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Cabinet EXTENDS Police Commissioner’s Contract By Another Year — Kamla, Gary Griffith RESPOND14/5/2024
The Cabinet has officially extended the contract of Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood-Christopher, by one (1) year. The announcement was made via a Media Release on Monday (13th May, 2024) from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) - Communications, which stated:
The Cabinet has today (May 13, 2024) advised the President, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T., under Section 75(a) of the Police Service Act, to extend the service of Mrs. Erla Harewood-Christopher in the office of Commissioner of Police, for a period of one (1) year with effect from May 15, 2024.
The announcement came hours after Attorney General Reginald Armour had told Parliament that a decision on the CoP’s fate would come by today [Monday].
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed her disappointment at the decision during the UNC’s latest Anti-Crime Town Hall Meeting in Morvant. “Before I came here, we are sitting in the Parliament and I got a piece of news and that news doesn’t give me any assurance that within the next year, things will get any better with the crime in Trinidad and Tobago,” Persad-Bissessar told the gathering. “You know what that news was? The Government has now extended the contract of the present Commissioner of Police.” As boos and jeers filled the air, Persad-Bissessar underscored, “Now I have no pain or no trouble with that Commissioner of Police. In fact, we voted for her when the matter came to Parliament last time, we voted, we said give her a chance and we have given her a chance. But it is with a heavy heart that I report this tonight because I am even more worried what will be happening during the course of this year.” Meanwhile, Former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith also expressed his views on the decision in a statement. “I think the extension of Erla is expected, and maybe even appropriate. Any independent office holder that shows competence, success and popularity above that of this Government, is deemed as a threat. Remember, Erla, when measured in performance and competence by international experts, could not place in the top fifteen (15) of those who applied for CoP or Deputy CoP and based on her performance and competence, or lack of, in the last year, it is indeed most appropriate for her extension, as her standard equates with that of the Security Minister and Chair of the National Security Council,” Griffith said. He added, “So in terms of competence, accountability and performance, birds of a feather. You cannot appoint a James Bond or a Rambo to work with the Mr. Bean and Tommy Joseph of T&T National Security. So her extension fits in perfectly.” More on this as it becomes available. [Source: CNC3]
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A Police Officer is dead following a shooting incident at a bar in Longdenville, Chaguanas, last night (Monday 13th May, 2024). The deceased has been identified as No. 15754 PC Dale Mayers, aka ‘Rugrat,’ who was last assigned to the Arima Police Station. Mayers was also said to be a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Automobile Sports Association (TTASA). He was killed during what appears to be an attempted robbery.
According to reports, Mayers was liming with two (2) friends at Unique Restaurant and Bar in Longdenville, around 10:15 PM, when a lone gunman, identified as 23-year-old Ishmael Clarke of Nelson Street, Port-of-Spain, entered and announced a hold-up. Mayers quickly drew his licensed firearm and shot at Clarke. However, Clarke returned fire, hitting Mayers in the chest.
Mayers was rushed to the Chaguanas Health Facility where he died while undergoing emergency medical treatment.
Clarke was subsequently detained by Police after seeking help at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (POSGH) for his gunshot wound, where he remains under Police guard at this time. Uniforms of two (2) Police Officers have been stolen from the Guard and Emergency Branch at the Prime Minister's residence in St. Ann’s. The clothing, which includes two (2) camouflage jackets, one (1) camouflage pants and two (2) camouflage caps, were discovered missing on Friday morning (10th May, 2024) by the two (2) Officers.
They subsequently made checks on the compound for the missing uniforms, to no avail. They had both been secured in lockers earlier in the week. The items were immediately reported missing and a team of Officers from the Belmont Police Station visited the scene. Statements were taken from both Officers, and crime scene investigators searched for residual fingerprints. There were said to be no CCTV cameras nearby. Investigations are continuing. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: Loop] The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said it conducted a “decisive intelligence-led operation, aimed at preserving the integrity of crime-fighting efforts within the North-Central Division.” In a co-ordinated effort, Officers from the Tunapuna Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Northern Division Task Force - West, T&TEC Estate Police, and T&TEC Emergency Unit, executed the removal of twenty-three (23) unlawfully-installed surveillance cameras.
According to the TTPS in a Media Release today (Monday 13th May, 2024), between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM on Wednesday 10th April, 2024, Officers concentrated their efforts on removing surveillance apparatus illegally-affixed to T&TEC light poles. Specifically-targeted areas included Monte Grande in Tunapuna and Bassanta Trace, St. John Road in St. Augustine. Following the guidance of T&TEC investigators, Officers successfully located and removed thirteen (13) cameras from Monte Grande and ten (10) from Bassanta Trace. Subsequently, all twenty-three (23) confiscated cameras were conveyed to the Tunapuna Police Station for further processing. The TTPS notes that mounting cameras or any other equipment on T&TEC poles necessitates explicit written authorization from T&TEC. DCP Intelligence and Investigation, Suzette Martin has appointed a team to continue investigations into this matter. UPDATE (15/05/24): The Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT) said the body has been identified as missing 21-year-old Jurell Lewis of Dinsley Gardens, Tacarigua. He was identified by his parents. The decomposing body of a man was found in an abandoned two-storey house in Belmont on Sunday morning (12th May, 2024). The deceased has not yet been identified.
According to Police reports, Officers acting on information received, went to the house located at the corner of Pitman and Walcott Lane, Gonzales, Belmont, around 10:15 AM. Upon arrival, they observed the decomposing body of an African male, dark in complexion, with apparent gunshot wounds to the head. Investigations are continuing. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: TTT Live Online]
The body of a missing man was found on Saturday evening (11th May, 2024) at Fairfield Road, Princes Town. The deceased has been identified as 33-year-old Adil Mohammed of Princes Town. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
According to the Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT), Mohammed and his gold Toyota Corolla (PCB 8813) were last seen on Friday afternoon (10th May, 2024). He was said to be plying his vehicle for hire from Princes Town to the St. Croix area, from around 5:00 PM.
