“I wish to express sincere regrets over the incident and to assure the grieving parents, relatives, classmates and friends of the deceased and those injured in the entire episode that every possible step will be taken to have the matter fully and swiftly investigated and to assure the public those found culpable will be prosecuted to the limit of the law,” Gajraj declared.

The minister also expressed his wish for a swift and complete recovery of Ronson Grey, who was injured during the incident and disclosed that he has been in contact with the Minister of health to ensure that proper medical care is provided to Grey and a complete evaluation of his medical condition is carried out.

A team comprising Senior Officers of the Police Force: Senior Superintendent Cedric Caesar, Superintendent Vibert Smith and Deputy Superintendent Seelall Persaud is conducting the investigation into the incident, Gajraj said.

“I express my personal regret over the death of Yohance Douglas and the injury to the others. As a father I share the pain and grief of parents who have lost their children under such tragic circumstances. Yohance has definitely been a young person who has shown great potential of becoming a person who could have contributed much to the development of this country, Gajraj offered.

He refuted allegations that Special Forces within the Police Force are reporting to persons other than the Commissioner of Police and explained that because of the level of criminality the Police have adopted several different approaches, which include covert techniques, using unmarked vehicles and persons in plain clothes. This, however, is no reason for officers to violate their professional ethics of behaviour.