标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a dramatic courtroom development, two men accused of a 2019 double homicide in Tobago were unconditionally discharged by the High Court after prosecutors unexpectedly declined to present any evidence against them. Nicholas Davis and Antonio McEachnie, who had faced murder charges for nearly three years, walked free following the procedural collapse of the State’s case during a sufficiency hearing on December 8.

The case concerned the tragic deaths of John Mills, 69, and Eulyn John, 61, a Tobago couple whose bodies were discovered at their Buccoo residence on May 2, 2019. After three years of investigation, authorities arrested Davis and McEachnie in 2022, setting in motion a legal process that would encounter multiple procedural hurdles.

Prosecutors had previously obtained several extensions to compile their evidence, eventually submitting over 50 witness statements. In a unusual maneuver, they also sought permission to call a witness for oral testimony after she refused to swear to her written statement.

During the hearing before Master Margaret Sookraj-Goswami, defense attorneys raised vigorous objections to documents served after court-ordered deadlines, arguing that the late filing—mere days before the crucial hearing—prevented proper review of the materials. The defense team, comprising prominent legal counsel including Senior Counsel Israel Khan, opposed any further extensions given the State’s history of delays.

Master Sookraj-Goswami ruled that the hearing would proceed with most documents admitted, though two statements filed out of time were excluded. In a stunning turn, when invited to present evidence, prosecutors Kernester Mohammed and Mark Peters declined to tender any of their compiled statements. With no evidence before the court to substantiate the murder charges, the judicial officer had no alternative but to discharge both defendants.

The outcome highlights systemic challenges in criminal prosecutions and raises questions about evidence gathering procedures in serious felony cases.

A technical-vocational classroom at El Dorado East Secondary School has undergone a remarkable transformation into a fully-equipped digital learning center through a collaborative initiative led by Amplia Communications Ltd. The August refurbishment project, which evolved from a simple request for internet connectivity into a comprehensive multi-stakeholder effort, now provides students with unprecedented access to digital resources and modern learning infrastructure.

The revitalized space features repainted walls, a new air-conditioning unit, branded interior enhancements, and significantly improved high-speed internet service. A donated smart television supports digital instruction, creating an environment that fosters collaboration, hands-on learning, and access to online educational resources. Notably, the new AC unit was installed by a graduate of the very same technical program, demonstrating the circular impact of vocational education when properly supported.

Amplia Communications General Manager Shawn Clarke emphasized that the company’s role extends beyond providing telecommunications services. “It’s about enabling opportunity,” Clarke stated. “When we understood the challenges facing students—many of whom had no access to digital tools at home—we saw the need to go further than Wi-Fi. Technology must be a bridge, not a barrier.”

The project brought together Amplia staff volunteers, Jus Hurtz Ltd (which contributed painting services and materials pro bono), and educators from the school. Technical-vocational teacher Winston Ammon noted that for the first time in his decade at the institution, he can conduct entire classes where every student simultaneously works on a computer.

Beyond serving students, the refurbished room will function as the first dedicated staff workspace for the technical-vocational department, enhancing teacher collaboration and program planning. The school now advances toward its ambition of becoming the premier center for technical and vocational education in the East-West corridor.

This initiative represents part of Amplia’s broader corporate social responsibility framework focused on digital access, infrastructure equity, and community-based technology enablement. The company continues supporting educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and rural communities through connectivity solutions, technology donations, and skills development programs.

A devastating residential fire in the New Grant community has resulted in the tragic death of a 40-year-old man on December 7th. The victim has been identified as Armanath Ramnarinesingh, who perished in the blaze that engulfed his two-story residence located on Frederick Branch Road.

According to preliminary reports obtained by Newsday, the catastrophic fire ignited approximately at 7:00 PM, rapidly consuming the structure where Ramnarinesingh resided. Emergency responders, including fire service personnel, rushed to the scene upon notification, battling the flames in efforts to control the inferno and prevent further destruction.

The exact cause of the conflagration remains undetermined at this time, with authorities launching a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Fire officials and forensic experts are meticulously examining the premises to establish the origin and circumstances that led to the deadly outbreak.

While the confirmed casualty remains singular, officials have not yet issued definitive statements regarding potential additional victims. The investigation continues as community members mourn the loss of life in this tragic incident, which highlights ongoing concerns about residential fire safety protocols and emergency response effectiveness in the region.

In a disturbing development on Monos Island, renowned former powerboat racer Derek ‘Stones’ Tardieu, 70, and his wife Clarabelle have been violently abducted from their residence. The couple was forcibly taken by armed kidnappers who subsequently contacted family members demanding a substantial ransom payment of $2.5 million for their safe release.

According to investigative sources, the home invasion occurred while the Tardieus were present at their property. The assailants thoroughly ransacked the premises before departing with the elderly couple. Particularly concerning is Tardieu’s critical medical condition—the former athlete suffers from severe heart complications and a brain tumor requiring continuous medication, raising urgent concerns about his wellbeing in captivity.

The kidnappers have provided chilling proof of life through a video recording showing Tardieu with a firearm pressed against his head while another individual brandishes a grenade. Initial contact was established around 9:44 AM when relatives received a voice message from an unrecognized number containing Tardieu’s apparent statement: ‘They have me and want US$2.5 million for my release.’

The couple’s son, Phillip Tardieu, discovered the ransacked home after being alerted to the situation and found both parents missing. Subsequent attempts to reach his father via mobile phone proved unsuccessful. Law enforcement authorities and family representatives are urgently requesting public assistance, asking anyone with relevant information to immediately contact emergency numbers 555, 999, or the nearest police station.