The East Port of Spain Development Company Limited (EPOS) has rewarded two Sea Lots residents for the bravery and humanity displayed in rescuing a car accident victim trapped in a burning car, recently.
The Company took note after reading of the men’s positive actions in a report in the Guardian Newspaper.
Deshawn Hamilton, 28, and Terrance David, 43, reportedly sprang into action after witnessing a car accident near Production Avenue on the northbound lane of the Beetham Highway on Thursday September 05, 2024.
The men pulled the victim, a police officer, from the wreckage despite concerns that the vehicle could explode at any moment.
EPOS Chairman Hillan Morean was moved by the men’s actions which he said were deserving of reward.
The men were presented with tokens of appreciation following a meeting at the Company’s Laventille office on Monday September 09, 2024.
EPOS Deputy General Manager, Mrs. Nissa Hosten-James commended the men for their bravery. She said EPOS seizes the opportunity to highlight positive actions and contributions from the often-stigmatized communities of East Port of Spain.
She said: “We are immensely proud of the courage shown by Deshawn Hamilton and Terrance David. Their actions reflect the best of our community spirit—selflessness, bravery, and humanity. At EPOS, we believe in celebrating those who contribute positively, particularly from
communities that are often misrepresented. Their heroism reminds us of the resilience and strength of East Port of Spain.”
David said his hope is for the public to stop stereotyping persons from his community. He said: “(People think) one wrong in Sea Lots is everybody do wrong.”
He said the victim being a police officer did not influence his actions.
“We were not studying that is police. What we were studying is that is a life. It could have been you or me or anybody.”
His message to others was: “Don’t take a life, save a life.”
Hamilton said he, too, wants to see youth steered along the right path.
“There’s a lot of youth, real skilled people in Sea Lots, they just not getting the opportunities.”
At the meeting, the men expressed their hopes and vision for their community and put forward suggestions for various programmes and initiatives to target youth in the community.
