[UPDATED] T&TEC, police crack down on illegal connections in Sea Lots

SOME Sea Lots residents say they will continue to steal electricity as they refuse to let their children live in darkness after more than 100 police and soldiers descended on Pioneer Drive at around 3am on March 11 to help the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) cut illegal electricity connections.

Newsday understands T&TEC police did joint surveillance with police in the weeks before the operation to identify the illegal connections.

Sources say more than 50 illegal connections – jumpers cables clipped to the overhead electricity wires and running to nearby houses – were cut on March 11, including some not previously identified.

Some affected residents, though, acknowledged they were committing an illegal act, but pleaded with government to help them by whatever means possible.

“Call the government. We need pitch oil and lamps,” said one resident.

They accused the authorities of leaving them in the dark by targeting them and issuing no prior notice.

“Allyuh figure them children didn't want to go to school this morning? And what about tonight when they come home? How they going and do homework if we send them (to school)?”

They cited the demographics of the households in the area and said the affected households needed help.

“It have poor people down here, single parents. We want the government to come and help in the area.

“What will happen to we? How we making dinner? We have to cook by five o’clock every day then?”

A woman personalised her plea adding she was now facing a difficult decision.

“I need help for sure, because I am a single mother and I already facing the court for this. But when (the police) gone, you figure I going and leave my children in the dark?”

Another resident said the consequences were even more unintended and far-reaching than others mentioned.

“It’s best they let the mosquito van pass now, because how it ain't have no lights they go eat we raw,” he joked.

Minister: No amnesty being considered

Calls and messages to T&TEC corporate communications manager Annabelle Brasnelle for a response to the resident’s claims and their pledge to reconnect themselves went unanswered.

Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales said he could not speak to the residents’ claims of lack of notice as those were “operational aspects” of T&TEC and he did not believe he should be involved.

He did, however, warn against trying to install illegal connections noting the damage it could cause to life, limb and property.

“It is very, very dangerous. I hope that they exercise some prudence in this regard and don't engage in any activities that will put themselves and their families at risk.”

He said anyone who was using an illegal connection because of their financial situation should try instead to access the grants available to the public.

“The government, through the Ministry of Public Utilities, has a number of programmes in place to assist citizens who cannot afford to pay for water and electricity under our utilities assistance.

“If those residents are willing to engage in legal activities, they are free to come to the Ministry of Public Utilities or they can go to our website and they will see the requirements for persons and citizens who cannot afford water and electricity that they can make use of the programme that the government has in place for citizens.”

In 2021, then leader of government business in the Senate Clarence Rambharat said between 2016 and 2021, T&TEC had identified almost 6,000 people with illegal connections.

He added, despite this, only 46 people applied for the amnesty T&TEC offered from March 22 - June 30 that year to address their illegal connections.

Asked if a similar amnesty was being considered Gonzales said, “That consideration is not before the ministry at this point in time.”

Residents: Politicians ‘only making promises’

Residents said their MP Keith Scotland did not visit them, claiming, “He was supposed to be here all now.”

They said while he was there on March 9, he “had no time” for them and was "only coming with promises."

The residents said they felt as though politicians did not care about them.

Newsday called Scotland who said he was aware of what happened on March 11 and had been in constant contact with councillor for the area Jenneil Frederick, who, although unwell, spent the morning liaising with residents.

He said he and Frederick were working together to help the residents.

“We have been trying to ensure we are on top of it and see, within the four corners of the law, how we can assist any residents who have been adversely affected.”

When Newsday called Frederick, she was at the hospital but echoed Scotland’s comments.

“We are talking on the matter and we are trying to get more information and insight on the situation.”

She said she is working with Scotland to find out what grants, if any, the residents might be eligible for to help them get legal connections “as soon as possible.”

Police accused of wrongfully seizing alcohol

T&TEC police also seized approximately two dozen cameras illegally placed on T&TEC electricity poles.

Police at the scene said they also searched some homes during the operation.

They said they met no resistance, and ten people, including three women, were arrested in connection with the theft of electricity.

Residents said the police were doing their job by accompanying T&TEC.

“They doing their work when it comes to disconnection. We can’t vex with them for that.”

Several residents, though, complained about the actions of some police during the searches, claiming they stole jewellery and wrongfully seized alcohol.

“They went to the liming spot and took the drinks and the box with cigarettes and money.

“They glad to take down the cameras so nobody can't see. Protect and thief is their motto.”

The residents say the alcohol was for personal consumption and was not being illegally sold without a licence.

“It's for liming. That is how we entertain ourselves in this area.”

As police distributed bottles of water amongst themselves, residents began clapping and cheering as a woman shouted, "Ayyyyy, free thing...allyuh work hard for that water.”

Another man warned the police against consuming the seized goods.

"Take care it have a jumbie on that, eh. All the drinks allyuh seize, I going and dirty my hand for allyuh. See if allyuh ain't bend up like crapaud after allyuh drink that."

ACP Northwest Garvin Henry at a media briefing later on March 11 said he did not believe any items were wrongfully seized.

“If alcohol and jewellery were seized, I am sure it was pursuant to some investigation, if in fact that is the case.”

“But residents are free to come to the Police Complaints Division or the Besson Street Police station to lodge a complaint or concern and it will be thoroughly investigated.”

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

MORE than 100 police and soldiers descended on Sea Lots on the morning of March 11 to assist the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) with disconnecting residents with illegal electricity connections.

Police say they met no resistance, and nine people, including three women, were arrested in connection with the theft of electricity.

They also searched some homes during the operation.

Residents said the police "were doing their work" by accompanying T&TEC.

Several residents complained about the actions of some police during the searches.

This is a developing story and it will be updated when more information becomes available.