DCP's warning after Deyalsingh robbery: We are coming for you

DEPUTY Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin is warning those involved in the armed robbery of the Minister of Health and MP for St Joseph Terrence Deyalsingh to surrender or the police will come after them.

"My best advice to you is to turn yourself in with your attorney, relative, or friend: rest assured, we are coming after you," Martin said.

In a voice message released by the police on September 18, Martin "strongly condemned" the brazen attack and said several people are being interviewed.

She "reassured the public an investigation is already underway and all efforts are being made to swiftly apprehend those responsible."

Martin said the men are assisting police in their investigation and the police will "ensure all involved in this crime face the full brunt of the law."

She stressed criminal acts, particularly those involving firearms and violence, will not be tolerated.

"The safety and security of all citizens, including public officials, remains the utmost parity of the police service."

Newsday contacted Martin via phone after the release. Initially, she said she was on her way to a meeting. Later, at 4.14 pm, she said she was still in the meeting, but had seen Newsday's WhatsApp messages asking whether there had been a joint police operation and the manpower involved, among other inquiries. She did not provide any responses.

Newsday also called Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher, as well as Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds and Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland.

A police report said two suspects were arrested by the Inter-Agency Task Force, who received information and went to St Paul Street, East Port of Spain, on September 17. Officers saw a blue Hyundai Elantra (PDH 4667) that was involved in the robbery.

The car was stopped and two suspects were arrested and taken to the St Joseph Police Station.

Deyalsingh was robbed of his gold bera – a traditional Indian-style gold bracelet – at gunpoint on the evening of September 17 as he sat outside Nyahbinghi bar, corner King and Abercromby Street, St Joseph, with a constituent, around 5 pm. Police valued the bera at $10,000.

On July 8, Harewood-Christopher reported a 15 per cent decrease in violent crimes compared to the previous year. She made the announcement during a meeting of the Parliament's National Security Joint Select Committee at the Red House.

Harewood-Christopher identified murders, kidnappings and sexual offences as key categories of violent crime. Asked by JSC chairman and Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland about any reductions in violent crime levels, she expressed her satisfaction, saying, "I am pleased to report that as of today (July 8), we have a reduction in our violent crime. We have a 15 per cent reduction."

Deyalsingh mum after attack, attends US donation at hospital

Newsday called and sent WhatsApp messages to Deyalsingh between September 17 and 18 but received no response.

On September 18, Deyalsingh, dressed in all black, made a public appearance at the US Southern Command (Southcom) Humanitarian Assistance Program donation ceremony at the Port of Spain General Hospital alongside US Ambassador Candace Bond.

The embassy donated two mobile medical units known as "Clinics in a Can," valued at US$490,534, to the Ministry of Health.

The medical units are designed to offer a range of medical services, from basic to more advanced medical treatments and procedures.

On September 18, the Ministry of Health released a statement warning the public that a Facebook page named PNM St Joseph, featuring a photo of Deyalsingh has no "legitimate affiliation" with Deyalsingh or his office.

The statement encouraged the public to avoid engaging with or sharing information from the "fraudulent page," which shares information related to the Ministry of Health.

It also says the ministry has taken steps to report the page and urged the individuals behind it to "cease and desist from their actions immediately." The release stressed any posts from the profile should be ignored as it is intended to cause "political mischief."

It concluded by emphasising the profile does not reflect the minister’s values.

"The public is reminded all official communications from the Ministry of Health will be shared through verified channels."

Earlier in the day, a screenshot of the fake page responding to Attorney Larry Lalla, SC, began circulating.

In a Facebook post, Lalla expressed his sympathy for the minister's ordeal and wished Deyalsingh well, saying he hoped the suspects would be caught. Lalla also described September 17's robbery as "divine intervention on behalf of the vast majority of citizens in our country who are fed up with the escalating violence."

He said the public is frustrated with the government’s "apparent lack of genuine concern" and definite plans to deal with crime. He said the public is fearful of normal daily activities such as going to the grocery.

"Many of our relatives, friends and acquaintances are leaving Trinidad and Tobago because of this dire situation. My respectful plea, on their behalf and ours, is that you use your influence to bring about change for our law-abiding citizens and families."

In response, the fake page replied to Lalla's comment, saying, "I don’t need your sympathy or advice on crime. I am the Minister of Health, not National Security."

On September 17, the St Joseph Constituency Executive, via its Facebook page, condemned the attack on Deyalsingh. The post expressed gratitude that Deyalsingh was unharmed during the incident and thanked  the St Joseph police.

"We look forward to the findings of the investigation," it said.

The executive also distanced itself from the PNM St Joseph page and another titled "Truths of St Joseph," saying they are in no way affiliated with Deyalsingh or the constituency executive.