MEMBER of Parliament for La Brea Clyde Elder was present at Carapal Road, Erin, yesterday when the body of missing 12-year-old Mercedez Layne was found.
He, along with local government councillor for Erin Arlene Ramdeo, later visited the family at their Los Iros Beach Road home and offered condolences to Mercedez’s mother, Annarese Layne.
‘yet to start living’:
Twelve-year-old Mercedez Layne.
found dead: The body of Mercedez Layne was discovered near an oil pipeline at Carapal Road, Erin, yesterday around 7.30 a.m., hours after she was reported missing by relatives. —Photo: SHIVANA LAL
Elder, who is originally from Carapal Road, said the community was deeply shocked by the incident.
“This has been a shocking, heart-wrenching, gruesome, vexatious act committed. The community of Los Rios, Carapal, Erin, is close-knit, and I think what has happened has left us all as a community in a state of disbelief, and I think right now people are just hoping for justice,” he continued.
He commended the TTPS for their swift action, adding that he was confident the case would soon be solved. A 24-year-old suspect from Palo Seco has been held in connection with the murder.
“The family, as you will understand, is distraught. We are here to give them that support. I am here to give them that support as the MP, and I’m here to provide as much help as I can provide. And, of course, the country knows that the Prime Minister loves children. This is something that will rock her to the core, and the Government will be here to do what we can do to help this family as best as we can,” Elder said.
Penny calls for strengthened child protection
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles also responded to the girl’s murder yesterday, calling for the State to strengthen child protection measures, improve public safety systems, and enhance community awareness.
In a statement posted to social media yesterday, Beckles offered condolences to Mercedez’s family.
“It is with profound sorrow and a deeply heavy heart that I offer my sincerest condolences to the family of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne, whose life was so brutally and tragically taken. This devastating news of her death has shocked and saddened the entire country,” she said.
Thanking the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT), volunteers and concerned citizens for their search efforts, Beckles said their “commitment and dedication during a time of great uncertainty deserve our highest commendation”.
“No parent, grandparent or family should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances. The loss of a young life touches the conscience of the entire nation and reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect our children,” she continued.
She added that while the nation must allow the police to conduct “a thorough investigation and ensure that justice is served through the proper legal process”, the situation demanded serious reflection.
“The apparent rise in incidents involving missing and abducted children in recent months warrants urgent and coordinated action by the State to strengthen child protection measures, improve public safety systems, and enhance community awareness,” she continued.
She urged families to remain vigilant and to pay closer attention to the safety and whereabouts of children.
“As a nation, we mourn with Mercedez’s family. Let us stand together in support of them, assist law enforcement in any way possible, and remain united in our determination to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” Beckles added.
