(Trinidad Express) Marc Anthony Singh has been described as a brilliant and talented performer, artist and designer, who deserved to live in peace and love and not be a victim of violence.
In a statement on Thursday, the Advocacy Coalition for Sexual Orientation Inclusion (CAISO): Sexual Justice and Gender offered condolences to friends, Singh’s family, and “everyone who had the privilege of sharing in his light”.
Singh was stabbed to death on Tuesday.
Police were called around 6.30 pm to an apartment along Amethyst Drive West, El Dorado, where they found the 27-year-old designer’s body.
Singh, a Guyana national, was a fashion designer and a member of the LGBTQIA community. In the statement, CAISO once again called for an end to homophobia and transphobia in this country.
“We demand that LGBTI + violence be understood as a form of gender-based violence that must be taken seriously. While CAISO continues to work with vulnerable communities, the police, and other national stakeholders to tackle all forms of gender-based violence (which we know affects women and girls at unspeakable rates), we must also raised the alarm once again on the growing vulnerability. of LGBTI + people, who experience violence disproportionately because of sexual orientation and gender identity. We are aware of the growing vulnerabilities of people during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has increased economic hardship for many. And in the wider landscape of national security and security, we are certainly aware of the lack of access to justice for far too many people in our society, especially migrants who have limited access to protection on so many levels, ”the statement noted.
Although it was noted, yesterday, that Singh’s murder has not yet been regarded as a hate crime, the group noted the “alarmingly low conviction rates” in this country that allow criminals to continue their attacks on the most vulnerable to harm.
“We urge the police to launch a thorough investigation and bring justice to Anthony and all those who have been murdered. At the same time, we are increasing our calls to the State to increase budget allocations and ensure that the Gender Violence Unit (GBVU) is well resourced and equipped to provide effective support and services to victims of all forms of gender-based violence . We stand in love and solidarity with members of the LGBTI + communities of Trinidad and Tobago and pledge to continue to fight for gender and gender justice, ”the statement stated.