Popular Valencia vendor stabbed to deathBY RALPH BANWARIE Sunday, September 27 2009
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The deceased popular pigtail vendor Lenford George Harry who was stabbed to death....
A popular pigtail vendor from Valencia died on Friday night three hours after he was stabbed in his back by an unknown man with whom he had had an altercation.
Lenford “George” Harry, 56, of No 4 Walnut Drive, Bregon Park, D’Abadie, was popularly known throughout the Eastern district and Trinidad for his special barbecued pigtail, which he sold at his Valencia business place.
Reports revealed that on Friday night Harry was at his business place located at Eastern Main Road, Valencia when a man walked in and asked for a female employee.
An argument ensued between Harry and the man and Harry reportedly “planassed” the man with his three-canal.
The man reportedly told Harry “You dead, ah coming back.” According to an eyewitness, the man returned 15 minutes later and approached Harry who was barbecuing his pigtail in the yard and without warning, he stabbed Harry in the back with a dagger. He then fled the scene.
Harry ran to the back of his business place, got into his van and drove to the Valencia police post.
Police officers, on seeing the condition of Harry who was all soaked in blood, called the EHS ambulance and the bleeding Harry was rushed to the Sangre Grande hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He died during the surgery from puncture of the lungs.
A party of police officers from Eastern Division headed by Insp Allan Ramai, Sgt Whisky Williams, PCs Keith “Castro” Leon, Joseph Naipaul and Kitsingh visited the scene.
Police ordered that the business be closed immediately and some pigtail lovers who frequent the popular outlet had to leave without their Friday night fare.
An autopsy is expected to be performed on Harry’s body at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, tomorrow.
Police later launched a search for the killer who remained at large up to late yesterday.
The murder toll now stands at 398.
When Sunday Newsday visited Harry’s family at their Bregon Park home at D’ Abadie, they all appeared shocked and a female relative said she received the sad news at about 1 am yesterday. She said they are still puzzled as to why the breadwinner of the home was killed.
Relatives described Harry as a good person and was always willing to give to those in need. However, he was a no-nonsense man and stood up for his rights — he never liked to see advantage being taken on the weak.
Harry began his business by selling barbecue at the side of Valencia Road and his business had grown tremendously over the years. He eventually bought a piece of land in Valencia and expanded his business as customers from all areas flocked to buy at his place on their way to Toco, Manzanilla or Mayaro. Some residents of Valencia added that Valencia will never be the same again without Harry. They said that his pigtail barbecue was special and people travelled from far places to enjoy it.
Other residents said Harry was very unpredictable at times and had planassed people who loitered around his business place.
