Judiciary mourns Jones P Madeira

THE Judiciary has joined the national community in mourning the loss of illustrious journalist and former court protocol and information manager Jones P Madeira.

In a media release, the judiciary said as the head of the Court Protocol and Information Unit (CPIU) at the Judiciary, Madeira brought his trademark insight, tact and grace to the role.

“His influence went far beyond his job description. Mr. Madeira’s quiet poise and calm demeanour were hallmarks of his leadership. He became a much beloved and valued member of the senior management team whose wise counsel proved invaluable.

“After leaving the Judiciary, he remained a godfather of sorts: a mentor, an adviser, a friend and advocate to many of the Judiciary’s employees.”

The judiciary said his contribution to journalism was legendary. It said his early days at the Trinidad Guardian and later as a news editor with the state-owned National Broadcasting Service were the foundations of a career that would take him to the global stage. His groundbreaking work with the BBC’s overseas regional services in London, it said, honed his craft and showcased his ability to tell the Caribbean story with dignity and depth.

“Madeira’s voice resonated across borders. He spearheaded initiatives at NBS 610, shaping the news landscape with his visionary approach to current affairs. His pioneering leadership at Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT), the Trinidad Guardian and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) strengthened media collaboration across the region, earning him induction into the CBU Caribbean Media Hall of Fame in 2000.

“Madeira’s leadership at regional institutions such as the Caribbean News Agency (CANA), Caricom and Unesco further highlighted his dedication to Caribbean integration. His tenure as the first full-time secretary general of the CBU marked a milestone in regional broadcasting, facilitating cooperation and excellence among Caribbean media houses and setting standards that influenced Caribbean media. He pioneered initiatives that created programmes which informed and unified a region, such as the CARIBVISION Project and CARIBSCOPE.”

The judiciary said one of Madeira’s defining moments came during the 1990 attempted coup.

“While held hostage, he became the voice of calm for a nation in turmoil, delivering updates with composure under duress. It was a moment of unparalleled bravery, solidifying his place as a journalist and a national hero.

“His contributions extended beyond the newsroom. Whether at the helm of the Trinidad Guardian, pioneering new media with the Independent or shaping public health communication at CAREC and the Ministry of Health, he used his platform to educate, inform and inspire.”

The judiciary said Madeira was not just a journalist but a luminary who defined integrity, courage and innovation in Caribbean media.

“His passing leaves an indelible void in the hearts of those who knew him and the industry he served so faithfully. We honour the remarkable life and legacy of Jones P Madeira, a giant in the field of journalism whose work shaped the media landscape of TT and the wider Caribbean.

“As we bid farewell, we celebrate a life that was exemplified by service to the nation, to the region and to the principles that Mr Madeira held dear. We remember his deep commitment to family and extend our deepest condolences.”

Madeira retired from Newsday as an editorial consultant in June 2020.

His funeral will take place on January 16 at the Santa Rosa Roman Catholic Church, Woodford Street, Arima, at 2 pm.

A private cremation will follow.

Madeira, 80, died at the Mt Hope Medical Sciences Complex on January 10.

He was ailing for some time and had been hospitalised as he battled “a number of very serious medical conditions.”

Madeira is described as a selfless legend by his family, while colleagues remember a kind, committed man who led an exemplary life.

Opposition Leader: Why call SoE now?

OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has asked why the government called the state of emergency (SoE) in December 2024 rather than in January 2024, when she called for one. She said lives could have been saved if it had been called earlier.

She was speaking during the debate in the House of Representatives on January 13 on whether the Parliament should accept the statement made by President Christine Kangaloo under section 9(1) of the Constitution on the reasons why a decision was made to call the SoE.

Persad-Bissessar noted the President’s statement quoted two examples of violence: an attempt on the life of suspected gang leader Calvin Lee and an attack at Prizgar Lands, Laventille, which left five people dead.

She noted the President said the police service informed the Minister of National Security there could be gang reprisals using automatic weapons.

“So here we are, with 600-plus murders on that day just before what we call Old Year’s Night, the Cabinet decided, ‘Look, too much is too much.’

“Why then? Is it that only because certain people, one gang fighting another gang? Was it done to protect the gang members, or was it done to protect the people of Trinidad and Tobago? Because the PM did refer to those incidents. Was it the last bomb? They flew off and said, ‘We have to get serious and do something’?”

Persad-Bissessar said during the media conference held on December 30 by acting Attorney General Stuart Young and National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, she felt the two men were contradicting each other.

“One minister said, went through all the statistics on horrendous crime, numbers and so on, and the other minister was, ‘No, no, this is about gangs and reprisals, gangs and reprisals, not all of these hundreds of people murdered this year or last year, it’s about the reprisals by the gangs’ that woke them up.

“So which one is real? I don’t see this statement from the President being in sync with what we’re being told.”

Persad-Bissessar quoted from the Court of Appeal judgement in the case of Earl Elie vs the Attorney General, in which Elie sued the state after the 2011 SoE. She said the court took the views of the President and ministers into account when determining whether a SoE should be called. She said based on the contradictions she saw, she thought the courts would strike down the SoE.

AG Reginald Armour called on the Opposition Leader to read the judgment correctly. He quoted several sections of the it which said the calling of the SoE was justified and great weight was to be given to the judgement of the executive.

“That is the significance of section 75 of the Constitution advising her Excellency at 1 am on December 30 of the circumstances which prompted her Excellency, in her discretion, to proclaim the existence of a period of national emergency, and why we are now here to scrupulously look at what she says in that statement to appreciate why we should endorse and validate that statement.

“The Leader of the Opposition did not read that part.

“We must be true to our oaths as members of the inner bar, whatever one may want to do or say as politicians serving other interests. If you are reading a judgment, read the judgment properly.”

Armour said Persad-Bissessar’s comment about protecting one gang or another was extremely irresponsible. He said public order requires trust in government to govern and that it move swiftly and decisively to protect the population.

The Prime Minister said while Persad-Bissessar said the SoE has not had an effect, there was a reduction in the number of murders in 2011 when a SoE was called to deal with crime.

“We have gotten a significant benefit from the SoE, but it’s not down to zero.

“I will waste no more time trying to convince those opposite to do their jobs. The criminals know as long as we keep pointing fingers at each other and see them as victims, they have the edge.”

He said he did not agree with her statement that Hinds and Young were contradicting each other as they were giving statistics and the laws under which the SoE would run.

