The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) says it has implemented additional security measures following an altercation at its Head Office on South Quay, Port of Spain on Wednesday morning.
A statement from the HDC said around 11:15am, an individual conducting business at the HDC was accosted by another person who left the building and returned breaking through the security exit door armed with a cutlass. Both customers assaulted each other with an onlooking customer trying to intervene.
The incident is being investigated by police, and the HDC says it will engage its employee assistance programme from tomorrow to help alleviate staff fears. Chairman Noel Garcia, appalled by the situation, said further enforced security measures and enhanced security protocols will be introduced to prevent such an incident in the future in any and all of HDC locations.
Managing Director Jayselle McFarlane, calling the incident a first for the Corporation, said she is grateful that due the prompt response of the local authorities, no lives were lost.