作者： admin

A heart-wrenching tragedy has struck a Chase Village couple, Nicholas Badal and his wife, who are attributing the death of their three-day-old son, Kemani Gordon, to the deafening explosions of fireworks and the failure of law enforcement to intervene. The incident occurred during the Divali celebrations on October 19, when loud fireworks began disrupting their Bholai Street East home as early as 7 am. Badal recounted how the incessant noise caused his newborn to cry uncontrollably throughout the night, describing the ordeal as unbearable. By the early hours of October 21, Kemani had become unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy on October 23 revealed that the infant succumbed to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, Dr. Marlon Timmothy, president of the Paediatric Society of TT, suggested that the adrenaline surge triggered by the loud noises could have contributed to a fatal cardiac event. Badal expressed his frustration with the police, stating that multiple calls to the Freeport station and the 999 emergency line went unanswered. He now seeks justice for his son, calling for stricter regulations on fireworks and accountability from law enforcement. The grieving father also appealed for counselling and financial assistance to help the family cope with their devastating loss.

The legal community of Trinidad and Tobago came together on October 24 to honor newly appointed Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh during an impromptu special sitting of the Court of Appeal. Held at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain, the event was attended by prominent members of the bar and senior legal professionals who lauded Boodoosingh’s humility, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice and education. Speakers highlighted his integrity, leadership, and vision, expressing confidence that his tenure would strengthen the judiciary’s independence and efficiency. Justice of Appeal Geoffrey Henderson, a former director of public prosecutions, praised Boodoosingh’s scholarship and mentorship, calling his appointment “a circle in life.” Patricia Dindyal of the Assembly of Southern Lawyers described his elevation as “a monumental achievement,” while Anil Maraj of the Law Association emphasized his role as both a judge and a teacher. Acting DPP Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal and Deputy Registrar Kimberly Prescott echoed these sentiments, underscoring his dedication to justice and leadership. In his response, Chief Justice Boodoosingh acknowledged the weight of his new role, vowing to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, retired Chief Justice Ivor Archie. He reflected on his journey from humble beginnings to the nation’s highest judicial office, crediting his family, teachers, and mentors for shaping his path. Boodoosingh also outlined his plans to collaborate with stakeholders to advance the legal system, emphasizing the importance of a strong bar to support the bench. A formal special sitting of the judiciary is scheduled for January 2026, as Archie is expected to be abroad later this year.

The Barrackpore community is reeling from the tragic shooting of 34-year-old coconut vendor Michael Seeraj, who was gunned down on October 23 while disposing of coconut shells with a worker. The incident occurred around 7:35 pm on Project Road, Ramsabad Trace, Rochard Road, Barrackpore, a location Seeraj frequented for this purpose. According to the worker, he fled the scene upon hearing multiple gunshots. Police arrived to find Seeraj unresponsive with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a district medical officer, and an autopsy has been ordered. Investigators discovered $2,300 in Seeraj’s pocket, but the motive behind the killing remains unclear. Homicide Region Three is actively investigating the case. Seeraj’s wife, Resha Ramdeo, 36, expressed her shock and grief, stating that she could not fathom why anyone would target her husband. Described as a hardworking and quiet man, Seeraj had turned to selling coconuts after losing his job in the scrap-iron industry in August 2022. He was in the process of building a home for his family in Pancham Trace. The community remembers him as a devoted father who frequently visited his six-year-old daughter, the ‘light of his life.’ The family is awaiting the autopsy results, expected early next week, before proceeding with funeral arrangements.

In the early hours of October 24, a tragic incident unfolded near the Erin Fishing Depot, leaving the community in shock. Brian “Don” Baptiste, a 55-year-old construction laborer, was fatally shot following a heated argument. Witnesses reported that the altercation began when the suspect, a local resident originally from Moruga, fired several gunshots into the air. Baptiste, who lived in a house without electricity or running water, confronted the man about the reckless gunfire. The situation escalated when the suspect boasted about having a gun, and Baptiste dared him to use it. Moments later, Baptiste was shot and killed. The suspect fled the scene near the beachfront. Baptiste’s common-law wife, Cindy John, recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the shooting, expressing her fear and intention to relocate. Police from the South Western Division and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations are actively investigating the case. The body has been sent to the Forensic Science Centre in St James for an autopsy.

The Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd (NP) has announced a comprehensive review of national standards for liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder tanks following a series of tragic explosions that resulted in multiple injuries and at least four fatalities. The incidents have raised significant concerns about the safety and handling of LPG cylinders across the country. Among the victims were Bevaughn Joseph, a 28-year-old laborer from Penal, who died on October 17 after sustaining severe injuries from a home explosion, and Ria George, 45, of Digity Trace, who succumbed to injuries nearly two months after a similar incident. Earlier this year, Raquel Babwah, 44, and Naomi Aliyah Mya De Mille, 19, also lost their lives in related accidents. In response, NP has initiated a collaborative effort with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI), the Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OSHA), and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS), to enhance safety protocols. Measures include rigorous safety checks, hydraulic pressure testing every five years, and the implementation of a barcode system for digital traceability. NP emphasized its commitment to public safety, urging customers to report suspected leaks immediately and store cylinders in secure locations. The MEEI has also pledged to expedite the review and implementation of updated LPG regulations to ensure modern safety standards are met.