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UPDATE 2: Minister of National Security, Stuart Young, stated at a Press Conference that the Church was not currently an approved facility to house persons under the Mental Health Act. The majority of rescued persons were taken to St. Ann’s for assessment, two (2) persons were returned to their families and one was treated at Mt. Hope Hospital.
UPDATE: The “Transformed Life Ministry” Church in Arouca received approximately $7.4 Million from the State between 2010 and 2015. The last cheque payment was dated 6th August 2015. The State gave the Church money as part of a Subvention (funds provided to assist in the operation of a particular social development programme).
Members of the Special Operation Response Team (SORT), led by Commissioner of Police, Gary Griffith, went to a Church in Arouca at around 11pm on Tuesday 8th October 2019 and discovered 69 people (65 men, 4 women) being held against their will. Their ages range from 20’s to 60’s and all are T&T citizens. Among the group were some mentally-challenged persons. Some of the detainees claim they have been there for years.
Tasers and Batons were also found on the compound of the “Transformed Life Ministry” Church in Arouca, indicating that many of the rescued persons may have also been subjected to torture. In addition to being caged, tortured and beaten, it is alleged that the persons were also underfed. A Pastor was among six (6) people arrested and detained for questioning. Commissioner Griffith described the scene as “barbaric” and “virtual modern day slavery.”
Reports indicate that families would take their drug-addicted relatives to the facility for help with their addictions. At the end of the treatment period, Managers would often advise that the addicts be kept for an additional period, at an additional cost. Family members may not of been aware that their loved ones were being caged and ill-treated as cell phones were not allowed on the compound. A Security Guard was allegedly fired for speaking out about the conditions of the detained persons.
Commissioner Griffith said that all rescued persons would undergo thorough medical examinations. Investigations are continuing. Watch Commissioner Griffith in the pair of videos below as he speaks to CNC3 about the discovery and crime scene.
This is a developing story - stay tuned for updates.
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