Dr Rowley said Persad-Bissessar did not give an affidavit to the Court of Appeal in the Elie case, and this was part of the reason the court awarded the appellants.

The Parliament accepted the President’s statement as to why a decision was made to call the SoE.

PM: Police stations being closed for fear of criminals

THE Prime Minister says he has received reports of police stations being closed to the public because officers are afraid of being attacked by criminals.

He made this comment on January 13 as he opened debate on a motion in the House of Representatives to approve the grounds on which the state of emergency (SoE) was declared on December 30.

President Christine Kangaloo signed the proclamation on that day. Her statement outlining the reasons why she did so was laid in the House on January 13.

Kangaloo’s statement was made pursuant to section 9 (1) of the Constitution, which provides that within three days of her making the proclamation of the SoE, a letter will be delivered to Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George, outlining the grounds on which the SoE was declared.

The signed letter from Kangaloo to Annisette-George was dated December 1.

Kangaloo said she was advised by Cabinet on December 30 there had been 61 murders that month and 623 murders for the year at that time.

Cabinet, she continued, also advised her that over the preceding 14 days there had been an increase in the level of violent crimes, “leading to the death of individuals via the use of illegal firearms and in particular, firearms of high calibre, including, but not limited to automatic firearms which have lead to over 20 homicides in the past seven days.”

Kangaloo was advised that two days before December 30 of two serious criminal activities involving the use of illegal, high-powered firearms which endangered public safety.

The first was an attempt to kill a person suspected to be a criminal gang leader outside the Besson Street Police Station on December 28.

The second was the shooting of six people at Prizgar Lands, Laventille on December 29, with one person dying at the scene and four others later at hospital.

Kangaloo said police intelligence advised National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, who in turn advised the National security Council that criminals in East Port of Spain, Laventille and environs throughout the country “were likely to increase their brazen acts of violence in reprisal shootings on a scale so extensive that it threatens persons and will endanger public safety.”

The PM, as National Security Council chairman, advised Kangaloo about this.

Kangaloo said, “Having considered the information provided and given the above premises, I was satisfied that action has been taken, or is immediately threatened by a person, of such a nature and on so extensive a scale, as to be likely to endanger public safety, to the extent that warranted the declaration of a state of public emergency.”

Dr Rowley referred to this information as he debated the reasons why the SoE was declared.

He said anyone familiar with Trinidad and Tobago over the last 20 years would be aware of a minority of people engaging in violent crime.

But he added this problem has become worse in recent years.

“Persons see opportunities for profit or revenge on a daily basis and all they seem to have done is improve their killing machine.”

Rowley said this had happened over the lifetime of several governments and national security ministers.

He recalled the SoE called in 2011 by the UNC-led People’s Partnership coalition government was because 350 people were killed, and then 600 people were murdered in 2023.

Rowley said this was too many, given “the amount of effort, resources, dollars, policemen, security services, information gatherers. promotions galore and of course, the concerns of the citizens.”

Instead, he continued, crime has worsened.

“The cancer is spreading.”

Rowley was concerned the problem was reaching to the extent that the police were afraid of the criminals.

“It has come to my attention, in some districts, police officers, whose job it is to protect and secure, in some districts at night are so afraid of the criminals that they close the police station, turn off the lights and be inside there, hoping that the criminals don’t curse them,”

Rowley said that is not supposed to happen, but it happens.

He said crime is no longer confined to any particular area, nor does it affect any particular group of people.

He recalled one politician argued the way to reduce crime was to “castrate the males in Laventille.”

Rowley repeated crime has become a public health issue.

“The society has been under attack from a criminal element which we have not been able to suppress.”

He said this does not mean government has not been making efforts to do so.

“When you look at the resources we have directed to this problem, you ask yourself, if we had been able to escape this, what would we have done with the billions that we have directed to secure ourselves.

“What is more painful is that the more we spend on it, the more the criminals find opportunities to expand their enterprise.”

He added this is happening at all levels in society, with people recruiting “youngsters male and female, parents and cousins into criminal enterprise.”

Rowley said they are being helped by other corrupt people, and even if they are caught, continue their wickedness from the prison.

Criminals, he continued, believe they have the power to act with impunity and there will be no consequences to their actions.

“When they have an event, to conduct a killing, it is no longer killing of a person, it is an attempt to kill everybody within range.”

He repeated the intention of the SoE was to give law enforcement greater powers to act against criminals while not negatively affecting the economy and protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.

In this regard, Rowley regretted a decision by two cruise lines not to come to Tobago because the SoE was in effect. He said there is no evidence in Tobago there is an SoE and it was unfortunate some people did not take time to understand what was happening.

Rowley also repeated his concern that “the rules that we have made and the laws that we have made, at the enforcement level, are not sufficiently rigorous to treat with the harshness and the cruelty of the criminals.”

The House later approved a three-month extension of the SoE.

Badree, Williams honoured to be inducted into First Citizens Hall of Fame

WEST Indies T20 World Cup winner Samuel Badree and former national long jump record holder Wendell Williams, said they are humbled after being inducted into the hall of fame at the First Citizens Sports Foundation’s 2024 Sports Awards and 2025 Hall of Fame Induction. The ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regency on January 11.

Badree is now a popular commentator worldwide and runs a sporting academy for young cricketers.

Williams is an athletics jumps coach, guiding athletes in events such as long jump and triple jump.

Badree, a member of the West Indies T20 World Cup winning teams in 2012 and 2016, said, “It is truly a humbling experience for me to be inducted…to be in the company of some distinguished pre-eminent men and women who have impacted the sporting landscape in TT is pore-raising. It really inspires me even more to continue to do the work that I am doing with young people in TT in the facet of sport and youth development.”

Badree believes it is the duty of former athletes to give back. “As former representatives of national teams, and in my case the West Indies team, I think we have a responsibility to pass on our skills, knowledge and experiences that we gained through our careers to the next generation and that is what I try to do with my academy.”

The former leg spinner runs the Badree’s Academy of Sport and Education. He was proud to say that over 185 children have registered for the Saturday sessions in the new year and close to 60 for the Sunday training sessions.

Explaining the goals of the academy, he said, “Cricket is still strong in our eyes in TT…it is about getting our young people actively engaged in sport and physical activity…life skills such as discipline and respect, punctuality, regularity and all of those things that come with being part of a team environment. We are not only looking to create cricketers. That is of course the ultimate goal, but we are also looking to develop good citizens of our beloved twin-island republic.”

