Placencia Holds Vigil for Slain Teen
He was visiting their community on a family vacation last Wednesday when he was killed, allegedly by a police corporal. On Sunday night, villagers in Placencia gathered to pay their respects for a young life gone too soon and to air their feelings about rising crime, and police response, in their community.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Among the protestors in Placencia Village were a group of children who held up placards and candles in honor of Laddie Gillett. The Sunday night protest was organized by former Placencia BTIA Director Ellie Dial, who says she heard the gunshot that killed Laddie.
Ellie Dial
Ellie Dial, Organizer
“I heard when it happened, I live in the area. The fact when I woke up the next morning and heard that somebody had been killed, really threw me for a loop. The peninsula is big and there are a lot of police here. I don’t know, it s different. Like everywhere else, Placencia is growing. They need more police here. But, they need better trained police. I feel like, obviously that wasn’t the way it should have been dealt with.”
The protest was held in front of the Placencia police station. Outside the station, officers stood by and sat in golf carts as onlookers of the peaceful protest.
Harry Neal
Harry Neal, Resident, Placencia
“Now the approach, from you get a phone call, is not the same adrenaline rush, it is not the same suspicion, it is not the same reaction that is going to take place. We are approaching a little more aggressive that normal. The situation with that, I guess the officers are doing it broadcastingly with the surroundings that is happening. You see a lot of rude bwai, gang bang, red, and blue hanging out. Pants here, tattoos, we are not discriminating. But, they needed to uplift the security in advance to this. I don’t want this to be an example because it is sad. Now, an innocent kid got killed. I want to see what level it will be pertaining to this. I am touched. I had to discipline my daughter for posting an aggressive post towards the police. I beg her please, take it down. That is not the approach. But the mindset that it gives innocent people is tough.”
Mia Pollard
Mia Pollard, Laddie’s School Mate
“He was above my class. He was very into sports. And just to know that he died made me really sad.”
Reporter
“When was the last time you saw him?”
Mia Pollard
“Just a few days we were at the river swimming and I can’t believe it.”
A second protest is scheduled in Placencia for tonight. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
