[UPDATED] Gateway director Shem Alexander 'maintains innocence' after arrest in Jamaica for gun trafficking

Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Suzette Martin says Jamaican police's arrest of Gateway Athletics International managing director Shem Alexander, 35, for allegedly trafficking guns and ammunition from the US to TT is being monitored by the local authorities.

Alexander, a local football administrator, was arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, and taken into custody on November 15 after an extradition request by the US.

The Jamaica Observer reported on Saturday that Alexander appeared in a Corporate Area court and consented in writing to be extradited to the US to stand trial.

Speaking to Newsday on Saturday, Martin said police were engaged in discussions with Interpol concerning Alexander's arrest.

"We're aware of (the arrest) and we're awaiting feedback from Interpol," Martin said.

When asked if Alexander had been on local police's radar before his arrest, Martin said she wasn't in a position to comment further at the time.

The Observer report said Alexander is wanted by the US for allegedly leading a transnational criminal organisation which acquired firearms and ammunition to export from Florida to TT.

In August, Interpol Washington, announced its deployment of two advanced technology software solutions in TT to help law enforcement detect and ban transnational criminals and terrorists from travelling through the country.

Alexander is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University in the US, where he majored in organisational communications with a minor in psychology.

On Saturday, Gateway Athletics International issued a statement on Alexander's role in the company.

"Mr Alexander has taken a voluntary leave of (absence) as the managing director at Gateway Athletics in order to focus on treating the allegations before him," Gateway's social media post read.

"Mr Alexander has maintained his innocence in all of the allegations levelled against him and is eager to fully ventilate the issue in the right forum when the time is appropriate."

Gateway said its managing director is innocent until proven guilty.

"The same natural justice that applies to all also applies to Mr Alexander, that is, the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.

"There is no further information we can give at this time, but we will update as necessary as information becomes available."

A former manager of St Augustine Secondary's football programme, Alexander has been a rising figure in the local football landscape in the last decade. Under Alexander's watch, Gateway has managed the last three editions of the Republic Cup National Youth Football League, one of the country's premier youth football competitions.

As part of Gateway's role in the Republic Cup, the organisation has also hosted showcase events for the tournament's best footballers to display their skills before foreign college coaches and scouts with the aim of obtaining scholarships.

Contacted for comment, Republic Bank's president and managing director Nigel Baptiste said he was unaware of Alexander's arrest. Baptiste hinted that Republic Bank may have to cut ties with Gateway for upcoming editions of the tournament.

Gateway Athletics has hosted several local football clinics and showcases, inviting football coaches from the US to get a closer look at some of the local talents, with the hope of offering scholarships.

Alexander also has coaching experience in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) with MIC Matura ReUnited.

Efforts to contact TTFA president Kieron Edwards were unsuccessful up to press time on November 30.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Gateway Athletics International has issued a statement alluding to the innocence of its managing director Shem Alexander after he was arrested in Jamaica for allegedly trafficking guns and ammunition from the US to Trinidad and Tobago.

Alexander, who also has coaching experience in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) with MIC Matura ReUnited, was arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, and taken into custody on November 15 after an extradition request by the US.

The Jamaica Observer reported on November 30 that Alexander appeared in a Corporate Area court and consented in writing to be extradited to the US to stand trial.

Gateway released a statement on November 30 saying, "Mr Alexander has taken a voluntary leave of (absence) as the managing director at Gateway Athletics in order to focus on treating the allegations before him.

"Mr Alexander has maintained his innocence in all of the allegations levelled against him and is eager to fully ventilate the issue in the right forum when the time is appropriate."

Gateway said its managing director is innocent until proven guilty.

"The same natural justice that applies to all also applies to Mr Alexander, that is, the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.

"There is no further information we can give at this time, but we will update as necessary as information becomes available."

A former manager of St Augustine Secondary's football programme, Alexander has been a rising figure in the local football landscape in the last decade. Under Alexander's watch, Gateway has managed the last three editions of the Republic Cup National Youth Football League, one of the country's premier youth football competitions.

As part of Gateway's role in the Republic Cup, the organisation has also hosted showcase events for the tournament's best footballers to display their skills before foreign college coaches and scouts with the aim of obtaining scholarships.