Former national long jump record holder Williams described the feeling of being honoured with the award as “overwhelming.”

“I did it (coaching) because of the passion. To be recognised I am humbled, really and truly.”

Williams started his coaching career in Germany while he was still competing. After spending seven years overseas, he returned home and has been coaching TT athletes for more than 15 years.

He spoke highly of TT brothers Dexter and Paul Voisin for encouraging him to get involved in coaching.

It was a decision that benefited TT as there was a shortage of coaches in the area Williams once competed.

“The discipline that I did which was jumps, it hardly had coaches in TT (at the time),” he said

Williams, like Badree, knows all his athletes may not become world-class athletes, but wants to give them an opportunity to achieve something. “I am humbled because the passion is there and my goal is to help not necessarily bring out a world beater, but just to help young individuals, either male or female, to at least understand what the power of sport could do and also for them to believe in themselves…develop you from someone who couldn’t do anything and come and say, ‘I use to long jump. I started off at zero and this is where I came.’ I do have a lot of those breakthrough stories.”

Some of the promising athletes that have been under Williams are Carifta gold medal winners Andwuelle Wright and Janae De Gannes. Josanne Joseph, Clement Campbell and Jada Williams have also been under his guidance. Williams had the privilege of seeing Wright break his own long jump record. In 2018, Wright jumped 8.23 metres which was further than the national record of 8.14m held by Williams since 1999.

Williams is often seen at venues with his athletes being supportive and extremely animated.

Union: Search all prison officers, not just juniors

THE Prison Officers Association (POA), on their Facebook page, claim that only junior officers have been subjected to searches during the current state of emergency (SoE) and president of the POA Gerard Gordon is calling for all officers to undergo searches.

Gordon made the statement by telephone to Newsday on January 13.

He said the joint searches have been happening for a few days now, as the partnership between the police and prisons have been strengthening.

“The officers have no issue with being searched, but the type of search is the issue.

“We would have been clamouring for the longest time about what we were seeing in other jurisdictions internationally, (where) all officers are subjected to being searched and we not seeing that mirrored here. We have a serious issue with that!”

On January 13, the POA Facebook page posted, “Is there an exemption during this SoE to not search senior officers? Junior officers reporting for duty are being searched by police inside the prison. Where is the equity? Are only junior officers suspicious of ill intent?”

Gordon claimed prison officers I and II and prison supervisors were the only ones currently being searched. Senior officers include prison superintendents.

Another newspaper reported that on January 11, an acting prison officer II was arrested after he was found trying to smuggle a cell phone and marijuana beneath a box of food.

Asked if he though that incident was the reason behind the searches being targeted to junior officers, Gordon said, “I don’t think its targeted.

“The fact is that requirement for entry into the prison, is universal. You must be searched, you must subject yourself to be searched on entry. Whether you’re an attorney, civilian, visitors or staff, you must be searched when entering the prison.”

Gordon said since the start of the SoE, police have found themselves in the prisons more frequently doing searches.

“If you listen to them, they are leaving no stone unturned as it relates to this SoE and their attempt to bring crime and criminality under control.”

Newsday contacted acting prison commissioner Carlos Corraspe by telephone on January 13 for a response to Gordon’s claims.

He said, “I cannot speak to whether there is any validity. The fact is the searches are taking place at a point in the prison where people who access those locations are coming in walking. Senior officers normally drive onto the compound.”

Asked if it were mandatory for all officers entering the prison to be searched, he said, “It is not a question of being mandatory, this is an exercise being manned by the police in the context of the unlawful conduct of some officers who are bringing in unauthorised items into the prisons.”

Corraspe said efforts to deter those officers acting unlawfully had been increased in an attempt to mitigate harm in public.

Pressed again to find out the validity that only junior officers were being searched, he repeated the efforts were meant to eliminate illegal items from entering the prison.

PM: Lisa Morris-Julian a gift to Trinidad and Tobago

THE Prime Minister led members of the House of Representatives in paying tribute to D’Abadie/O’Meara MP Lisa Morris-Julian when it sat on January 13.

The sitting was the first for the year and since Morris-Julian and two of her children died in a fire at their Arima home on December 16.

A bouquet of white flowers and a lit candle were placed on Morris-Julian’s empty desk on the government’s benches.

All MPs, Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George and parliamentary staff wore white flowers on their clothes as a sign of respect for Morris-Julian.

In his tribute, Dr Rowley reflected on Morris-Julian as a person, school teacher, councillor, mayor,  MP and government minister.

He said at her heart, Morris-Julian was a mother and found great joy in tending to the needs of the nation’s children in her role as minister in the Education Ministry.

“Outside of this House, she was a mother to thousands of children.”

Rowley said no one could doubt that Morris-Julian was passionate in what she believed in, and stood on principle.

While politics could bring out the worst in some people, he continued, Morris-Julian was someone who had no enemies in her political life.

“She was a gift to this Parliament, she was a gift to this nation and she was a gift to her family.”

Rowley lamented that all gifts have an end date.

“Lisa’s end date came too soon for all of us.”

Opposition Whip David Lee said all members of the House, regardless of their political affiliation, were united in their grief over Morris-Julian’s death.

He added Morris-Julian’s life and death underscored that family came first in everything that anyone did.

Annisette-George said when the House adjourned on December 9 before Christmas, she never imagined it would resume without Morris-Julian’s being present.

“While we are all aware of our own mortality, the death of a friend, family member, or colleague always comes as a shock, reminding us of the fragile and unpredictable nature of life.”

Annisette-George agreed with Rowley and Lee that Morris-Julian lived a life of distinction in whatever she did.

“She joined this Parliament in 2020, bringing with her a wealth of experience as a dedicated public servant to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, with a distinguished career in local government.”

Annisette-George told MPs she would forever remember the words Morris-Julian used in her last contribution in the House.

“I am a mother of children…I was not always a member of Parliament, I was not always a politician.”

Annisette-George said, “It was Lisa Morris-Julian the mother whose last moments involved a selfless act of courage and the natural sacrifice of motherhood.”

She added Morris-Julian was a “dear colleague to many, a mentor, a friend, a wife, a teacher, a mother and a daughter” who will be missed by everyone.

Later in the sitting, the House paid tribute to former Pointe-a-Pierre MP Bill Chaitan, who died last month. Chaitan was an MP from January 3, 2001-October, 9, 2001.

