Harry Hercules is seen performing a ritual to remove a cow’s head that was used for spiritual practise in Roxborough.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad--Resistance among Tobagonians over ongoing joint anti-crime exercises on the island has resulted in death threats against licensing officials, leading to a police investigation.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Collis Hazel said Tobago police are working to locate one man seen making threats in a video, and once found he will be arrested.
As tensions mounted, calls for all obeah practitioners on the island to unite against the oppression of licensing officers were made.
In one video, a man later identified as Harry Hercules lit candles and placed red ixoras (flowers) around an animal head carcass, while saying, “Kill them.”
In another video, a group of men lifted the carcass up during an apparent ritual and shouted “obeah” at licensing officers who were conducting an exercise. The licensing officers seemed unbothered by the ritual and continued the exercise.
Threats to “kill” and “deal” with the officers through obeah were also circulated via voice notes and videos.
“Guardian Media” met up with Hercules, who claimed to be an obeah man, in Roxborough. He said people in Tobago East were ready to summon their ancestors to fight.
He said, “Real jumbie for them. I’m not stopping and I’m going right in. Real jumbie for them.”
Meanwhile, a flyer calling for a total shutdown of the island today and Monday was also circulated online.
Tobago stakeholders have also criticised the force used by law enforcement officers.
Tobago Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Curtis Williams said while he understands the intent, the strategy must at least be effective and not a burden on the island.
“That is abuse of authority, so somebody has to put their foot down and stop all of this that’s happening here. Something isn’t right. We need to have all the stakeholders sit around around the table and come up with a better plan,” Williams said.
He lamented the impact this will have on the business sector.
“Of course, we in the business community will be worried over the shutdown on Friday [today – Ed.]. But I must say this licensing officers coming to Tobago ordeal has been going on and causing disruption in the society and something has to be fixed. I don’t know what it is that they are doing, there are complaints coming to our office about the manner they are doing business.”
Tobago Unique Bed and Breakfast and Self-Catering Association President Kaye Trotman said while she’s concerned about the impact of a shutdown, it is time Tobago stands up.
“While I may not think it is the easiest route to take, it is a route Tobagonians are willing to take, and we are not necessarily going to come over as being the easy-go-lucky people you can walk all over. I am pleased that Tobagonians are willing to pay a price to have their voice heard.”
However, Senior Superintendent Rodhill Kirk said the anti-crime exercises were not an attack on Tobagonians but a fight to reel in the criminal element.
“The inconvenience is for the greater good. People tend to get sensitive to this … You have called on us to do more, and you keep saying do more, and the police in Tobago are not doing enough. It’s not to target and oppress anybody.”
He said police will arrest and prosecute anyone involved in leading illegal protests or inciting unrest in the coming days.
Transport Commissioner Clive Clarke said he preferred not to comment on the matter. However, he said his team was not fazed and the matter was one for the police.
