By COREY CONNELLY Sunday, March 10 2013

Natasha Young, councillor in the Port-of-Spain City Corporation and representative for the electoral district of St Ann’s River Central, is appalled by the suggestion that homes in Laventille are being firebombed by gang members who wanted an unimpeded view of their rivals’ locations and movements.

“I can’t say for sure if that is the case but I heard that this is what is on the streets,” she told Sunday Newsday on Friday.

Young said this unfortunate development reflected the extent to which some people have lost their humanity. Still traumatised over last week’s incident in which the home of a resident, Crystal Scott, of Clifton Hill (which falls within her area of representation), was firebombed, Young called on the Government to ensure there was a “sustained approach” with persons whose homes have been affected by this action.

“This is a central government issue. It goes beyond me. I can only do my part in ensuring there is a disaster management team on site. But the bigger issue is for the Ministry of National Security and the other agencies,” she said, adding that the approach must move past “hampers and public relations.”

“It is really sad what some innocent families have to go through. I mean, I grew up with some of these people and to see where we have reached is really heart-breaking.”

Young appealed for love in the communities.

“Stop the war. We have to be our brothers keepers. We have brothers fighting against brothers and that has to stop,” she said.