Diego Martin Central MP Symon de Nobriga, Lee and Annisette-George each paid tribute to him.

PNM MPs rally around Stuart Young

SEVERAL government MPs expressed support for Energy Minister Stuart Young being positioned to become prime minister on Dr Rowley’s exit from the post, speaking to reporters before the House of Representatives’ sitting on January 13.

MPs had voted 11/nine in favour of Young over Planning Minister Pennelope Beckles at a recent PNM parliamentary retreat in Tobago.

By January 12, at a news briefing chaired by Young and Minister of Youth Development Foster Cummings at Balisier House after the PNM General Council meeting, came word that all 21 PNM MPs had signed their support for Young as PM.

Talking to reporters outside the Red House, many PNM MPs also backed Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Amery Browne’s expected bid to become PNM candidate in Rowley’s Diego Martin West seat in the upcoming general election.

Toco/Sangre Grande MP Roger Monroe said, “My only thought at this time is that I am 100 per cent behind my colleague, the honourable Stuart Young. I back him as the next prime minister to be and he has my full support. He has the other members of the House support.

“We are definitely going to go into the general election with Stuart Young as our prime minister and will will definitely be the next government of Trinidad and Tobago, upon the 2025 election, with Stuart Young.”

Asked about Browne, Monroe said, “Excellent decision by another one of my esteemed colleagues. I must say that I would also pledge my full support when he is selected for the Diego Martin West seat. I know it may be a big shoe to fill, but I am sure he is very capable to do such.”

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, asked about the PNM leadership contest, said that should be put in the past and the focus should now be on moving forward.

“The issue of my personal support for Minister Young was never in doubt.

“We just wanted a particular process to be followed, the process was followed, the party is happy, my constituency is happy and we are moving forward.”

Asked about Browne, Deyalsingh said, “That is democracy in the party. Let us see what happens.”

Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said the PNM was not an ordinary party but an institution which rises to meet its challenges.

“We have an election to win, we have people to serve, we have a country to save, and that is the business of the PNM at this time.”

Reporters asked her views on Browne’s vying for Diego Martin West.

She said, “I think there may be a lot of contest for that seat, and I am wishing all who have put their hats in the ring all the best.”

She said as an MP she had gone through the nomination and screening process.

“And Dr Browne is an old hat at this. He has been around before, so I wish him the best and all other contenders.”

Laventille East/Morvant MP Adrian Leonce said, “Well, I am very happy that we were able to select someone to try to transition the party, moving forward.

“The PNM is a very strong and experienced party. I think we are a very stable party.

“I am proud – even though there may have been some slight bumps – I am proud that we could always prevail and show the country that there is stability, unity and trust among us.”

He denied suggestions the party would implode.

“Differences of opinion does not mean imploding or anything like that. Differences of opinion were expressed, which we are free to express.

“But the strongest part of it is that we as a party could come together and move forward because we understand the seriousness of the party and how it affects our country.”

Asked about Browne, Leonce said, “We are a party, and how our constitution is (is) that once a party group can nominate you, you then can appear before the screening committee to make a final decision.”

He promised to continue to support the PNM, the country and his community, even as he bows out as an MP.

National Security Minister issues first SoE detention order

THE first detention order under the Emergency Powers Regulations 2024 has been made.

A gazetted legal notice on January 12, signed by National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, said a detention order was issued for Shumba James, 34, of Simon Trace, St Mary Village, Moruga.

The order, dated January 12, 2025, was published as Legal Notice No 10 in the Trinidad and Tobago Gazette.

According to the order, James has been identified as a credible suspect in various illegal activities, including planning targeted killings of individuals assisting the police in their investigations.

The detention is deemed necessary to prevent James from acting in a manner prejudicial to public safety and order.

James is to be detained at the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre, Santa Rosa, Arima, or any other location as directed by the minister.

The detention was authorised under paragraph 2 of the Schedule to the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2024, which grants the minister power to detain individuals without warrant for preventive purposes.

Hinds justified the detention by citing concerns for public safety and the need to maintain order.

A state of emergency (SoE) was declared on December 30, and since then a review tribunal has been established to review the cases of detained individuals. Guidelines set by the tribunal were gazetted on January 9, and outline the rights of detainees and the processes for reviewing detention cases.

The tribunal’s chairman is Deborah Peake, SC, and its members are Ian Benjamin, SC, and Lee Merry, SC.

Legal Notice 1 of 2025, signed by Hinds on January 2, was also gazetted and sets out the directions for detentions under the emergency regulations.

The directions identified the designated detention centres, which include: Carrera Convict Prison; Women’s Prison and Remand Prison at Golden Grove; and the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre.

At a police media briefing on January 10, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin said almost 600 priority offenders had been targeted and at least 500 individuals arrested.

The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has expressed concerns over the designation of two of the four prisons designated as detention centres for those held under the SoE regulations. It says the Carrera Convict Prison and the Remand Prison in Golden Grove are not suitable detention centres.

James was acquitted of a robbery with violence charge in 2023.

He was also a prosecution witness against six policemen charged with the murders of Abigail Johnson, 23; Alana Duncan, 28; and Kerron “Fingers” Eccles, 26, on the night of July 22, 2011, on Rochard Douglas Road.

James was Duncan’s husband at the time and was said to be the policemen’s target.

The officers were eventually acquitted by a jury, also in 2023.

In August 2024, James told TV6 News he did not have a hand in the murder of five-year-old Anika Guerra and her father, Enrico Guerra.

The shootings happened at Guerra’s business place, Enrico’s Corner Mart, at Poui Road Junction, St Mary’s Village

Griffith: Leave Young’s ‘stepdaughter’ out of politics

NATIONAL Transformation Alliance (NTA) political leader Gary Griffith is urging the public to stop using Stuart Young’s “stepdaughter” as ammunition in casting aspersions against him as the upcoming prime minister.

At a media conference at the party’s San Fernando West constituency office on Lord Street on January 13, Griffith slammed politicians and members of the public who continue to use Young’s former relation to Krystiana Sankar as a way to cast a shadow on his recent selection to become prime minister when Dr Keith Rowley resigns at an unknown date.

“Her face continues to be plastered on the media because of trying to link her with that individual (Young). That is because she was arrested by myself and they continue to demonise that young lady, to refer to her as the stepdaughter of the future prime minister. To try to go out of their way to destroy one man, you’re destroying the life of a young girl because she made a mistake.”

