标签： Trinidad and Tobago

The law enforcement community is mourning the loss of Dwayne Gibbs, the former Commissioner of Police (CoP) of Trinidad and Tobago, who passed away on October 30, 2024. Gibbs, a Canadian national and former superintendent with the Edmonton Police Service, served as CoP from 2010 to 2012. He died in Australia, ten days after suffering cardiac arrest during the Age Group Standard Aquabike Championships in Wollongong on October 16. Current CoP Allister Guevarro paid tribute to Gibbs, describing him as a man of integrity, discipline, and a strong advocate for ethical leadership. Guevarro highlighted Gibbs’ contributions to modern policing and his dedication to public service during his tenure. Gibbs, alongside deputy commissioner Jack Ewatski, implemented reforms aimed at enhancing the professionalism and effectiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s national police service. Guevarro also noted Gibbs’ lifelong passion for fitness and personal excellence, which saw him remain active in competitive sports well into his 70s. On behalf of the law enforcement community, Guevarro extended heartfelt condolences to Gibbs’ family, friends, and colleagues in Canada and Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing that his legacy of service and leadership will endure.

Tobago has witnessed its sixth homicide of 2025 following the fatal shooting of Ronald Alleyne, a 44-year-old Trinidadian man, in Calder Hall on October 28. Known by the alias ‘Butcher,’ Alleyne was reportedly socializing near the intersection of Calder Hall Main Road and Friendsfield Road in Scarborough when multiple gunshots were heard around 11:15 pm. A relative discovered Alleyne lying on the road, severely wounded, and rushed him to Scarborough General Hospital. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at 11:42 pm. His body has been transferred to the hospital’s mortuary for an autopsy. Javon Thompson, President of the Calder Hall village council, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the personal pain of losing someone he knew well. Thompson urged the perpetrator(s) to reconsider their actions, highlighting the irreversible consequences of gun violence. He advised against succumbing to the allure of a reckless lifestyle and encouraged striving for a better future. Authorities are actively investigating the case.

Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj has provided updates on the ongoing investigations by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) into two police-involved fatal shootings that occurred in Tobago earlier this year. The incidents, which took place on April 25 and May 30, involved the deaths of Ronell Marcelle, 34, and Frank Allen Sammy, 74, respectively. During a Senate session on October 29, Maharaj responded to inquiries from Opposition Senator Melanie Roberts-Radgman, detailing the progress of the investigations. In the case of Marcelle, the PCA has secured the police investigative file, which includes witness statements, video footage, and a post-mortem certificate, though some information remains pending. For Sammy’s case, the PCA has obtained extracts from police records and conducted interviews, including securing a witness statement, but additional details are still awaited. Maharaj emphasized the PCA’s commitment to thoroughness in these investigations, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency in such sensitive matters.

In the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28, the Furness Trinidad Group has mobilized urgent relief efforts. Through its food distribution arm, Furness Shipping & Marketing Limited, the group has dispatched essential canned food items, including corn, peas, carrots, red beans, and chickpeas, to support the affected population. The hurricane, described as the ‘storm of the century,’ caused unprecedented devastation across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, claiming at least 34 lives and leaving widespread destruction in its path. With sustained winds reaching 298 km/h (185 mph) at its peak, Hurricane Melissa surpassed the intensity of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005. William A Ferreira, Chairman and CEO of the Furness Group, expressed profound sorrow for the loss of life and destruction, while emphasizing solidarity with the people of Jamaica. He highlighted the resilience of the Jamaican people, stating that this disaster marks a new chapter rather than the end of their story. Ferreira also praised the dedicated efforts of his team, who worked tirelessly to ensure the timely delivery of aid despite the challenging circumstances. The Furness Group’s initiative underscores the importance of collective support in times of crisis, offering hope and essential resources to those affected by this historic natural disaster.