800-Tips (8477).