Sankar was arrested, along with Aruba Eligon, Jervon Cole and Yannis Pebbles Augustine, in a Westmoorings drug raid on December 4, 2018. Police recovered 191.66 kilogrammes (kg) of marijuana and 1.04 kg of cocaine valued at around $3.8 million.

In driving home his belief that Sankar’s actions should not be held against Young, or anyone for that matter, Griffith said he too was related to her.

“That girl is my cousin. So demonise me. I have no qualms to state, yes, that is my family. She’s a Daniel, and my mother was a Daniel.

“So what? You are going to continue to condemn a young lady and criticise and demonise her every single time because of your enjoyment and excitement and hatred for somebody else?”

Also at the press conference, the NTA presented five of its candidates who will contest the general election due this year.

They are Dr Kevin Sarran for San Fernando West, Nicolene Taylor Chinchamee for Arouca/Lopinot, Gail Castanada for Port of Spain South, former UNC local government election candidate Jarzinho Rigsby for Arima, and former UNC MP Christine Newallo-Hosein for Toco/Sangre Grande.

Commander Norman Dindial will be running for Chaguanas East.

Griffith previously said he would be contesting the St Joseph seat. Savita Pierre will contest Tunapuna.

As he defended Sankar, Griffith also warned his candidates to avoid stooping to that level on the campaign trail.

“The hatred and division and bitterness by politicians on all sides have destroyed the country. Our job in the NTA is to unite, to build, to be productive, and I ask all of you candidates, we are not going into this election with this gutter politics.”

Despite being selected as Rowley’s successor in a close contest after receiving 11 votes to his challenger Pennelope Beckles-Robinson’s nine during a Cabinet retreat last week, Young received unanimous support from all 21 PNM MPs at the party’s monthly general council meeting on January 11.

This means Young would have the majority support in the House of Representatives to become prime minister when Rowley resigns from the post.

Commenting on the development, Griffith stopped short of endorsing the selection as he commended Young’s work as Minister of National Security.

“I have worked with the future prime minister, Stuart Young, which is why I doubt I could ever be a good politician, because I’ll always be honest.  I’ll always be a patriot to my country (rather)  than a politician.

“When I worked with Minister Stuart Young in my capacity as the commissioner of police, I think the country would have seen we made a very good team. We were able to handle covid, we were able to handle security. He provided me with the support, leadership, organising meetings – I’ve seen him work in his capacity as a leader, and it is difficult for me to criticise him on it.

“Unfortunately, what we do in this country is, we don’t look at the quality of the person in how they perform. We will try to call (them) names, discredit the individual whose family would be arrested and all the nastiness in politics.

“I ask what we need to do is to judge individuals based on their performance and not based on the nastiness that you want.”

In fact, Griffith pledged his support and expressed his best wishes to Young when he takes up the mantle.

“I wish Stuart Young well as the future prime minister. I give him the assurance that at NTA, we are not here to make the country ungovernable. We are here to provide support for the state, not PNM. That is our jobs as patriots of this country, and we would continue to give him that support until he decides, after the election, to relinquish his position to the NTA when we replace them.”

However, Griffith was not as measured when it came to the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led UNC, as he lobbed scathing criticism after criticism of the way the party behaved during the 2010-2015 coalition government.

For instance, he slammed the imbalance of power the UNC held over the Congress of the People in the People’s Partnership and the way contracts were allegedly given to known criminals.

Despite criticism of these acts and others, the NTA entered into an accommodation with the UNC for the 2023 local government elections.

Although a similar arrangement was expected for the 2025 general election, which is yet to be announced, on December 20 Persad-Bissessar said no such deal would be struck. This was confirmation of what many suspected after the relationship began crumbling in February 2024.

Asked, given the more favourable sentiments toward Young, if the party would consider joining the PNM with its new leader, Griffith said: “This is not about us trying to work with anyone…

“We would always keep our doors open to have dialogue with everyone, but our job is not trying to hope and beg people would recognise us.”

Former Congress of the People leader Kirt Sinnette signed an agreement with the NTA, but resigned on December 17.

He was succeeded by former political leader Prakash Ramadhar as interim leader until Ramadhar was substantively appointed at the party’s national council meeting on January 11.

Griffith said it is left to be seen if the agreement would honoured by the COP’s new leadership.

Persad-Bissessar has admitted to having meetings with Ramadhar before and after he became the COP’s interim political leader.

The NTA is also working with Timothy Hamel-Smith’s HOPE towards an alliance, Griffith said.

Hinds: Golden Grove, Carrera suitable SoE detention centres

NATIONAL Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds says the Remand Prison in Golden Grove and the Carrera Island Convict Prison are suitable as designated detention centres during the state of emergency (SoE).

He made this comment in response to a question from Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal in the House of Representatives on January 13.

Hinds said. “On matters such as these, I take my timing, my guidance from the administration of the Prison Service.”

He added, “I have been informed by the administration of the Prison Service that the facilities referred to in his urgent question are suitable for occupation as we speak.”

Hinds said, “As a matter of fact, they are under occupation as we speak.”

Repairs and refurbishment, he continued, are an ongoing process.

Hinds said, “There are some items that have been identified for repair and refurbishment and they are being addressed promptly.

Moonilal asked Hinds if he was aware the Prison Officers Association claimed the problems at Golden Grove included a non-functional alarm and a leaking roof.

Hinds said, “I have not been so advised by the administration of the Prison Service.”

Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George disallowed a question from Moonilal about the number of people detained since the SoE was declared on December 30.

The House later debated motions to acknowledge the SoE and extend it.

Later in the sitting, in response to a question from Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh, Hinds said there is no formal policy between the police and the National Maintenance Training and Security Company Limited (MTS) to assist in the fight against crime.

Moruga man charged with court worker’s murder

BAIL has been denied for a 43-year-old man charged with the murder of his common-law wife who was chopped to death at the family’s home in Moruga last month.

Shane Gomez, 43, of Poui Road in St Mary’s Village, faced High Court master Delicia Bethelmy in the South Criminal Court A.

She remanded him into custody and adjourned the case to April 14.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions instructed the police on January 13 to charge Gomez with Stacy Gopaulsingh’s murder after reviewing a file submitted by the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three.

WPC Valdez laid the charge.

Supt Persad, ASP Maharaj and Sgt Bridgemohan, all of the Homicide Bureau, led the investigation.

