A small contractor, who also moonlights as a “PH” taxi driver “to make ends meet”, was stabbed to death on Saturday night allegedly by one of his part-time employees over money.
Michael Ali, 31, the father of a two-year-old daughter, of Quarry Village, Siparia, Trinidad died some three hours after the attack while undergoing treatment at the San Fernando General Hospital.
A 42-year-old fruit vendor has since been detained. The suspect, Police said, was released from jail about three weeks ago.
“Michael didn’t deserve that,” cried Ali’s grieving uncle-in-law Jaglal Singh. He described Ali as an honest, hardworking man who always looked out for others.
“With all his (suspect’s) faults, he (Ali) still gave him a chance and carried him to work with him in Princes Town.
“He owed him a little balance (money), because the lady (person who hired Ali) didn’t pay him all the money she suppose to pay him, for him to pay his workers,” Khan told Newsday. He said Ali explained the situation to the suspect asking him to “hold on” as he was going to work “PH” to make up the money to pay him.
However, about 20:00h on Saturday, Khan said the suspect arrived near Ali’s home and began cursing and “carrying on” for his money. Khan said he was forced to intervene. “I cross the road and gave the worker $200 hoping that would have calmed him down, but it didn’t.” Relatives said the man pulled a knife and stabbed Ali in his upper chest.
“Michael was like a son to me, very respectful and someone you could trust. He worked very hard,” Khan said.
Investigations are continuing. (T&T Newsday)
