作者： admin

In a series of alarming incidents, armed bandits carried out coordinated robberies in Trinidad, leaving victims traumatized and authorities scrambling for answers. The first incident occurred in Glencoe on the night of October 16, when a 58-year-old man was ambushed on his way home from the Princes Casino at West Mall. At the corner of Rodney Road and Schullere Street, the victim encountered a silver SUV blocking his path. Two masked assailants, one armed with a cutlass and the other with a gun, forced their way into his vehicle, demanding he drive them to his residence. Once there, the bandits tied up the man and his 24-year-old son, ransacked the home, and fled with $11,000 in cash, a high-end iPhone, and the victim’s SUV. The son managed to free himself and his father, prompting a police response that led to the interception of the stolen vehicle in St. James. One suspect is in custody, assisting with the investigation. In a separate but similarly brazen attack the same night, a San Juan woman was robbed in Woodbrook. As she approached her car on Fitt Street, two men accosted her, stealing $25,000 worth of jewelry and $15,000 in gold bracelets before fleeing in a silver Nissan Almera. Authorities are actively pursuing the suspects in both cases, highlighting a concerning trend of violent robberies in the region.

The Tobago Blue Food Festival, an annual celebration of the island’s culinary heritage, is poised to commence on October 19 at the Bloody Bay Recreation Ground. Kern Cown, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd (TFCL), unveiled the preparations during a press conference at the Office of the Chief Secretary in Scarborough on October 16. Addressing past logistical challenges, particularly concerning shuttle services and parking, Cown emphasized the commission’s commitment to enhancing the patron experience. Six designated parking zones have been established to accommodate festival-goers, with Parking Zone A located within the venue on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking facilities include the Bloody Bay Beach Facility, Carrington Lot, Parlatuvier Community Centre, Parlatuvier Primary School, and the Cyd Gray Complex in Roxborough. Parking will open at 8 am, complemented by shuttle services starting at 9 am. A premium shuttle service from Market Square in Scarborough will depart at 10 am and 10:30 am, while the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) will offer a paid shuttle at noon. The festival promises a vibrant lineup of activities, including a petting zoo, children’s corner, arts and crafts section, food court, and live entertainment. Renowned artists Farmer Nappy and Shurwayne Winchester are set to headline the event, alongside local performers. The festival, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, was established in 1998 to honor the versatility of dasheen, a staple root crop in Tobago’s cuisine.

A 25-year-old homeless man was hospitalized after consuming contaminated food and medication found in a cell at the Tunapuna Police Station. The incident occurred on October 15 at approximately 2:30 PM, while the man was being detained. According to a police report, he ingested two paracetamol tablets and stale food remnants left behind by previous inmates. Shortly after consumption, the man experienced severe discomfort and began vomiting. Emergency Health Services (EHS) were immediately contacted, and he was transported to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex for treatment. Medical professionals confirmed that the man was in stable condition but required close monitoring. He was administered medication to detoxify his system and remains hospitalized under police supervision. This incident has raised concerns about hygiene and safety protocols within detention facilities.

In a dramatic turn of events, a suspected gang leader was apprehended by police after he visited the Maloney Police Station to inquire about his wife, who had been arrested earlier. The incident unfolded on the evening of October 16, when law enforcement officers, acting on intelligence, conducted a search of the couple’s apartment under the state of emergency (SoE) regulations. The woman, who was present at the time, informed officers that her husband had stepped out. During the search, police discovered a customized Glock 19 handgun, a magazine containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a patented Glock drum magazine concealed in a blue and red knapsack in a bedroom. The woman was immediately cautioned, arrested, and taken into custody. Shortly after, her husband arrived at the police station to check on her status, only to be detained himself in connection with the illegal firearm. Both individuals remain in custody and are expected to face charges soon. Additionally, police invoked Regulation 13 of the Emergency Powers Regulations to detain two other residents of the same building, including a neighbor of the suspected gang leader. This regulation empowers officers to conduct searches without a warrant if they suspect evidence of criminal activity. The operation was led by Superintendent McKenzie and supervised by Acting Sergeant Forgenie, with the involvement of several officers including WCpl Castillo-Lewis, WPC Simon, PC Carter, PC Augustine, PC Gopaul, PC Villaroel, and PC Fisher.

