Garbage truck driver arrested

NALINEE SEELAL

A 34-YEAR-OLD contracted sanitation worker assigned to the Port-of-Spain City Corporation, who alleged he was forced at gunpoint to dump rubbish on a road in East Port of Spain which was later set on fire during the riots last Monday, was arrested yesterday at his workplace.

The driver claimed that at 6.30 am he was ordered to empty the truck-load of garbage onto Observatory Street, making it impassable to vehicles. Residents rioted following the death of Akel “Christmas” James who was shot by police.

Head of Port-of-Spain CID, Acting Senior Superintendent Ajith Persad was mandated to probe the riots and also to secure all video footage relating to the riots.

Officers reviewed the footage which led to the truck driver being arrested shortly after 2 pm yesterday by officers led by Persad and including ASP Anderson Parriman, Sgt Rajesh Gokool and Cpl Joseph.

The driver was charged with obstruction of the road and littering and will appear before a Port-of-Spain magistrate today.

The charges were laid by Cpl Joseph of the Port-of-Spain City Police. Police sources said yesterday more arrests are imminent.

Yesterday, Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez told Newsday, “I was informed of the arrest by the police who have to do their job and my objective is to ensure that the process runs its course.”

The Mayor said he hopes the arrest of the driver sends a clear message to other people bent on breaking the law.

Meanwhile, officers of the Police Cyber Crime Unit as well as the CCTV Unit are reviewing video footage of people involved in the riots.

The team was mandated to view footage secured from officers’ body cameras, footage from cell phones and CCTV cameras, to assist in identifying suspects.

Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon confirmed receiving a report from police on the riots.

Dillon said he was told that police are reviewing video footage and assured that those responsible will be arrested and charged. The minister said he was pleased with the way officers handled the riots adding that some went beyond the call of duty to quell what could have been major bloodshed.