Gopaulsingh worked as a judicial support officer at the courthouse in Princes Town.

Before dawn on December 23, her body was found with multiple chop wounds in the family’s home.

The police were initially told three gunmen entered the house demanding a laptop she used for work.

Gomez was also in the house. The police were told as he was about to intervene, a gunman stopped him.

The police were told Gomez grabbed their three-year-old daughter and fled by jumping through a window.

Gopaulsingh was reportedly three months pregnant at the time of her death.

The police arrested Gomez a few days ago.

Gopaulsingh’s funeral took place on December 30 at the St Joseph RC Church in Moruga.

Her sister Chrissie Gopaulsingh, who delivered the eulogy, told mourners Gopaulsingh was doing her master’s degree at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) and was set to graduate this year.

She added that Gopaulsingh had done two associate degrees, one in social work (2013) and the other in psychology (2014) at COSTAATT.

Gopaulsingh also had a brief career in the police service before resigning in 2017.

In 2018, she obtained her BA in criminal justice from COSTAATT, and in 2019, she became a judicial support officer, holding this post until her death.

A different extinction event?

CRICKET is a tough taskmaster. It is complicated to conquer, and confusing to the untrained mind.

It is more of a player’s game than a spectator’s. That is because, in its purest form, it can take days to unravel and crown a winner.

For the cricketer, plus those who love the game, the joy and pleasure are derived from the feelings that they revel in and relish, from the appreciation of a well-played stroke or a beautifully bowled over.

Trying to gain an advantage, a player or captain has to use the power of the mind, psychologically, in order to overcome his opponent, by implementing strategy, guile and cunning.

This is one of the reasons why the feelings that flow from a batsman when playing a superb stroke, or from a bowler deceiving a batsman, getting him out in the process, plus the fieldsman or wicket keeper diving to take a superb catch, releases instant gratification that conveys itself to anyone watching, giving them instant satisfaction.

The beauty of the game wraps itself around the player, transferring itself to the spectator, who shares in the joy that the cricketer exudes.

Cricket is a unique game. Hence it is not as widely popular as football (soccer, to the Americans), the most popular ball sport in the world. Football is far easier to follow than cricket, and a game lasts 90 minutes. Cricket, in its shortest form, takes approximately three hours.

However, the real test of a cricket team is in a two-innings game, giving the participants a maximum of five days in a Test match – less in a first-class or club game – to bowl out the opposition twice, for fewer runs.

That is the real proof of the better cricket team. The pitch comes into play, as it cannot be watered or grassed once play starts; hence it may become dry and dusty, changing its character during the game.

Thus the intricacies of the sport do not lend itself easily to popularity.

It is not only challenging to play, but it’s also expensive: players’ equipment, balls, stumps, bails, the labour costs to prepare pitches for both match and practice, scorers, rollers of different weights and so on.

Consequently, cricket took many years to receive popular recognition; and it is only now, because of the abbreviated game of T20, that it has caught on quickly among many countries, as T20 is a simpler game to understand, because of its brevity.

However, Test cricket, the reality of a cricket contest, requires more skill.

At the start of the 20th century there were only three Test-playing countries. England, Australia and South Africa. One hundred and 24 years later, there are 12.

The West Indies, in 1928, were the fourth country accepted. They were united as one for the sake of cricket, as it was found at the time that, as a group of British colonies, in order to welcome them as cricketers, they could play as one unit. Their backgrounds were similar and together they could produce a strong enough cricket team to compete in Test cricket after gaining some experience. They were accepted by the authority at the time, the Marylebone Cricket Club.

The improvement of their cricket came about because of the competition provided by the better teams of England and Australia. They were apt students, quick to learn and with their naturally pleasant and enthusiastic dispositions, ensured that they rose to the top and became exceedingly proud and happy cricketers.

And now, there are those who actually want to disband this group and write off the WI as a cricket entity? And others who want to introduce a two-tier Test-match system? With 12 teams?

In the early days, the MCC saw the wisdom of assisting those who showed an aptitude to play the game and were willing even though they needed financial help; and it was provided.

If this nonsensical idea is passed, it will see the end of the art and beauty of Test cricket.

It would be of no value, as the attraction would lose its lustre, and thus the talent would not develop the way it should.

Already the standard is falling worldwide. The classic game is disappearing.

Although it attracts great crowds in a few countries currently, within a decade or so, they would be bored with watching the same teams over and over. Those with eyes to see must notice this.

Then again, there are none so blind as those who will not see.

 

Hinds: 569 people arrested in SoE thus far

NATIONAL Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds has said the state of emergency (SoE) has been successful so far, with over 500 people arrested and a reduction in some serious crimes.

Speaking during debate in the Parliament on whether the SoE should be extended for another three months, he said the police had carried out 688 intelligence-led operations over the last 14 days.

“This has resulted in 569 arrests for drugs, and 13 per cent of the murders last year were as a result of drugs, so they’re paying particular attention to that; over gang turf; possession of army-type camouflage – that is what they use in some home invasions to mislead the occupants that it’s police and soldiers coming; shooting and robbery; firearms and ammunition; assaulting police officers; gang activities; larceny.”

He said there were 137 people in custody, as of the 569 arrests, some would have been charged and released.

“Even though you arrest, you charge, they go about their normal business and you maintain your focus on the gang operators to deal with the gang problem.”

Hinds said 3,915 searches had been done, with 32 firearms, 1,030 rounds of assorted ammunition, cocaine and different types of marijuana being seized.

“Kush marijuana, which sells at $25,000 a kilogramme, and creepy marijuana from Colombia, which sells at $27,000 a kilogramme and sells at $250 per gramme on the street. If that gets into the prisons, they sell it by the pinch at $200, so you can imagine the kind of money that turns over in the prisons?”

He said the traffic police had done 571 traffic operations and detected and charged people for 1,470 traffic offences, with 621 patrols being done by the highway patrols.

Hinds said there had been 577 murders in 2023 and 624 in 2024.

“In 2023, 261 of those 577 murders, or 45 per cent, were classified by the police as gang-related, and in 2024, 273 of the 624 murders, or 44 per cent, were classified as gang-related. The gangs therefore contribute the largest single variable to the murder figure on an annual basis. This SoE is targeted to deal with that.

“As the Prime Minister said, 93 of the murders last year were double, triple, quadruple and quintuple. What do we do again, do we wait? We’ve heard of the reprisals, we’ve done the SoE. Do we wait to get ten at a time?”

