The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary pauses in Harpe Place, Observatory St, Port of Spain on the exact spot where Quammie Julien, alias “Butters” was gunned down on Friday, October 5.

This was part of the procession of Rosary parishioners to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7. This year the procession route was changed to carry it into the heart of this troubled area while the rosary was prayed and hymns sung.

The procession also prayed where gang leader “Fresh” Philip was killed as well as near Marion House, the FPA offices and the General Hospital. The following prayer was said in Harpe Place:

Lord God, we pray for all our communities in East Port of Spain, especially for this community of Harpe Place and its environs. You know, O Lord, the good people who live here. You know the many who are troubled and in pain.

We thank you for those who have tried to make a difference. We ask your forgiveness for those who have hurt others and taken life. Raise up, Lord, genuine leaders in our communities, men and women committed to building fellowship and fostering peace with justice and meaningful work.

Help our communities to work together so that our young people will have something to live for. Deliver us from the scourge of violence and injustice. We ask this in Jesus’ name with the intercession of Mary his mother. Amen.