The HSRT said the identity of the body found in Princes Town on Saturday was confirmed by relatives. “Hunters Search and Rescue Team members, led by Captain Vallence Rambharat, Princes Town Police Officers, Anti Kidnapping Unit, relatives and friends searched all day after an alarm was raised early this morning [Saturday]. On behalf of all, we extend our commiserations to his family and love ones, including his dear wife. SLEEP IN ETERNAL PEACE ADIL. GOD'S BLESSINGS.”
More on this as it becomes available. According to reports, there was a shooting incident this morning (Sunday 12th May, 2024) at Sauce Doubles in Cunupia. The incident is said to have occurred around 10:00 AM along the roadway, during which several loud explosions were heard. There have been no reports of injuries.
In a statement, the Management of Sauce Doubles Cunupia said it would “like to state that the customers or staff present are all ok. Law Enforcement Officials have responded and are carrying out investigations.” More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: DJ Sheriff] “The illegal installation of electronic equipment on utility poles is another crushing indictment on the hopelessly incompetent Fitzgerald Hinds as Minister of National Security. It again exposes Hinds’ chronic uselessness in ensuring the safety and security of the traumatised people of Trinidad and Tobago.” This from Member of Parliament for Oropouche East, Dr. Roodal Moonilal.
In a Media Release on Saturday (11th May, 2024), Dr. Moonilal said the issue is a “surreal development in the nation’s public affairs and once more reveals how the inept Rowley Government has collapsed in the fight against the crime epidemic. Having called on Hinds to fix the hundreds of CCTV cameras belonging to the State, we now have a situation where the criminals are more competent in maintaining effective electronic surveillance and coverage over law enforcement personnel. It is frightening that Hinds and the Police Service did not have intelligence reports on the illegal CCTV cameras and wireless routers. But Hinds has been able to maneuver major resources to hound Roger Best, the displaced Director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA). He has also utilized modern technology to carry out surveillance on opponents of the failed Rowley regime.” According to the MP, “An immediate and independent investigation must be launched to determine the full scale of the illegal electronic activity. One wonders whether criminals are also monitoring the Courthouses as witnesses come and go attending to criminal trials. There must be an immediate inventory of all cameras and electronic surveillance equipment erected in all public spaces. The enquiry must also ascertain how the equipment was illegally imported and installed without the knowledge of the relevant agencies. This troubling matter is another indication that organized criminals are well-structured and better equipped than the relevant security agencies.” Dr. Moonilal added, “The Government’s ineffectiveness in combating crime means the country is racing towards anarchy, with rampant murders and other bloody acts of lawlessness. It remains inexplicable that the disastrous Hinds remain in charge of the country’s security during a period of national crisis. The Rowley Government has exhausted all its time, resources and energy chasing down lawful citizens who obtained legal firearms. While the intelligence agencies have collapsed, the criminal underworld has shown more competence and co-ordination than the Government. This is scandalous, incredibly untenable and unimaginable. Hinds must answer for his uselessness. Indeed as he himself admitted, ‘he has nothing useful to add.’ Fitzgerald Hinds must go. He has proven to be a failure in national security. He cannot monitor a Police Station or radio station, a Courthouse or an outhouse!!!” The Media Release concluded by saying, “As the CoP and Hinds parade today at the Police Sports Day, there has been no denial or explanation on this outrageously bold and sinister matter.” [Source: UNC] According to Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert, on 30th April, 2024, an individual gained unauthorized access to the top floor of the Ministry of Finance Head Office Building at the Eric Williams Financial Complex, by pretending to be a member of an exterior building cleaning team.
In a Media Release today (Sunday 12th May, 2024), Minister Imbert said suspicion arose later in the day when CCTV technicians and maintenance staff “detected serious water leakage at the top levels of the Ministry of Finance building, leading to interception and detention of the individual. When searched, a gauge and valve taken from a pump line were found on his person, together with other items of a suspicious nature.” The individual was subsequently charged by the Police with malicious damage and remanded into custody. An assessment conducted by the technical staff of the Ministry and its specialist contractors revealed significant risks due to the actions of this individual. The Minister notes that if he had not been caught, and the effects of his actions not detected early enough, the result would have included:
The Media Release concluded by saying, “The Ministry of Finance is now taking further precautions to protect its infrastructure, and by extension, its important documents. Thankfully, because of the robust CCTV and security systems in place at the Ministry, the individual was apprehended, and the damage contained.” The collaborative efforts of the Children's Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, the Child Protection Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and concerned citizens, have led to locating a child, who was seen in a video being choked by a woman. A woman was captured on video earlier this week, allegedly choking her son along Independence Square in Port-of-Spain. Passers-by quickly intervened and alerted Police. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority said, “The child will be placed in the care of suitable and responsible relatives and the Authority will monitor the child's placement to ensure the child's needs are met.” Mr. Cyrus adds that the collaboration between the Authority and the Police is just one example of the National Interagency Protocol for Child Abuse Prevention and Management (NIPCAPM) at work. He added, "The Protocol seeks to ensure the continuous collaboration and co-ordination across the child protection and welfare system to prevent, report and investigate all matters related to child abuse and maltreatment.”
Mr. Cyrus said, “The Authority will continue to conduct public education and awareness campaigns to heighten public engagement about the need to protect our nation's most vulnerable.” The public is reminded to report all incidents of child abuse to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996. |
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