In the wake of a recent robbery at St. Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church in La Romaine, Trinidad, a local priest has pointed to the erosion of familial values as a key driver behind the island’s escalating crime rates. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of November 24, saw five masked intruders target 69-year-old Father Derek Anton and a 22-year-old security guard. The assailants ransacked the church’s administration building, restrained Fr. Anton, and stole his cellphone, wallet, and a portion of the previous day’s collections before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement later discovered a breach in the property’s wire fence and recovered an envelope containing cash.
Fr. Jayson Grell, a resident priest in San Fernando, spoke to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, linking the attack to broader societal issues. He emphasized the breakdown of family structures as a root cause of rising violence, including home invasions and kidnappings, not only in Trinidad and Tobago but across the Caribbean and globally. Grell called for a return to gospel principles and urged parents to take a more active role in raising their children. He also questioned the impact of technology on family life and critical thinking, advocating for collective societal introspection to rebuild moral values.
The Archdiocese of Port of Spain confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway, led by PC Mahadeo of the San Fernando Police Station. No arrests have been made yet. This robbery is the latest in a series of crimes targeting clergy members in Trinidad and Tobago, underscoring the urgent need for societal reform.