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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.