A man is dead following a stabbing incident at a bar in Chaguanas early this morning (Saturday 30th September 2023). The deceased has been identified as Brandon Romain, aka ‘Marv.’

According to reports, Romain was stabbed during a fight with Spanish nationals at W.I Crew Bar around 2:30 AM.

​He was taken to Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigations are continuing.

More on this as it becomes available.

​[Source: Loop]

“In this year’s Budget, I call on the Government to reintroduce the laptop programme for all Form One students and the free student transport to schools in all areas. I also call for the reintroduction of an annual school grant fixed at $1,500 for primary school students and $2,000 for secondary school students, to be offered to any child in need of assistance.” This from Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP.

In a Media Release on Thursday (12th September 2023), Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said, “With the Budget fast approaching, I make a renewed call to the Government to think of our children and the sacrifices of their hardworking parents. It is time for the Government to reintroduce an annual school grant, the laptop programme for all Form One students and the free student transport to schools in all areas throughout the country. Recently we saw that thousands of our children were lost from the school system during Covid, due to not having computers to access online learning. The Government sat idly by, relying on donations from the private sector to meet this need after cancelling the UNC’s laptop programme, which had previously ensured that every child had access to a computer at home and school.”

She added, “Hardworking parents continue to struggle to pay for uniforms, textbooks, photocopies, and stationary supplies and as such, I call on the Government to reintroduce the annual school grant. Many students are struggling to attend school because of the increased cost of transportation, triggered by the removal of the fuel subsidy. The free transport programme is therefore essential to ensure the attendance, safety, and security of our nation's children. The Government must act to ensure that no child is left behind. They are our nation’s future.”

The Opposition Leader also recently called on the Government to raise the minimum wage to at least $25 per hour and to couple this with a removal of VAT on all food items.

According to reports this afternoon (Saturday 30th September 2023), a homeowner in Santa Cruz did not respond well to a crew from the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), after they refused to reconnect his illegal connection which was damaged by a fallen tree branch.

The man reportedly brandished an AR-15 rifle and held the 5-member crew hostage, shortly after they discovered the electricity connection to his home was illegal. The crew members were told by the man that they were not allowed to leave the area until they reconnected the illegal line. The man is believed to have contacted other men lower down the road to stop the crew if they attempted to flee the area.

Police subsequently arrived at the scene and managed to de-escalate the situation. However, the suspect escaped custody.

The incident is said to have taken place around 10:15 AM, when the crew members went to Monroe Road, La Canoa, Santa Cruz, to restore electricity to the home of a legal customer whose line had been damaged by a fallen tree branch.

Speaking to CCN TV6, the crew’s Supervisor, who did not want to be identified by name, explained what transpired. He said upon arriving at the site, the crew members noticed the electricity line going to the man’s home, which was also damaged by the fallen tree branch, was an illegal connection. “Obviously we would not repair illegal connections and he was telling me to reconnect his line, and I told him I can’t because it is illegal and I am seeing signs of burning on his line,” the Supervisor explained.

He said at that point, the man walked off but soon after he returned with the rifle and pointed it directly at him.

“He said we are not leaving here until we fix his connection. All kind of things were running through my mind, my family and everything. The only thing I could have done, I walked towards him as a distraction for the rest of the crew to make calls to the Police. While walking towards him, I was trying to reason with him and trying to appease him. I then agreed to put back the connection for him because obviously the situation changed so I agreed to reconnect him. As we started the process of reconnecting, the Police arrived and he ran off. The Police went looking for him and they didn’t find him,” he added.

The Supervisor said he believed the man also made contact by phone with other men lower down the road to stop the crew if they attempted to flee the area.

He noted that following the incident, T&TEC’s General Manager indicated that all crew members would have access to a rapid-response security team whenever they are required to venture into known crime hotspot areas. “That is something already in place. But we went to this area thinking it was just a routine job. We did not think this area was like that. But in speaking with the General Manager, it was indicated that once we are going to known hotspot areas, we are to leave with the security,” said the Supervisor.

Investigations are continuing.

​More on this as it becomes available.

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

[Source: Trinidad Express]

Police destroyed close to $3 million worth of illegal narcotics during a Cannabis Suppression Operation on Thursday (28th September 2023). According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), between 5:30 AM and 11:30 AM, a team of Officers acting on intelligence gathered, proceeded to the Wharf Trace area of the North Central Division. During the operation, the Officers discovered a camp containing approximately 125 pounds of cured Cannabis and a field covering approximately one lot of land, containing 1,200 fully grown trees and 250 seedlings. The Officers destroyed the illegal narcotics found, which had a street value of $2,950,000.

