The Management of the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-island Transportation Company Limited (TTIT) is advising the traveling public that the sailings of the Galleons Passage will be cancelled on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th October, 2024.
Passengers affected (57 passengers from Port-of-Spain and 36 passengers from Scarborough) by these cancelled sailings will be contacted and accommodated on any available sailings.
The Management of TTIT said it regrets any inconvenience caused by these cancellations and thanks the public for their understanding and co-operation.
Please be guided accordingly.
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 The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) said it acknowledges that it is aware of the challenges that customers along Jeffers Lane, St. James, have been experiencing for approximately two (2) weeks.
In a News Release today (Monday 7th October, 2024), WASA said, “In this regard, the Authority has been actively involved in working to correct this issue, which stems from aged pipeline infrastructure that is restricting the flow and pressures to the approximately forty (40) customers on the street. This situation was exacerbated by intermittent cutbacks in production at the Caroni water Treatment Plant in recent weeks, due to low river levels caused by drier than normal weather conditions.” The Authority added, “The corrective works necessary to resolve the issue involves replacement of the distribution pipeline along the street and the service connections to customers. Thus far, one valve has been replaced, while work to replace the pipeline is scheduled to commence today, Monday 7th October, 2024. The Authority wishes to note that over the period of the disruption in service to customers, it provided a house-to-house truck-borne supply on 29th September and again yesterday, Sunday 6th October, 2024; and all requests from customers on the street are treated with priority.” The News Release concluded by saying, “The Authority continues to liaise closely with the local Government representative for the area and is working assiduously to have the normal service restored to customers in the shortest time possible.” Ministry of Social Development Reaches Out To Family of Deceased St. Stephen's College Student7/10/2024 
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services said it has reached out to the family of the St. Stephen's College student who unfortunately committed suicide recently. The Ministry has offered its support to the traumatized relatives of the young man, who have indicated their willingness to meet with the Ministry's Social Workers.
In a Media Release today (Monday 7th October, 2024), the Ministry said, “The general public is advised that the Suicide Prevention Hotline continues to be available and that the National Family Services Division continues to reach out to families to offer counseling and psychosocial support following the tragic loss of a loved one. As a part of the case management strategy, the National Family Services Division provides the necessary support to families for counseling and any other psychosocial-social matters which may be deemed necessary, as family members journey through the challenge of losing a loved one.”
The Ministry is further advising that the Suicide Prevention Hotline, 800-COPE (800-2673), which is free of charge and available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days per week, “is intended to efficiently support persons with crisis issues related to suicidal ideations, abuse, and anxiety and help those in need of emotional support.” According to the Ministry, this hotline “serves as a helping hand and a listening ear for those who feel unheard. Since its inception, the hotline has received approximately 3,500 calls, demonstrating the urgent need for support in our community. Trained staff operating the hotline address crisis-related issues such as suicide and suicide ideation, family crises, gender-based violence, mental health challenges, substance abuse and child abuse. In addition, the hotline provides both internal and external referral systems, ensuring individuals can access additional services if needed. To enhance our support network, we have established collaborations with the Ministry of Health, Non-Governmental Organizations, Community-Based Organizations, and various Government and Non-Government agencies.”
The Ministry notes that while the Suicide Prevention Hotline is not the lead agency in the provision of mental health support services to all members of the public, the hotline is affiliated with the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS). This inter-ministerial, inter-agency group of mental health professionals, chaired by the Ministry of Health, provides a range of support to help individuals cope with emotional, psychological and social challenges.
If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, having thoughts of suicide, in need of emotional support, or struggling with anxiety, please contact the Ministry's 24-Hour Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-COPE (800-2673); Childline at 800-4321; or the Domestic Violence Abuse Hotline at 800-SAVE (800-7283).  The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of Aranguez, Santa Cruz, San Fernando and Penal on Tuesday (8th October, 2024). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.
