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In a significant legal development, Kareem Guadeloupe, a 45-year-old man from Point Fortin, has been acquitted of the 2022 murder of Ikem Best. The verdict was delivered by a Port of Spain jury on October 9, marking the conclusion of a complex and protracted legal battle. Guadeloupe had been charged with the murder on April 15, 2023, following the fatal shooting of Best on October 7, 2022, along Circular Drive, Francis Lane, Warden Road, Point Fortin. Best was standing by the roadside when occupants of a grey B15 car opened fire, resulting in his death. This was Guadeloupe’s second trial, as the first, which commenced in May 2025 before Justice Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds, was aborted due to the emergence of prejudicial evidence. Justice Ramsumair-Hinds discharged the jury, ruling that the evidence could not be rectified through judicial directions. Throughout the proceedings, Guadeloupe maintained his innocence. He was represented by attorneys Michelle Ali and Analisa Ramsaran from the Public Defenders Department, while State prosecutors Kezia Gray-Birkette and Tammy Cato represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Notably, Guadeloupe had previously been acquitted in 2019 for the 2005 murders of brothers Neil and Nigel Seebran, whose bodies were discovered in a grave near their home in Cedros.

Commuters in Trinidad and Tobago can look forward to smoother travel on October 10, 2025, as schools across the nation will be closed to accommodate the National Teachers Convention. The announcement was confirmed by Martin Lum Kin, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA), in a WhatsApp message to Newsday on October 9. Lum Kin emphasized that teachers would be actively participating in professional discussions at various district and branch meetings organized by TTUTA. Additionally, a formal letter from the Division of Education, Research and Technology to Kady Beckles, TTUTA’s Tobago Office General Secretary, granted approval for all teachers to take time off from 8 am to 2 pm on the same day to attend the convention. This decision underscores the importance of professional development for educators while providing a temporary reprieve for daily commuters.

Domestic violence remains a deeply entrenched issue in modern society, prompting therapist Dr. Roz Roach to spearhead a groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising awareness and fostering societal change. The upcoming performing arts production, *Sistas Calling TT*, is set to debut at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on October 25. This public education project seeks to educate the public and transform societal attitudes toward domestic violence.

At the launch event on October 9, Dr. Roach shared insights from her decades-long research and work with survivors in both Canada and Trinidad and Tobago. She emphasized the critical role of education in addressing the issue, stating, ‘The key to reducing domestic violence lies in education. We must change lives and penetrate the societal psyche to make a lasting impact.’

Dr. Roach highlighted the stigma faced by victims, who are often judged and even turned away by law enforcement and their own families. She noted that restraining orders and attempts to leave abusive relationships often escalate the danger, leaving victims with limited safe spaces or support systems, especially for those with children.

As the founder of *Dr. Roz’s Healing Place*, a Canadian shelter for women and children fleeing family violence, Dr. Roach has provided refuge and support to over 2,000 women since its establishment in 1984. The upcoming production is dedicated to the memory of Marcia Henville, a journalist tragically murdered by her husband in 2015. Dr. Roach recounted Henville’s heartbreaking story, revealing how she had sought advice for a ‘friend’ just days before her death, a common tactic among victims who feel ashamed to speak out.

Rashmi Ramsomair, One Caribbean Media’s environmental, social, and governance lead, underscored the urgency of the issue, citing 1,937 reported cases of domestic violence in 2024 alone. She emphasized that *Sistas Calling TT* is more than a campaign—it is a cultural movement aimed at combating this epidemic.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit islandetickets.com or contact 383-7174.

San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris has formally appealed to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to prioritize the restoration of two of the city’s most iconic yet neglected historic buildings: the old San Fernando Police Station and the Carnegie Free Library. In a letter dated October 6, 2025, Parris emphasized the urgent need for action to address the deteriorating conditions of these structures, which hold significant cultural and historical value. The mayor’s plea comes in light of the Prime Minister’s recent assumption of responsibility for heritage buildings, the National Trust, and the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) as part of a ministerial realignment. Parris, a member of the PNM party, commended the Prime Minister for her expanded heritage portfolio, describing it as a renewed commitment to preserving the nation’s patrimony. He highlighted the old police station, which was gutted by fire in 2009 and has remained in disrepair for over a decade, as a particular source of personal embarrassment, given that his great-great-grandfather, Samuel Atherly, was its architect. Parris also expressed concern over the worsening state of the Carnegie Free Library, a landmark built in 1919 through a donation from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The library, once a hub for education and community gatherings, now suffers from roof leaks, structural damage, and partial closures. Despite recommendations from the National Trust and NALIS for its restoration, no concrete action has been taken. Parris urged the Prime Minister to make these projects a priority, proposing that the Carnegie Library be transformed into a flagship cultural center for southern Trinidad, potentially housing a national archive or Prime Ministerial collection.

In a landmark verdict on October 9, Jeremiah Joshua was unanimously acquitted of all charges related to a 2017 shooting incident in Princes Town. The trial, overseen by Justice Nalini Singh at the O’Meara Judicial Centre, concluded swiftly after the jury deliberated for approximately one hour. Joshua had faced serious allegations, including shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. The prosecution alleged that on May 29, 2017, Joshua visited the home of his children’s mother in New Grant, where an argument ensued. He reportedly threatened to return and harm the woman. Later that night, he allegedly forced entry into the residence and fired two shots at the woman’s brother before fleeing the scene. Investigators recovered two spent shells and a projectile but failed to submit these items for forensic analysis until 2019, and no conclusive scientific report was ever produced. The defense, led by attorney Roshan Tota-Maharaj, highlighted critical gaps in the prosecution’s case, including the absence of forensic evidence, gunshot residue testing, fingerprint analysis, and CCTV footage. Tota-Maharaj also questioned the credibility of the alleged victim, pointing out inconsistencies in her testimony. An alibi witness testified that Joshua was attending a family gathering for his parents’ memorial at the time of the incident and remained there until the following day. After the judge’s summation, the jury returned a unanimous not-guilty verdict on all counts, exonerating Joshua. The prosecution team included Maria Lyons-Edwards, Cassie Bisram, and Afeisha Williams.

Crime Stoppers has announced a substantial $100,000 cash reward for any information that could lead to the discovery of Imraz Ali, a central businessman who has been missing since early September. Ali was last spotted on September 4 at around 4 pm, departing from a mechanic shop in Freeport. He was driving a black Nissan X-Trail with the license plate PDT 6829. Since that day, there has been no trace or communication from him.

The organization is urging the public to come forward with any details that might shed light on Ali’s disappearance. ‘Do you have any information regarding the possible location of Mr. Imraz Ali? Have you overheard conversations about him? Did you notice anyone familiar in the area around the time he was last seen?’ the Crime Stoppers flyer inquired.

To be eligible for the full reward, individuals must provide their tips anonymously. They can reach out via phone at 800-TIPS (8477), submit information online at www.crimestopperstt.com, or use the Crime Stoppers P3 TIPS app. This initiative underscores the urgency and seriousness of the search for Ali, as authorities and the community alike hope for his safe return.