Police Commissioner Erla Harewood Christopher stated, “Teamwork is the foundation of good Police work. We will continue to use technology, analyze data and stay on the ground, conducting our enquiries and gathering information that will feed into our operations. Each drug bust makes a dent into the pockets and upsets the plans of those who gain from these illegal activities, and we have no intention of easing the pressure on these criminals.”

The operation was conducted and co-ordinated by the TTPS Jungle Operations Training Team, SIU Jungle Operations Team and Police Training Academy, Advanced Programmes Unit supervised by Snr. Supt. Teewarie, the Multi Operational Police Section (MOPS) supervised by Ag. Cpl. Babb, Air Support Unit supervised by Insp. Rampallard and participants of the Cannabis Supply and Demand Management training programme.

The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is advising customers of an unplanned water interruption due to a ruptured transmission pipeline at LP #40 Endeavour Road, Chaguanas (in the vicinity of Price Plaza Roundabout/Amco Compound).

Areas being affected include the following:

• Lange Park;
• Balmora;
• Aberdeen Park;
• Edinburgh 500;
• Parts of Chaguanas Main Road;
• Soogrim Road and environs.

WASA said restoration of service should be completed by 6:00 AM on Sunday (1st October 2023).

​Please be guided accordingly.

The Ministry of Works and Transport is advising the public that there will be a temporary traffic disruption along Caroni Savannah Road to Caroni Flyover. This disruption will take place from today (Saturday 30th September 2023) and is expected to be completed on Tuesday (3rd October 2023). This has become necessary to facilitate road repair works.

Hours of Work:

• Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Weekend: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Considering the above, motorists are advised to comply with the following:

• Proceed with caution and observe all directional signs and barriers.
• Comply with instructions from Police Officers on-site to facilitate a safe and orderly flow of traffic.
• Be aware of heavy equipment entering and exiting the site.
• Drive with caution on all milled (possibly uneven) surfaces.
• Drive at a reduced speed on approaching the work zone.

The Ministry said it regrets any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for its continued co-operation. For further information, please visit the Ministry’s website (www.mowt.gov.tt) or call the PURE Unit at 638-2350, 638-2256 or 675-4052.

The Ministry of Works and Transport is advising drivers who have NOT PAID nor CONTESTED Fixed Penalty Notices (Traffic Tickets) issued during the periods 1st - 30th November 2021 and 1st January - 31st December 2022, that under the provisions of Section 88A of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Act No. 9 of 2017), the Licensing Authority intends to impose administrative sanctions against the drivers of the motor vehicles used in the commission of the traffic violations, as a result of the following:

1. There was no recorded payment of the fixed penalty amount in respect of the Fixed Penalty Notice/s within the thirty (30) day period for payment;
2. There was no record of a Notice to Contest, in respect of the Fixed Penalty Notice/s being filed with the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago; and
3. The fixed penalty plus one-half (1/2) of the amount of the fixed penalty is overdue for payment.

The Ministry notes that if you are the recipient of a Fixed Penalty Notice over the periods 1st - 30th November 2021 and 1st January - 31st December 2022, you are advised to urgently visit the Ministry's website at: www.mowt.gov.tt to determine if your name is on the list.

Recipients have fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of this publication to show cause or provide reasons, in writing, why the Licensing Authority should not impose the intended administrative sanctions.

For further details, you may wish to contact the Traffic Enforcement Centre Unit via telephone contact: 612-4682, ext. 53004, 53054, 53089, 53090, 53092 or 56016.

Correspondence in response to this notice may be hand-delivered, mailed or sent electronically to:

Traffic Enforcement Coordinator
Traffic Enforcement Centre Unit
Level 2, Licensing Division South Bank Road, Caroni
OR
Email: publicnoticesanctions@mowt.gov.tt.

The Ministry added, “Please disregard this Public Notice if you have already made payment in respect of the Fixed Penalty Notice/s issued to you over the aforementioned periods.”

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), as of this morning (Friday 29th September 2023), Tropical Storm Philippe is centered at approximately 830 Km to the East of the Northern Leeward Islands. Philippe is moving towards the Southwest but is forecast to make a gradual turn towards the West and eventually Northwest by Sunday (1st October 2023). As a result of its location and movement, this cyclonic system will have an influence on the direction of air flow across Trinidad and Tobago. At this time, Tropical Storm Philippe poses no direct threat to Trinidad and Tobago.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rina is located at approximately 1,740 Km to the East of the Northern Leeward Islands. The present track of Rina is towards the North-Northwest and is forecast to continue in that direction as it passes to the East of the Northern Leeward Islands. Tropical Storm Rina poses no direct threat to Trinidad and Tobago.

