博客

In a tragic incident that has shaken the community of St Mary’s Village in Moruga, a 37-year-old laborer, Marvin Hamilton, was fatally shot in what authorities suspect was an attempted carjacking. The incident occurred in the early hours of November 8, around 2:46 am, along the Moruga Main Road. Hamilton, a resident of Muralie Trace, was found slumped in the driver’s seat of his brown Nissan B14, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Reports indicate that Hamilton had been awaiting roadside assistance after his vehicle broke down. While waiting, unknown individuals attempted to enter his locked car, leading to the fatal shooting. Police from the St Mary’s Police Post responded to an anonymous call at approximately 3:20 am and discovered the grim scene. The car was locked from the inside, with the key still in the ignition, and a bullet hole was observed in the front passenger-side window. Authorities from the Southern Division and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, have been alerted and are actively gathering evidence. As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing.

A fatal accident occurred in the early hours of November 8 on the Solomon Hochoy Highway near the Corinth Overpass, resulting in the death of 32-year-old Arvin Williams. Williams, a resident of London Street Extension in St Joseph Village, San Fernando, was pronounced dead at the scene. Reports indicate that he was returning home after dropping off a friend in Golconda when the incident took place. According to police, Williams was driving his red Nissan Frontier along the northbound lane of the highway when he lost control of the vehicle near the Cipero Bridge, crashing into the bridge’s walls. The van subsequently plunged into a ditch 30 feet below, landing on the bank of the Cipero River. Emergency responders from the Mon Repos Fire Station, including FSSO Hernandez, arrived at the scene and used specialized equipment, known as the ‘jaws of life,’ to extract Williams’ body from the wreckage. Dr. Bahal, the District Medical Officer, examined the body and ordered its transfer to the San Fernando General Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Officers from the Southern Division, including Cpl Khallie, WPC Nysus, and PC Madhoo, conducted an on-site investigation and collected evidence. The wreckage was later towed to the Ste Madeleine Police Station, where Cpl Khallie is leading the ongoing investigation. This tragic incident echoes a similar fatal crash in the same area last year, where two friends, Sachin Teeluckdharry and Ryan Ramnanan, lost their lives after their vehicle veered off the highway and landed in the Cipero River.

The serene neighborhood of Whiteland in Williamsville was thrust into turmoil on November 7 following a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 37-year-old Stephen Vialva. The incident unfolded at his mother’s residence on Paradise Avenue, where Vialva, known for his tumultuous behavior, was fatally shot during a heated confrontation with a male relative. According to reports, Vialva, in a drunken state, had threatened his family and returned to the house armed with a gun. A scuffle ensued, during which the 39-year-old relative attempted to disarm him, resulting in two gunshots that struck Vialva. The relative sustained minor injuries and was treated at the hospital. Police recovered a pistol, a magazine, and ammunition at the scene, and while the incident is not classified as a homicide, it is being treated as an “occurrence” pending further investigation. Vialva’s mother, Elizabeth Atwell, who had previously obtained restraining orders against him due to his violent tendencies, was present during the altercation. The family revealed that Vialva had been terrorizing them for 17 years, with his behavior worsening when intoxicated. The incident has left the community in shock, as authorities continue to piece together the events leading to the tragedy.

A chilling incident unfolded on the evening of November 7 in the quiet community of Salick Trace, Guapo, Point Fortin, when 27-year-old Josiah ‘Cake’ Phillip was fatally shot by an unidentified gunman. The tragic event occurred near the intersection of Salick Trace and Augustus Trace, just a short distance from Phillip’s home. Witnesses reported that the assailant, clad in a black hoodie and dark three-quarter pants, fired a single shot to Phillip’s head before fleeing the scene. Phillip, described by his uncle Kelon Lewis as a ‘cool and quiet person,’ was rushed to the Point Fortin Hospital but was pronounced dead by Dr. Ragoobar at 8:20 pm. The victim, who was unmarried and had no children, was the only son of Lisa Lewis. His death has left his family, particularly his mother and sister, in profound grief. Relatives mentioned a prior altercation involving a threat to Phillip’s life, though no police report was filed. Law enforcement officers, including PCs Balkaransingh, Sonny, and Roopchan, responded swiftly to the scene, while the Homicide Bureau of Region Three initiated an investigation. Phillip’s body has been transferred to the San Fernando General Hospital mortuary, with a post-mortem examination scheduled at the Forensic Science Centre in St. James.

President Christine Kangaloo addressed the youth at the 25th Annual Model United Nations (MUN) 2025, hosted by the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain at Cascadia Hotel, St Ann’s, on November 8. She highlighted the stark contrast between the ideals of peace and cooperation promoted by the United Nations and the divisive, often hostile discourse prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Kangaloo described the local environment as ‘hostile,’ emphasizing the challenges young participants face in applying the pathways of peace they learn at the MUN. She noted that public discourse in TT often divides rather than unites, making it difficult for youth to foster healing and unity. Despite these challenges, Kangaloo expressed confidence in the youth’s ability to address contemporary issues incrementally. She urged them to persevere, even in the face of adversity, warning that failure to do so could risk global instability and the potential collapse of the United Nations, reminiscent of the League of Nations’ failure to prevent World War II. Kangaloo underscored the MUN’s critical role in exposing young people to diplomacy, negotiation, and collaboration, equipping them to become advocates for peace in their respective fields. This year’s MUN saw 210 participants from TT and neighboring countries, doubling the usual attendance. The program has benefited over 2,000 participants since its inception, with many alumni assuming leadership roles across the region. Kangaloo called for continued support for such initiatives, which empower youth to communicate effectively, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and nations.