Hinds said the 12 murders this year had been classified: five as gang-related, one as domestic, three as robberies gone bad and three unknown. He said different types of crime require different types of policing.

He said there has been an 83 per cent drop in shootings and woundings, with four for the year to date in 2025 compared to 23 in 2024. He said there has been a 75 per cent drop in robberies, with 17 year-to-date in 2025 compared to 67 in 2024. There has been a 59 per cent drop in larceny of motor vehicles, with 11 year-to-date compared to 27 in 2024.

He said the public seems to be in full support of the SoE, other than the Opposition Leader and her followers.

Hinds called on the population to call the police if they saw someone or something suspicious in their areas.

Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal said the penalties imposed on people under the SoE can already be found under existing laws.

“This is really ‘kick down the door and take,’ because the police have existing powers under existing law, with reasonable suspicion, to conduct police activities, to search people and their car and do this and that.

“But the PM said the problem is the warrant, that they don’t have the power to go immediately into the house.”

He said while the government is asking for an extension, it has not said what has been achieved over the 14 days of the SoE to date. He asked how many of the activities which had taken place over the last 14 days were related to the intelligence which had sparked the SoE.

Moonilal said this is the first time an SoE has been called during an election year. He said a SoE means constitutional rights are suspended, while a great majority of citizens will be engaged.

“There is a door open here where you can abuse political activists, political opponents, those in opposition, to a standing opposition, candidates in an election, because you have suspended constitutional rights, you can go into anyone’s house without warrants, all those types of things, in an election year. That is a danger I wanted to point out.”

He said even though government had not suspended the rights to marches, protests and processions, some people feared they could be held for protesting and participating in these events.

Hinds said the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2024, did not mention anything about an election.

Moonilal said his constituents had not reported seeing more patrols, and the police had said they didn’t have enough resources.

Referring to media reports which said detention centres were unfit, Moonilal asked where people detained under the SoE were being held.

“Has there been anyone detained under these powers over the last 14 days? Is there a secret detention centre somewhere that they are holding people during this period, if they are not at any of the four designated centres? Where are the detainees?”

The House later approved a three-month extension of the SoE .

Young: SoE regulations tougher than existing laws

ENERGY Minister Stuart Young justified the regulations of the state of emergency (SoE) as necessary to truly empower police officers to fight crime, speaking in the House of Representatives on January 13.

In the debate on a government motion to extend the SoE for three months, Young denied an argument made earlier by Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein, who alleged many measures in the SoE emergency regulations already existed in current legislation, most notably the Firearms Act (plus the Anti-Gang Act).

Hosein said the Firearms Act already imposed a hefty penalty for possessing an illegal firearm and empowered the police to search premises for these. The MP dubbed the SoE regulations “PR” and “political gimmickry,” designed to make it look as if the Government was tackling crime just ahead of the expected 2025 general election.

Young made the point that an SoE actually suspends one’s constitutional rights, so off the bat Hosein could not claim there was no difference between old statutory laws and the emergency provision regulations.

“We (Government) had to give serious consideration on how the SoE will affect law-abiding citizens, because the SoE is targeted at criminal elements.”

These latter possess high-powered weapons, Young warned.

He pointed out several new measures to empower the police in the regulations that did not exist under current statutes like the Firearms Act.

“If they (police) could use the normal powers, we wouldn’t need a state of emergency.”

He referred to regulation eight.

“They are allowed to stop and search and the burden of a person having to prove that a firearm is illegal has turned under the emergency regulations. It is not for the State to prove it is illegal.”

The legal burden is now on the accused, he said.

“Regulation eight starts by shifting the burden, starts by removing the presumption of innocence.”

He read the regulation that said it was an offence to illegally possess any firearm, ammunition or explosive.

“It has reversed the whole burden, which is contrary to sections four and five of the Trinidad and Tobago Constitution – which are entrenched rights – which is what the regulations in an SoE do.”

Young flatly denied the regulations were already covered by the Firearms Act.

He cited regulation 8 (2), which says someone found consorting with a gunman will also be deemed to be committing an offence, which he said is not an offence under the Firearms Act.

Young said the regulations demonstrate that: “We are in different times.”

Scoffing at justifications offered by the former People’s Partnership government to maintain its 2011 SoE, such as the claim of an assassination plot, he said his Government had declared the SoE based on police information of suspected pending reprisals after several recent murders using heavy weaponry.

The procedure for prosecution under the regulations was different from that under the Firearms Act.

Young also said the regulations broadened the power of the police to hold stop-and-search operations, beyond their powers under the Firearms Act. The police also have enhanced powers of seizure of illegal items under the regulations, relative to any existing legislation.

He also noted the regulations allow a police officer of the rank of assistant superintendent to detain a suspect for up to seven days after an initial 48 hours.

Otherwise Young justified the SoE by saying reprisals had been set to take place, according to information received.

Earlier he said unlike the SoE in the 1970s, this SoE did not ban public meetings, gatherings or marches.

“If there was a political intention (behind the SoE), that is the type of (repressive) behaviour you would see. But we did not do it.”

He traced the work done by authorities in the wee hours of December 30 such as the President, National Security Council and Minister of National Security doing the paperwork to arrange the proclamation of the SoE.

Hosein earlier referred to an alleged gangster under house arrest and said if the SoE lasted for six months, this could lead to an aggravated situation in many individual cases.

He admonished the Government, “Deal with the root causes of crime.” For example, he lamented TT’s borders were porous, as he complained that after the former UNC government had bought 12 Damen vessels for the Coast Coast, these were now languishing in need of repair. He said TT does not even manufacture firearms., and that in fiscal 2023/2024, the police had not acquired even one new police vehicle, nor recruited any new police officers.

Hosein also asked why a detained gang leader was now at home under house arrest – which he said amounted to police protection – and asked why the man had not yet been charged with a crime. He accused the Government of trying to suppress crime for a very short time, ahead of the election.

Saying the Police Officers Association said TT has four designated prisons, Hosein said there is now no new place to house any detainees. He also lamented the recent threats of harm levelled against prison officers en masse.

“They can’t even protect prison officers.”

Soca Warriors to play Jamaica in two friendlies

THE Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has confirmed that the Soca Warriors will play Jamaica in two international friendlies on February 6 and 9 in Montego Bay and Kingston respectively.

