The once peaceful community of Enterprise Village, Chaguanas, has been at the receiving end of negative publicity in recent times. Why? Increased criminal activity.

Last October’s shooting death of soca artiste Troydon “Blazer Dan” Cruickshank and Sunday’s slaying of Roderick “Danny Boy” De Bique - both at the hands of unknown gunmen - have raised genuine concerns among residents.

Also, the killing of Kwame “Nickel” Bourne by police less than a month ago sparked several protests by family, friends and other members of the community.

Express Online visited Enterprise and spoke with business owners and residents about the perception that the community is a crime den.

“I don’t think it would be justified to say that Enterprise is a crime hot spot,” says Richard Albarado, owner of Dollars Mini Mart & Sports Bar, “because crime happens anywhere and anytime. There’s no special time or place for crime to occur.

”It hasn’t affected my business and I hope to God it doesn’t, but it looks like it’s getting close since a distinct increase in the level of criminal activities is evident within the community.”

Eliza Sealy says poor parenting has contributed to the crime problem.

“There are too many delinquent mothers and fathers, thus children lack a sense of value. When you look at what they cherish or spend money on it’s simply mind boggling.”

Hudson Phillips, another community entrepreneur, says Enterprise “is definitely a criminal hot spot”.

“There has been a massive upsurge in criminal elements, thus criminal activities have increased.

“Things could be so much different,” he continues, “if there are avenues for employment, consultation at the ground level, and exposures to community activities are available to the youths.”

Andrew Morris, community elder and pan tuner, agrees that Enterprise is now a crime hot spot.

“Not only is it a hot spot but it has also become a link for other crime ridden areas. A lot of criminals from other communities obtain refuge in Enterprise so they use it as a hide-out.”

Morris says there is a need for proper supervision of children.

“I have witnessed 12 and 13-year old consuming alcohol in public, and girls at that age are bearing children.

“Enterprise is in dire need of a police post,” Morris continues. “This will lead to regular patrols of the community, and the police will be able to identify the troubled areas.”

Goldfinger Café’s Andrew Sealey says outsiders are contributing heavily to the crime problems.

“Enterprise is a nice community but a lot of non-residents are coming in committing their illegal acts and giving it a bad name.”

Sealey says poverty is at the heart of the issue.

“The provision of sustainable employment geared towards the eradication of poverty will go a long way in the fight against crime.”

Laura Singh, of Laura & Joey Wholesalers, refuses to attach the crime hot spot label to Enterprise.

“What is happening is that a lot of youths are being encouraged down the wrong path. Crime has increased, but so has unemployment, poverty, and to some extent a lack of proper education.”

Singh’s business partner, Joel Basdeo says the government does not have a vision for the country’s youths.

“Children who display potential in certain areas from an early age should be placed in programmes to help nurture their skills, be it sports, art and craft, agriculture, or trade. However, what we have is a number of our youths growing up with no role models, no vision, and no goals, leaving them susceptible to a life of crime.

“I see underage girls becoming mothers,” Basdeo continues, “but they are not in a position to teach their children anything because they need parenting as well.

“The police are ill-prepared to deal with the criminal elements in the community and because of this my business has been affected. In the not too distant past I could have left my goods out in the open and no one would interfere with them. Now I have everything under lock and key because my business has been broken into twice.

“There’s no police patrol whatsoever, leaving the criminals with the freedom to carry out their illicit activities, with the majority of them being between the ages of 12 and 25.”

But Ramnarine Chotalal, the owner of Pap’s Poultry Depot, says Enterprise is a decent community. “It is a nice place but it’s being criticised because some of the youths are giving it a bad name. I’ve been robbed 15 times but I’ve survived and I’m still going strong. Despite that I know it’s a good place.

“Youths today have too much privileges but not enough supervision, discipline, and values. The end result is that they rather turn to crime than work for an honest dollar.”

Crime hot spot or not, Enterprise does have its bright sparks.

One such spark is the T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps Steel Orchestra, which has been involved in teaching music theory and other subjects, as well as the art of playing pan.