The Port of Spain High Court has mandated the release of two individuals detained in connection with the disappearance and murder of 60-year-old Charleville businessman Imraz “Clubs” Ali, unless formal charges are filed by 4 pm on October 17. Justice Karen Reid issued the order on October 16 following a virtual hearing of a habeas corpus application submitted on behalf of the suspects—a market vendor and a laborer—against the Commissioner of Police. The court ruled that the second applicant must be released immediately if no charges are brought by the stipulated deadline. Additionally, the judge noted that the investigative file for the first applicant, who accused the police of misconduct, had been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The judge emphasized that his detention should not extend beyond that of the other applicant, pending advice from the DPP. Attorney Taradath Singh represented both individuals. Ali’s body was discovered on October 11 near a precipice along the North Coast Road, over a month after he was reported missing on September 4. The suspects were taken into custody on October 9.

In a significant shift for the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA), Crystal Bevin Ashe has been elected as the new president, succeeding Martin Lum Kin. The election, held on October 14, saw Ashe secure 3,546 votes, far outpacing Lum Kin’s 1,019. The outcome appears to have been influenced by the government’s last-minute decision to grant public servants a ten per cent pay increase, a move that contrasted sharply with Lum Kin’s acceptance of a five per cent wage offer earlier this year. Ashe, while cautious in his remarks, hinted that Lum Kin’s handling of the wage negotiations and a perceived lack of communication with the membership may have contributed to his defeat. ‘The main thing is that the membership wants to be communicated with,’ Ashe told Newsday, emphasizing the need for transparency in decision-making. Despite the circumstances, Ashe spoke respectfully of Lum Kin, describing him as ‘a pleasant, soft-spoken gentleman’ and acknowledging his congratulatory call post-election. Ashe, who remains a School Supervisor I until his official installation as TTUTA president within the next two weeks, indicated that while he would not actively pursue reopening wage negotiations with the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO), he would consider any offers made. ‘If it is offered to us, we would not deny the membership that opportunity of an increased wage,’ he said. The new payments, though not yet disbursed, have been ratified by the Ministry of Finance, with $214 million allocated annually and $730 million in arrears due by December 2025. Reflecting on his victory, Ashe expressed humility and a commitment to advocating for teachers’ interests, particularly those outlined in the Rebirth manifesto. He also pledged to work collaboratively with both his fellow elected officers and the Ministry of Education, stating, ‘I have a talent for getting people to work together as a cohesive unit.’

The Tobago Carnival 2025, scheduled for October 24-26, faces significant challenges as transportation issues hinder the arrival of masqueraders and performers. Secretary of Culture and Antiquities Zorisha Hackett expressed concerns during a media conference at the Hochoy Charles Administrative Complex in Scarborough on October 16. She highlighted the administrative challenges with Caribbean Airlines (CAL), which have compounded the difficulties in securing additional flights to the island. Despite numerous efforts, including letters and meetings, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has yet to make substantial progress in resolving the issue.

Hackett emphasized the importance of the carnival, now in its fourth year, and the ongoing efforts to refine the event based on stakeholder feedback. She remains hopeful that CAL will respond to the urgent pleas for increased flights, ensuring a successful celebration. Meanwhile, THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris has called for collaboration with CAL to address the transportation crisis, urging the Chief Secretary to join forces for the benefit of Tobago.

In response to the air travel limitations, The Port Authority has added extra sailings on the TT Spirit ferry between Trinidad and Tobago, with additional trips scheduled from October 22-29. This move aims to facilitate the movement of passengers to and from the island during the carnival period. Dexter Sandy, president of the Tobago October Carnival Association (TOCO), had previously appealed for increased transportation support, stressing the importance of bringing more masqueraders to the island.

The carnival events kick off on October 17 with Monarchs of Mas in Scarborough, followed by a series of cultural performances and competitions, including Pan Omega, Tobago Soca Titans, and the Calypso Monarch Competition. The festivities culminate on October 26 with the Parade of Bands, showcasing the vibrant traditions of Tobago.