Detention order issued for man suspected of attacks on prison officers

A detention order has been issued by National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds under the emergency powers regulations, 2024, for a Sangre Grande man said to be involved in attacks on prison officers.

The order for the preventive detention was issued for Joshua Roberts, also known as “Jaffa” or “Jaffar,” of Buttercup Avenue, Pine Settlement, Ojoe Road, Sangre Grande.

The detention order, published as Legal Notice No 21 in the TT Gazette, was made under Regulation 15.

The order states that Roberts will be detained to prevent him from acting in a manner prejudicial to public safety, public order, or the defence of TT.

The grounds for detention outlined in the order claim Roberts has been identified as being recruited to attack and kill prison officers.

Hinds said, “The detainee, Joshua Roberts, also known as Jaffa or Jaffar, has been credibly identified as a person who has been recruited, and who has the means, to execute targeted attacks and assassination of prisons officers using high-powered weapons, pursuant to instructions issued by a high-ranking criminal figure who is currently incarcerated.”

Roberts will be detained at the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre, Arima.

The detention order is the latest action under the state of emergency declared in December 2024 to address rising crime and threats to national security.

Similar detention orders were issued for suspected gang leader Carlvin Lee on January 20 and Shumba James, of Simon Trace, Moruga, on January 12.

On January 22, Acting Prisons Commissioner Carlos Corraspe confirmed attacks on the homes of prison officers.

He condemned the attacks, labeling them as “brutal and brazen… under the cover of night.”

“In what can be described as 'calculated and brazen acts,' the homes of three prison officers were attacked in three separate incidents over the past few days. All homes were shot at multiple times. Thankfully, the officers and their families escaped physical harm,” a statement from the prison service said.

It said Corraspe held an emergency meeting with his executive and consulted other joint arms of national security.

“The Commissioner has labeled the acts as direct threats against the lives of officers of the TT Prison Service and an indirect assault on the criminal justice system.”

The commissioner stressed that the safety of prison officers was paramount.

The prison service said joint agencies were engaged in investigating these criminal acts to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Corraspe said enhanced counter measures aimed at target-hardening of prison personnel and their families, especially when off-duty, would continue to be engaged.

He urged all officers to remain vigilant, both on and off duty, and prioritise the safety of themselves and their families.

“He is also giving the national community the assurance that the members of the prison service will not be daunted nor deterred in the execution of their lawful and indeed sacred and honourable duty and responsibility to protect the citizens from crime and the criminal element.”

On January 23, Hinds told reporters the shooting attacks on the homes of three prison officers were attempts to intimidate law enforcement. He said state agencies were equipped to protect not only themselves but the population.

“It’s just an expression of criminality again, trying to intimidate law enforcement and protective services personnel. These are the people who are mandated under law to protect the society from criminals. It is not new,” Hinds said.

“It is not strange that criminals will take on law enforcement but law enforcement in TT is trained, supported by the law and the Constitution, and equipped to deal with that on behalf of the people of TT, in defence of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and where applicable, defend itself.”

The Prison Officers’ Association has said bounties ranging from $200,000-$350,000 have been offered on officers’ lives.