Cops Jump Up Caribana Security

It has been a difficult summer in Toronto, as many believe we’ve already hit a new “summer of the gun.” There have already been 36 murders this year – and seven of them came in the last two weeks of July. 

That escalation in violence has led police to fear warring gangs may take their vicious vendettas to the Lakeshore for this weekend’s Caribana parade – and they’re vowing to keep the party peaceful. 

Among the biggest concerns: any possible revenge motives attached to the cold blooded killing of three men who were at a nightclub together on July 20th. The trio was found shot to death in their SUV near Brown’s Line and Evans Ave. and while evidence eventually led cops to the actual scene of the crime, they still don’t know who pulled the trigger.

Their fear: those who do will try to take their revenge during the downtown bash.

But Chief Bill Blair is adamant it won’t happen on his watch. “We know that there are individuals who are in very violent disputes,” he confirms. “We’re doing everything we can to control their behaviour, to make sure that they don’t put others at risk. We’re going to be at all of the big public events to make sure that we can keep it safe, but we’ll also be keeping a very close watch on those individuals who we know are violent.”

Violence at Caribana has been a big concern since 1996, when a man was killed and three others wounded in a shooting spree at the procession. Cops traced the senseless violence to a previous incident uptown that played out days later.

And it’s not just gunfire that can be lethal.

In 2003, a man was beaten to death during a Caribana party. Terrence Ali was found dead near the Rouge Hill GO station. Autopsy results showed he died from blunt force trauma to his neck, chest and head. All three of his killers were later convicted of murder.

For his mother, Caribana isn’t a celebration but a terrible reminder of the son she lost.

“This weekend is a very, very tough weekend for me,” admits Moonie Ali.  “Five years ago this time, my son and I was getting dressed to go shopping.”

For the first time since her son’s murder, Ali will be taking part in the parade that reminds her of that awful day. She plans to ride in the Crime Stoppers vehicle to send a message about the futility of violence.

“I feel obligated this year because I had to let people know that it could happen to them, too. My son is a symbol of the wonderful festival, yet still what could go wrong.”

And for those considering settling a score during over the weekend, Ali has a strong message.

“Don’t do it. Think about these people that you want to hurt, think about their family and their loved ones. Don’t hurt people. God gave you two hands to help yourself, not to hurt people.”

Ali is also planning her annual memorial to her fallen son. It will be held Monday at 4pm at the following location:

Duffin Meadows Cemetery
2505 Brock Road North
Pickering
Section 6 Lot 87