[UPDATED] Trinidad and Tobago street sign stolen in New York

JUST over a month after a New York street was co-named Trinidad and Tobago Street, the new sign has been stolen.

Consul general of TT in New York Andre Laveau confirmed this to Newsday on Wednesday.

On August 20, 131st Street at Queens, New York City, was co-named in honour of TT, as many nationals live there.

The NGO Trinidadians and Tobagonians USA had been petitioning for the co-naming of the "commercially bustling" street. Its spokesman Dr Ashford Maharaj said the co-naming was "a fitting recognition of Caribbeanness."

It is adjacent to a street named Little Guyana. In August 2022, this street sign was also stolen.

Laveau told Newsday the sign was stolen either late on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. He said plans are underway to have it replaced as soon as possible.

Caricom and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne told Newsday: “I have instructed the Consulate General of TT to verify this assertion, to meet with the Mayor of New York ASAP on the matter and to request a formal investigation.” He added, “I anticipate a report in the near future.”

In addition, Maharaj told Newsday his NGO alerted the New York City Department of Transportation, and it promised to replace the sign by October 2.

“They will affix with a more tamper-free attachment technology this time,” he said.

Sources told Newsday there is suspicion that Guyanese cricket fans removed the sign amid tensions owing to the recently concluded Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The Guyana Amazon Warriors defeated the Trinbago Knight Riders in the final on Sunday to become the 2023 champions.