According to T&TEC, the affected areas in Aranguez, Santa Cruz, San Fernando and Penal are as follows: ARANGUEZ (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
SANTA CRUZ (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
SAN FERNANDO (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM)
PENAL (9:00 AM to 2:00 PM)
T&TEC says it regrets the inconvenience which may be caused by these interruptions. 
The Management of the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-island Transportation Company Limited (TTIT) is advising the public that the M.V. Cabo Star (cargo vessel) will be temporarily relocated to the Government Shipping Service (GSS), Port-of-Spain Ferry Terminal, on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th October, 2024.
TTIT notes that the Cabo Star usually utilizes Berth #3 at the Port-of-Spain Cruise Ship Complex, which is the assigned area for cruise ships, naval vessels, and other ships that wish to call at the Main Port Area. During the cruise ship season, when Berth #3 is in full use, inter-island cargo operations are impacted, resulting in the non-sailing of the Cabo Star. The Seabourn Venture, the first cruise ship of the 2024/2025 season, will arrive in Trinidad on Tuesday (8th October, 2024). As such, to ensure continuity of the transportation of commercial vehicles and cargoes, the Cabo Star will be relocated to the GSS POS Ferry Terminal on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th October, 2024, whilst the Seabourn Venture is in port. The M.V. Cabo Star will return to Berth #3 from Thursday 10th October, 2024, for its continued operations until further notice. As a result of these changes, the public is advised of a temporary disruption in traffic along Wrightson Road, in the vicinity of the Port-of-Spain Ferry Terminal. Confirmed travelers to Tobago are advised to arrive at the Terminal two (2) hours in advance for their scheduled sailings. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution, observe directional signs, and follow instructions from the Port Police Officers and Traffic Wardens.
Please be guided accordingly.
 A Road and Traffic Enforcement Operation was recently conducted in the Port-of-Spain Division and Freeport district.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), on Sunday (6th October, 2024), from 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM, a co-ordinated operation by Senior Superintendent Thom, Superintendent Jankie, and their team, led to the arrest of six (6) individuals for exceeding the legal limit of alcohol consumption while driving. Those arrested were as follows:
Approximately forty-five (45) motor vehicles were stopped and searched, resulting in the issuance of two (2) electronic Fixed Penalty Notices. Additionally, a joint Stop-and-Search Exercise was conducted by the Highway Patrol Task Force and members of the Barataria HP Shift C on Saturday (5th October, 2024) from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This exercise resulted in twelve (12) electronic Fixed Penalty Notices and two (2) arrests for DUI offenses. Arrested were a 25-year-old man from off Hingoo Lane Boundary Extension, Aranguez and a 41-year-old man from Mt. Dor Road, Champs Fleurs, for the offence. A Speed Enforcement Operation was conducted on Friday (4th October, 2024) from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM along the Uriah Butler Highway. The exercise was co-ordinated by W/Insp. Mohan and Sgt. Oliver. A total of fifty (50) electronic Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for speeding. The TTPS said it continues to urge motorists and other road users to exercise safety at all times and obey the road traffic regulations. 
A mechanic is dead after the chassis of a dump truck fell on him in Gasparillo on Sunday afternoon (6th October, 2024). The deceased has been identified as 34-year-old Garvin Mungroo of Harmony Hall, Gasparillo.
According to reports, Mungroo was working under a dump truck that was parked in an open yard at Bull Fabricators, located at Thompson Street, Gasparillo, around 12:30 PM. While working under the truck, however, the chassis suddenly fell on him, pinning him to the ground.
An alarm was raised and the chassis was subsequently removed from on top of Mungroo with the aid of a forklift. He was then taken to the San Fernando General Hospital for emergency medical treatment. However, he was pronounced dead shortly before 2:00 PM. Investigations are continuing by Cpl. Khan. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: Loop] 
UPDATE: Milton is the strongest Hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico since Michael in 2018 and is poised to become even stronger. It is the strongest Gulf of Mexico Hurricane this late in the year since at least 1966. Milton is one of only seven (7) Hurricanes on record to increase from Category 1 to 5 in twenty-four (24) hours and did so at the second-fastest rate.
Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 Hurricane today (Monday 7th October, 2024), threatening to bring additional storm surge and flooding later this week to an already-battered Florida that is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Milton, which currently has winds estimated around 160 miles an hour (250 km/h), was located in the Gulf of Mexico, more than 700 miles Southwest of Tampa, Florida, as of 12:00 PM ET today. Milton is forecast to weaken as it hits dry air before making landfall on Florida’s West coast as early as this Wednesday (9th October, 2024), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. It warned that Milton is still expected to be a large and powerful Hurricane.
After becoming a Category 1 Hurricane on Sunday evening (6th October, 2024), Milton quickly strengthened from a Category 2 storm as of 5:00 AM this morning (Monday 7th October, 2024) to a Category 5 storm by 12:00 PM.
Hurricane, Storm Surge and Tropical Storm Watches were issued for parts of the Western coast of Florida and the Florida Keys, the NHC said today. There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds beginning as early as Tuesday night (8th October, 2024) for parts of Florida’s West coast. Residents should listen to local officials and evacuate if told to do so, the NHC said. The core of Hurricane Milton could make landfall anywhere from North of Tampa Bay, through the Tampa-St. Petersburg region and down to Sarasota, Port Charlotte and Fort Myers, forecasters said. Many of those areas damaged by Helene remain vulnerable to any additional storm surge. Below are Key Messages for Hurricane Milton from the NHC, as at 10:00 AM CDT:
Meanwhile, Florida Officials made a pre-landfall emergency declaration request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said at a Press Conference today. About 5,000 National Guard troops have been mobilized to prepare for the storm, DeSantis said, with an additional 3,000 set to be activated before Milton makes landfall. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: The Wall Street Journal]  Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young, is doubling down on comments he made during his contribution to the Budget Debate on Friday (4th October, 2024), regarding the bid submitted by Patriotic Energy Services Co. Ltd. for the Pointe-a-Pierre Refinery, saying he was “very clear” in his statement. Minister Young clarified his statement on Patriotic Energies on Saturday (5th October, 2024): “Yesterday during my contribution to the National Budget debate I was very clear in what I said with respect to the bid for the refinery put in by Patriotic Energies & Technology Co. Ltd. (‘Patriotic Energies’). I stated, with the evidence in my hand, that Patriotic Energies, produced a fake document purporting to be a wire transfer to a local bank for US $1.5 billion. Due diligence confirmed that no such wire transfer was received by the local bank to the account of Patriotic Energies.” The Minister added, “Patriotic Energies has today issued a statement that does not refute the fact that they submitted a fake wire transfer document but instead they introduce the concept of having a ‘preferred financial partner.’ It is clear and obvious that Patriotic Energies is avoiding responding to the fact of the fake document that they submitted. They should be asked whether there was a document submitted by them that indicated a purported wire transfer of US $1.5 billion and if so, where is the money, or was the document fake.” In a Media Release on Saturday (5th October, 2024), Patriotic Energy said it “wishes to state categorically the following points in response to misleading statements made by the Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs:
More on this as it becomes available. [Source: TTT Live Online]  According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), we can expect partly cloudy/cloudy periods today (Monday 7th October, 2024) with showers over some areas, which will likely interrupt sunshine. There is a medium (40% - 60%) chance of these showers becoming heavy and/or thundery at times, especially near hilly areas. Tonight will be generally fair apart from a few isolated showers.
The Met Office notes that gusty winds and street/flash flooding can occur in the event of heavy showers or thunderstorms. The forecast maximum temperature today will be 33°C at Piarco in Trinidad and 32°C at Crown Point in Tobago. Seas are slight to moderate with waves up to 1.5m in open waters and below 1m in sheltered areas. Please continue to pay attention to the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued by the TTMS. |
