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Aranguez Used-Car Salesman Charged For Possession of Stolen Vehicle

8/12/2023

Officers of the Stolen Vehicles Squad arrested and charged a man for possession of a stolen vehicle on Wednesday (6th December 2023). According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Christian Spann, 30, a used-car salesman of William Street, Aranguez and Johnny King Branch Road, Aranguez, was granted bail in the sum of $250,000 by Justice of the Peace (JP), Stephen Young and is scheduled to appear before a Port-of-Spain Magistrate on 10th January 2024.

The charges stem from a report of a stolen white Toyota Axio, which was allegedly taken from the Central Division on 30th August 2022, and later found with a tampered chassis number and seized in the Central Division on 24th October 2023. After a thorough investigation, PC Green of the Stolen Vehicles Squad sought legal advice and subsequently charged Spann for the offence of possession of a stolen vehicle.

This investigation was spearheaded by Snr. Supt. Ramjohn, Supt. Pariman and ASP Ramdass, and was directly supervised by Inspector Lazarus.

Former Government Minister Marlene McDonald DIES After Brief Illness

8/12/2023

PNM Education Officer Laurel Lezama Lee-Sing has confirmed that former Government Minister Marlene McDonald died earlier today (Friday 8th December 2023) after ailing for a short time.

Ms. McDonald was a former Member of Parliament for Port-of-Spain South and a former Deputy Political Leader of the People's National Movement (PNM).

Prime Minister Keith Rowley issued a brief statement this evening, saying, “Today the People’s National Movement received the sad news of the passing of a servant and a dedicated colleague, Ms. Marlene McDonald. She was a dedicated fighter who devoted much of her adult life to the service of others. We mourn her loss as we extend our deepest condolences to her family. From all her colleagues and the PNM family, may she Rest in Peace.”

According to the Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. McDonald was first elected to the House of Representatives as the Member for Port-of-Spain South on 5th November 2007, at which time she was appointed Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs. From 2010 to 2015 she served in Opposition as the Chief Whip.

Ms. McDonald was re-elected to the House of Representatives of the 11th Parliament on 7th September 2015. Four (4) days later, she was appointed Minister of Housing and Urban Development — a position she held until 16th March 2016. She was then appointed Minister of Public Utilities on 2nd July 2019 and served as such until 28th February 2018, when she was appointed Minister in the Ministry of Public Administration and Communications. Just over a month later, she was appointed Minister of Public Administration and Communications and subsequently on 7th June 2018, Minister of Public Administration. Ms. McDonald held this position until 11th August 2019.

Below is a statement issued by the PNM following the death of Ms. McDonald:

STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF MS. MARLENE MCDONALD

Port-of-Spain: In 2007, Marlene McDonald burst onto the political landscape of Trinidad and Tobago when she successfully screened as the PNM's candidate for the constituency of Port-of-Spain South. On Monday 5th November 2007, she cemented her place in the House of Representatives having convincingly won her seat in the General Election. She subsequently won the Port-of-Spain South parliamentary seat in 2010, and again in 2015. During her tenure as a Parliamentarian, she was appointed as the Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs from 2007 - 2010. In 2010, she was appointed as the Opposition Chief Whip and served in that position until 2015.

As the Chief Whip, Ms. McDonald was fierce and knowledgeable, and she very effectively used the tools of the Parliament and its Standing Orders. In 2015, when the PNM returned to Government, she was appointed Minister of Housing and Urban Development. In 2016, she was reassigned as the Minister of Public Utilities, and served there until 2019, when she accepted a new portfolio as Minister in the Ministry of Public Administration and Communications for a brief period.

On a party level, she served as Deputy Political Leader- Legislative from 2010 - 2019, and will be credited for hosting robust monthly group meetings. In an effort to ensure maximum participation, she made it her duty to carry the meetings across the length and breadth of the country, something all members appreciated.