The axis of the next Tropical Wave is presently located near 22° West longitude, in the far Eastern Atlantic. It is moving Westward at 10/15 Kts (18/28 Km/hr). At its present location and movement, it is not forecast to be an influence of the weather over Trinidad and Tobago during the next few days.

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

Saturday (30th September 2023)

• Generally fair and sunny conditions. With the passing of Tropical Storm Philippe to the North-Northeast, the wind field across Trinidad and Tobago can become light, and at times variable. With daytime heating, some available moisture and at times light winds, there is a 40% - 60% chance for isolated heavy showers or a thunderstorm to develop during the late morning to afternoon, favouring hilly areas and Western Trinidad. Fair evening and night. Winds generally from the Southeast.

Sunday (1st October 2023)

• Generally fair and sunny. Partly cloudy periods during the late morning and afternoon, producing a few light or moderate showers. Tropical Storm Philippe continues to influence the wind field across Trinidad and Tobago to come from the South to Southeast. With daytime heating, some available moisture and at times light winds, there is a 40% - 60% chance for isolated heavy showers or a thunderstorm to develop during the late morning to afternoon, favouring hilly areas and Western Trinidad. Mostly fair evening and night. Winds generally from the South to Southeast.

Monday (2nd October 2023)

• Initially fair morning. Tropical Storm Philippe to the North continues to influence perturbations in the wind field across Trinidad and Tobago. As a consequence of this, some low level convergence is expected to produce partly cloudy to cloudy periods from mid-morning to the afternoon, with light to moderate showers in varying areas. There is a 60% chance for the development of isolated thunderstorms. Conditions become settled to fair from late afternoon. Winds from the South-Southwest to South to Southeast.

Tuesday (3rd October 2023)

• As the wind field gradually begin to normalize across Trinidad and Tobago, together with the building of a ridge of high pressure, conditions are expected to be mostly fair and sunny. With daytime heating and local dynamics, there is still a 30% - 40% risk for the development of an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm, favouring hilly areas during the afternoon. Fair evening and night. Winds generally from the Southeast, backing to Easterly by late afternoon.

Wednesday (4th October 2023)

• With Trinidad and Tobago experiencing a ridge of high pressure, a mostly fair and sunny day can be expected. Low (20%) chance for an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm during the afternoon. Fair evening and night. Winds generally from the East-Southeast to East.

The Trinidad and Tobago Heat Season continues until the end of October, therefore strong insolation (solar radiation) is still to be expected. This will at times produce high maximum temperatures, close to or above 34°C. These high temperatures are one of the initiators of deep convection, resulting in the development of strong isolated thunderstorm activity, during the late morning to afternoon.

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

Generally mild concentrations of Saharan dust will be present in the atmosphere during the next few days.

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.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is seeking the public’s assistance to find a missing 13-year-old girl. In a social media post today (Friday 29th September 2023), the TTPS said Daniella Maharaj of Chaguanas, was last seen on Thursday (28th September 2023).

Have you seen her?

Anyone with information on the teen’s whereabouts can contact the Chaguanas Police Station at 665-5271, or 999, 555, 911, 800-TIPS or any Police Station or submit a report via the TTPS App.

An early morning high-speed chase in the Western Division resulted in the arrest of two (2) suspects today (Friday 29th September 2023), and the seizure of a quantity of marijuana, worth an estimated $1.3 million.

Officers of the Division, along with the Coastal and Riverine and Air Support Units, were on patrol around 1:10 AM this morning in the Chaguaramas district, when they observed a white pirogue docked close to the shoreline.

The Officers also observed a white X-Trail motor vehicle with two (2) male occupants, parked a short distance away. Upon seeing the Officers, the men drove off and a chase ensued, which ended with the vehicle being intercepted along Abbe Poujade Road.

A search of the vehicle resulted in two (2) crocus bags containing a 48.94 Kilogrammes of marijuana being found and seized.

The drug has an estimated street value of $1.3 million.

The two (2) suspects, ages forty-one (41) and thirty (30), both of St. Augustine, were arrested in connection with the find.

Investigations are ongoing into the above matter.

Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood-Christopher praised the quick and diligent work of the Officers in making the arrests and seizure. She noted that there is increased collaboration among the various Units and Branches of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), with the aim of dismantling the illicit trade networks that continue to contribute to criminal activities in the country.