标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a coordinated effort to combat criminal activity, law enforcement agencies conducted two major anti-crime operations in the Arouca and La Horquetta districts on October 10. These operations led to the seizure of a firearm and ammunition, the recovery of a stolen vehicle, and the arrest of multiple individuals. The first operation, carried out between 1 pm and 4 pm in Arouca, involved stop-and-search exercises, roadblocks, and targeted checks. Officers, acting on intelligence and with the assistance of Task Force East, identified a stolen silver Nissan Tiida on Victoria Street. The vehicle, which had a broken rear triangle glass, was confirmed to have been reported stolen in the Malabar district. It was subsequently towed to the Arouca Police Station for further investigation by the Crime Scene Unit. The operation was led by ACP Singh, Snr Supt Gift, and Supt Jaggernauth, with support from officers of the Arouca charge room. Later that evening, between 7.30 pm and 11 pm, a second operation in La Horquetta resulted in the discovery of a Smith & Wesson pistol, one magazine, and three rounds of .40 calibre ammunition at a residence on Sonny Ramdin Avenue. A warrant is expected to be issued in connection with this seizure. Additionally, six men aged between 27 and 40 were arrested for various offenses, including shooting enquiries, outstanding warrants, and traffic violations. This operation was led by ASP Pitt of Northern Division North, with assistance from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), National Operations Task Force (NOTF), Air Support Unit, Canine Unit, and an external agency.

A 19-year-old thief was swiftly apprehended by two vigilant police officers after attempting to steal a valuable gold bera (a traditional East Indian hand bracelet) from a woman in San Fernando on Saturday. The incident occurred on High Street near Scotiabank, where the victim was walking when she felt a sudden tug on her left hand. Turning around, she witnessed the suspect fleeing with her bracelet, valued at $5,000. The victim immediately raised an alarm, alerting Corporal Matloo and WPC Cyrus, who sprang into action. Demonstrating remarkable coordination and speed, the officers pursued and captured the suspect. The young man, a resident of Las Alturas in Morvant, was taken into custody at the San Fernando Police Station, where he remains as investigations proceed. It remains unclear whether the stolen bera has been recovered. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of law enforcement in responding to such crimes.

The San Juan Promenade, locally known as the Croisee, has been officially renamed the Anthony Roberts Promenade in a ceremony held on October 10. This renaming honors Anthony Roberts, a former chairman of the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation and former Member of Parliament for St. Ann’s East. The event, attended by local officials and community members, celebrated Roberts’ decades of service and dedication to the region.

Sherma Edwards Joefield, CEO of the regional corporation, emphasized that the promenade is more than just a pathway—it is a space for gathering, reflection, and inspiration. She highlighted Roberts’ journey from a dedicated councillor to a national representative, noting his unwavering commitment to public service. The promenade, she said, will serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy, ensuring future generations remember his contributions.

Peter Mitchell, acting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, praised the initiative, stating that it reflects the region’s commitment to improving public spaces. He also acknowledged Roberts’ pioneering role in the Social Sector Investment Programme, which has become a staple in national budgeting.

Richard Walcott, current chairman of the San Juan Laventille Regional Corporation, shared how Roberts transformed the promenade from a collection of shacks into a vibrant community space. He revealed Roberts’ broader vision for the region, including plans for a volleyball court, a crematorium, and a cemetery. Walcott assured that these projects would be realized in the coming years.

Roberts, in his speech, recounted the challenges he faced during the promenade’s redevelopment, including threats to his family’s safety. Despite these hardships, he remained steadfast in his mission to improve the community. He expressed gratitude to his family for their support and urged the corporation to continue fulfilling his dreams, including the construction of a library at the old Barataria market site.

The renaming ceremony marked not only a celebration of Roberts’ achievements but also a commitment to preserving his vision for a self-sufficient and thriving San Juan/Laventille.

In a significant crackdown on illegal quarrying, a multi-million dollar operation in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, was halted on October 9 by a strategic police intervention. The operation, which had been ongoing for months, involved the unauthorized extraction of minerals from state lands, causing extensive environmental damage. The quarry operator, who had previously resumed activities despite an earlier shutdown in July, was arrested along with 18 employees. Charges were filed on October 11 for processing minerals without a license. The illegal site featured advanced equipment, including conveyor belts, rock-crushing machinery, and a fully air-conditioned concrete building. The police are now investigating the operator’s real estate portfolio, suspected to have been funded by the illicit profits. The operation not only stripped valuable resources but also devastated a pristine forest and endangered local wildlife. Legal quarrying requires licenses, royalty payments, and site rehabilitation bonds, but the absence of national remediation efforts has left small organizations to address the environmental fallout. Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro’s decisive action signals a commitment to protecting Trinidad and Tobago’s natural heritage. However, without stricter legal consequences, illegal quarrying will continue to exploit state lands, highlighting the need for robust enforcement and judicial follow-up.

In a heartfelt appeal during the opening of Divali Nagar on October 11, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo urged the nation’s diaspora to return home and contribute to the country’s renewal. Speaking in Chaguanas, Tancoo likened Trinidad and Tobago to ‘our Ayodhya,’ referencing the epic poem The Ramayan, where the Hindu god Shri Ram returned after 14 years of exile to become king. He emphasized that the country’s diaspora, whether born in Trinidad or of Trini ancestry, should bring their skills, resources, and love for the homeland to ignite a new era of hope, prosperity, and justice. Tancoo’s message was clear: ‘Your exile is over. Your Motherland calls for you to come home.’ He called on the diaspora to invest, teach, mentor, and share their experiences to help build a nation that shines as a beacon in the Caribbean and beyond. The minister also urged citizens to banish corruption and greed, embrace fairness, and unite as one people. The Divali Nagar, a cultural festival celebrating the Hindu festival of lights, served as the backdrop for this appeal. Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture, highlighted the festival’s role as a ‘national institution of cultural and moral development.’ He stressed the importance of investing in Divali Nagar to preserve values like discipline, respect, and compassion for future generations. Mangaroo pointed out that the festival’s children’s programs act as living classrooms, instilling values that guide young citizens toward responsible and compassionate leadership. This year’s theme, ‘Loka Sangraha’ or ‘Welfare of the World,’ called on attendees to rise above self-interest and act with compassion, justice, and solidarity. The event featured traditional performances, deya lighting ceremonies, and vibrant displays of East Indian culture, underscoring the festival’s dual role as both entertainment and education.