With a powerful voice, a passion for the people of Port-of-Spain South, and a clear sense of purpose, Marlene McDonald used her training as an Attorney-at-Law to be a champion of and for the people of her constituency and of the country. She was a fearless and outstanding debater, well researched, and always ready to lift the level of the debates, both academically and politically.

She possessed a sharp legal acumen which aided her various Parliamentary portfolios. Her wit was unmatched both in the Parliament, and on the political platform.

Fondly referred to as 'Mother' by her constituents and those closest to her, Ms. McDonald was truly regarded as a one of the people. Throughout her three (3) Parliamentary terms of service, she was always present and standing in the gap for those who she represented.

General Secretary of the People's National Movement, Foster Cummings, said, “Marlene was an extremely hard worker, in life and for the PNM, and she will definitely be missed by those who worked with her.”

The People's National Movement extends its sincerest condolences to Ms. McDonald's family, friends and former constituents. It is our prayer that Ms. Marlene McDonald rests comfortably in God's eternal peace.

--END--

8 December 2023

More on this as it becomes available.

[Source: TTT Live Online]

Met Office: Weather Outlook For T&T From Saturday To Wednesday

8/12/2023

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), as December progresses, the regularity of passing frontal systems to the near-North of the Lesser Antilles is expected to increase. These could, at times, influence cooler nights, and also induce some perturbations at our latitude.

Numerical weather models, and analysis, are showing a mixed moisture outlook throughout this outlook period. This is likely to translate into mixed weather, with generally fair to sunny conditions being interrupted at times by some showers over varying areas, and the risk of a heavy shower or thunderstorm in some areas.

The near-surface to mid-level wind (approx. 2,000 ft – 6,000 ft) is expected to continue to be moderate, and at times strong, mainly over Saturday (9th December 2023) and Sunday. The possibility exists that this could sometimes translate down toward the surface and produce gusty to windy conditions, especially in the vicinity of showers and in elevated areas.

In the open waters to the East and Northeast of Trinidad and Tobago, seas are expected to be near 2.5m over Saturday and Sunday, with some reduction on Monday and Tuesday, and again an increase to near 2.5m on Wednesday, in the open waters to the Northeast.

Moderate concentrations of Saharan dust are presently in the atmosphere, with an expected reduction to mild to moderate at times, by Sunday (10th December 2023).

In the event of a heavy shower or a thunderstorm, winds can become gusty and street or flash flooding is likely in the vicinity.

The Met Office has provided the following 5-day weather outlook for T&T:

Saturday (9th December 2023)

Low-level convergence and moisture advection is expected to produce partly cloudy periods, to cloudy in some areas, from after Midnight and into the pre-dawn hours to late morning. Light to moderate showers in varying areas with a 40% to 60% chance for an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm. From afternoon, conditions begin to become fair to sunny, but with a 40% chance for an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm, favouring Western Trinidad or hilly areas. Winds would be between East-Northeast to East-Southeast.

Sunday (10th December 2023)

Some ridging of high pressure is present. Therefore, a mostly fair and sunny day is likely, but with brief showers in a few areas, and a 20% to 40% chance for an isolated heavy shower, favouring Western Trinidad and hilly areas, mainly during the afternoon. Fair evening and night with brief showers in some areas. Winds would be from the East-Northeast to Northeast.

Monday (11th December 2023)

Convergence, together with some moisture advection, ahead of a low-level perturbation, is likely to produce some partly cloudy periods during the morning to afternoon, interrupting some sunshine with light or moderate showers in varying areas and a 30% chance for a heavy shower. Generally fair evening and night with the chance for a brief shower in a few areas. Winds would be from the Northeast, veering through East-Northeast to East and back to Northeast during the evening.

Tuesday (12th December 2023)

Convergence between a Northeasterly flow around a ridge and an Easterly equatorial flow, together with moisture advection, is likely to produce partly cloudy to cloudy conditions, interrupting fair periods at times with light to moderate showers in some areas. A 40% to 60% chance for a heavy shower or isolated thunderstorm to develop, mainly during the late morning to afternoon. Mostly fair evening and night. Winds would be between East to East-Northeast, backing to Northeast during the evening and night.

Wednesday (13th December 2023)

Convergence continues between a Northeasterly flow around a ridge and the Easterly equatorial flow. The strength of the Northeasterly flow is expected to push some moisture advection from the Northeast, but also cause the convergence to be focused just to the Southeast of Trinidad. Partly cloudy periods approaching from the Northeast is likely to interrupt fair to sunny conditions during the day, with some light to moderate showers at times. There is a 40% chance for a heavy shower or isolated thunderstorm. Fair evening and night is expected with brief showers over varying areas. Winds would be from the Northeast.

The Met Office notes that as an extended forecast goes further into the future, it is normal for the certainty to be reduced relative to the extended time period.

Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

Ministry Conducting Illegal Signage REMOVAL Exercise Across T&T

8/12/2023

The Traffic Management Branch of the Ministry of Works and Transport is conducting an illegal signage removal exercise across the country. The Ministry is reminding the public that erecting unauthorized advertising displays “can create visual clutter, compromise road safety, and violate zoning regulations.”

The Ministry said obtaining authorization from its Highway Division ensures proper oversight, adherence to aesthetic standards, and compliance with local laws.

The public is advised that it is illegal to place signs, advertisements, billboards, structures or any similar type of device on any of the Ministry's assets, including traffic lights; medians; bridges; walkovers; and road reserves without prior written authorization from the Ministry. “These illegal advertising displays are a risk to road safety as they conflict with authorized traffic signs, are a distraction to motorists and also deface the property of the Ministry.”

Persons and organizations who engage in this activity are asked to OBEY the laws in accordance with the Highways Act, or risk being fined and having your illegal signage removed by Estate Constables attached to the Ministry.

Please be guided accordingly.

Preliminary Enquiries Will Be Abolished On 12th December 2023

8/12/2023

The Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs (AGLA) said it is pleased to advise that the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act, 2011 (AJIPA) and its six (6) amending Acts will be proclaimed on 12th December 2023.

In a Media Release on Thursday (7th December 2023), the AGLA said this has been preceded by “decades of discussions, stakeholder engagements, policy developments, legislative amendments and more recently, sensitization sessions in collaboration with the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago. These sessions commenced on 4th December 2023 at the Police Academy Gymnasium and continue daily at the Waterfront Judicial Centre for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Legal Aid and Advisory Authority, the Public Defenders Department, the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago, the Criminal Bar Association, the Tobago Lawyers Association, the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre and the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service.”

The AGLA added, “The proclamation of the AJIPA, which abolishes preliminary enquiries, will create sweeping changes to the functioning of the Courts and the dispensation of justice, reduce case backlog, ease the burden on witnesses and significantly eliminate the wastage of time and resources in the disposal of indictable matters.”

The Media Release concluded by saying, “The citizens of Trinidad and Tobago can now anticipate a thoroughly reformed, highly streamlined, and entirely operational pre-trial system that has been under development for several decades.”

Princes Town Pensioner Granted $150,000 Bail For Indecent Assault Against Minor

8/12/2023

A pensioner was granted bail with surety in the sum of $150,000 after he appeared in Court this week, charged with one (1) count of indecent assault against a minor.

The 70-year-old man of Princes Town was charged with the offence when he appeared before Magistrate Taramatie Ramdass, in the Princes Town First Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday (5th December 2023).

He was granted bail and the matter adjourned to 14th December 2023.

The victim reported to Police that while at the New Grant home of a relative, a male suspect allegedly asked her to have sex with him. When she refused, the man allegedly touched several parts of her body.

Investigations supervised by W/Supt. Claire Guy-Alleyne, Insp. (Ag.) Ramphal and W/Sgt. Andrews, all of the Special Victim Department (SVD), resulted in the arrest of a suspect on Monday (4th December 2023).

The accused was charged with the offence by Cpl. Thompson, also of the SVD.

Today’s Weather: Partly Cloudy, Breezy, 30% - 40% Chance For Heavy Showers; 31°C Max

8/12/2023

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), we can expect partly cloudy and breezy conditions today (Friday 8th December 2023), with scattered showers occurring. There is also a low to medium (30% - 40%) chance of a few heavy showers or thunderstorms.

These conditions will persist overnight. Gusty winds and street/flash flooding may occur near heavy showers and thunderstorms.

The forecast maximum temperature today will be 31°C at both Piarco in Trinidad and Crown Point in Tobago.

Seas are slight to moderate with waves 1.5m to 2m in open waters and below 1m but occasionally choppy in sheltered areas.

Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS.

NGC: Pipeline Works At Beetham Highway On Saturday

8/12/2023

The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) said it will commence activities for the introduction of nitrogen into its 16-inch low-pressure pipeline, located at Beetham Highway. It will also conduct flaring at City Gate Valve Station, Morvant Junction.

According to NGC, works include, but will not be limited to the following:

Beetham Highway

Excavation on the Eastbound lane.
Injection of nitrogen into the pipeline.
Backfilling.

City Gate Valve Station, Morvant Junction

Flaring in a controlled manner via flare stack.

Details of the planned activities are as follows:

Scheduled Start: Saturday 9th December 2023
Scheduled End: Saturday 9th December 2023
Hours of Work: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

During these works, NGC said periodic hissing sounds during flaring may be heard. This represents no danger to the public. NGC's personnel will supervise all works and these will be conducted in accordance with NGC's Environment, Safety and Security Policies and Procedures, as well as all applicable codes and standards. “As part of our stringent safety protocols, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services (TTFS) will be on site to provide support during these operations.”

Should you have any concerns about this project, please contact NGC's 24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 800-4427 (800-4GAS).

Please be guided accordingly.

Watch Live: P.M. Rowley Holds Press Conference At 10:00 AM (8th December 2023)

8/12/2023

UPDATE (10:15 AM): We are standing by for the start of the Press Conference.

Prime Minister Keith Rowley will be hosting a Press Conference at 10:00 AM this morning (Friday 8th December 2023) to discuss several important matters concerning Trinidad and Tobago.

Today’s Press Conference was announced by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) only a few hours ago.

Watch the live stream of the Press Conference below when it begins at 10:00 AM, courtesy of TTT.

This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

P.M. Rowley Calls For 10:00 AM Press Conference This Morning

8/12/2023

UPDATE: You can watch the live stream of the Press Conference right here.

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announced a short while ago that Prime Minister Keith Rowley will be hosting a Press Conference at 10:00 AM this morning (Friday 8th December 2023) at the Diplomatic Centre, St. Ann’s. No further details were provided by the OPM.

The Prime Minister was in London earlier this week, where he engaged in several high-level energy-related meetings.

He witnessed the commemorative signing of an agreement for a new unitized commercial structure for Atlantic LNG at a ceremony held in London on Tuesday (5th December 2023). The agreement will allow the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) to obtain a greater share of the revenue derived from the sale of LNG on the global market for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Prime Minister Rowley said, ”We in Trinidad and Tobago, representing the people of Trinidad and Tobago, we feel confident that success will come our way and that that success will be shared more fairly with greater clarity and with greater sustainability.”

He also met with bp’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Murray Auchincloss at the company’s headquarters in London on Monday (4th December 2023). Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Stuart Young and President of bp Trinidad and Tobago, David Campbell, were present for the talks.

The leadership at bp reaffirmed its commitment to Trinidad and Tobago and emphasized that the country remains an important component of its global operations.

Prime Minister Rowley and Interim CEO Auchincloss congratulated the respective negotiating teams on the work done towards the restructuring of Atlantic LNG. The discussions also focused on prospective initiatives including the pursuit of deep-water exploration and sanctioning of future projects.

President of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, Mark Loquan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, Penelope Bradshaw-Niles and Vice President Corporate bp Trinidad and Tobago, Giselle Thompson also attended the meeting.

This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

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