The match on February 6 will take place at the Montego Bay Sports Complex at 8.30 pm (TT time). The fixture on February 9 in Kingston will be at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex at 9 pm.

Jamaica and TT are using the matches in preparation for the CONCACAF Gold Cup prelims, which is slated for March.

TT will face Cuba away on March 21 and home on March 25. Head coach Dwight Yorke will announce his squad for the friendlies, which are being played outside of the FIFA window, later this month.

TTFA president Kieron Edwards said, “We extend our gratitude to the Jamaica Football Federation for hosting us and providing this opportunity for both nations to compete, prepare and grow together.

“These matches are crucial for our preparations as we look ahead to the Gold Cup preliminaries in March. They will give our head coach, Dwight Yorke, an invaluable opportunity to assess a broader pool of players and fine-tune our preparations for the challenges ahead,” Edwards told TTFA Media.

“We know how popular the Trinidad and Tobago/Jamaica rivalry is at all levels and we expect these two matches to serve its purpose as it relates to overall preparations.”

President of the Jamaica Football Federation Michael Ricketts spoke about the importance of these fixtures.

“Our head coach Mr McClaren expressed from last year a desire for an opportunity to analyse the domestic-based players on the island and we have worked assiduously to arrange these fixtures and camps which will take place leading into these games.”

“This is the 3rd year in a row we have kicked off with games vs Trinidad and each year has been beneficial.”

Both countries met in two friendlies in TT last March with Jamaica winning the opener 1-0 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, before the second match drew 0-0 at Larry Gomes. In 2023, also in March, TT won 1-0 in Montego Bay on a Reon Moore stike, before a 0-0 draw followed in the second game at the National Stadium, Kingston.

THA secretary Trevor James nominated to contest general election

THA SECRETARY of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development Trevor James says he has been nominated to contest the general election for the Tobago People’s Party (TPP).

The Scarborough/Mt Grace assemblyman had first expressed interest in contesting a seat during a news conference at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on September 7, 2024.

At that time, he told reporters he felt he could change the status quo in the Parliament as an MP.

“I decided I must offer myself to the TPP and to the people of Tobago as one of the candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The time has come when we need serious people in the space,” James had said.

On the Tobago Updates morning show on January 13, James reiterated his position.

The general election is constitutionally due in 2025.

“I would make myself available to the people and to the party for either Tobago East or West, because I think we need stronger voices in the Parliament.

“I think the solutions to our problems with the Tobago House of Assembly Act and the way the jurisdiction in Tobago is managed is from the Parliament, and no doubt there is a need for stronger voices to articulate the Tobago position in Trinidad and therefore I offered myself.”

He confirmed he has been nominated “and the party will make a decision shortly, I believe, and hopefully I will be selected.”

Paria distributes Lara’s book to schools

PARIA Fuel Trading Company Ltd has announced a partnership with cricket legend and author Brian Lara, with the aim of fostering education and sports among youth.

As part of this collaboration, Paria has purchased 600 copies of Lara’s new book, Lara, the England Chronicles, for distribution to schools near its Pointe-a-Pierre base.

In a media release on January 13, Paria said, “This sponsorship aims to promote reading, learning, and a passion for cricket among students. The book offers a firsthand account of Mr Lara’s remarkable career, serving as a powerful example of dedication and excellence.”

Lara said he was excited about the partnership and its possibilities.

“I want to make sure that the books get into the hands of the schoolchildren and anyone willing to bring out my story. I want to thank Paria for the wonderful opportunity they have provided to me for making this possible and appreciate your contribution to this effort,” he said.

The first group of school-visits took place on January 8 at San Fernando Central Secondary School, Pointe-a-Pierre Government Primary School, and VOS Government Primary School.

As Lara walked into the schools, he was greeted with cheers of “Lara, Lara, Lara” from the students. He spent time signing books and interacting with both students and teachers. A few lucky students even had the chance to read passages from his book to him aloud.

He also visited Paria’s headquarters, where he shared his experiences with the leadership team, as well as the 2024 captains of the inter-departmental cricket teams.

Through this initiative, Paria hopes to inspire young minds, encouraging them to set ambitious goals and take pride in their community representation. The company believes Lara’s journey will be a catalyst for motivation and growth among the students.

“Paria is thrilled to partner with Lara on this meaningful initiative,” said Mushtaq Mohammed, general manager, Paria. “We are excited to see the positive impact his story will have on our youth, both in the classroom and on the cricket field.”

Brian Lara autographs a book for three siblings attending Pointe-a-Pierre Government Primary School during a visit to the school. – Photo courtesy Paria Fuel Trading Company 

Belmont landscaper charged under SoE regulations denied bail

A Belmont landscaper held by police under emergency powers regulations has been denied bail.

Afiba Guerra, 28, of Upper St Francois Valley Road, Belmont, was arrested by police at Zachariah Avenue, Thick Village, Siparia on January 9.

Guerra, the father of two, a four-year-old and a ten-month-old, was charged with possession of eight live rounds of military-grade ammunition with the markings VEN 75.

He appeared before acting deputy Chief Magistrate Brian Dabideen on January 13.

Dabideen denied bail after considering the SoE regulations and the Bail Act. However, he said he would reconsider bail at the next hearing on February 10.

He also ordered the police to take the exhibits to the Forensic Science Centre, Port of Spain, “forthwith,” since the regulations prevent anyone charged with an offence under the regulations from challenging this in the High Court through a writ of habeas corpus. The regulations also prevent a High Court judge from granting bail after denial by a magistrate.

Dabideen questioned why the charge fell under the SoE regulations and not the Firearms Act but was told by the police that they were just complying with instructions from the legal unit.

The regulations suspend bail for individuals detained or charged under the SoE.

It is alleged that Guerra, at Zachariah Avenue, Thick Village, Siparia, on January 9, had in his possession eight rounds of 7.62 ammunition with the markings VEN 75 contrary to section 8(1) of the emergency powers regulations 2024.

He pleaded not guilty to the summary charge after the magistrate read it out to him. Guerra will return to court on February 10.

Dabideen also advised Guerra to raise his concerns about his safety with the Commissioner of Prisons since that was a matter for the prison service.

At a police media briefing on January 10, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin said almost 600 priority offenders had been targeted and “at least” 500 individuals were arrested.

The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has expressed concerns over the designation of two of the four prison facilities designated as detention centres for individuals held under the SoE regulations.

The four facilities are Carrera Convict Prison; Women’s Prison and Remand Prison at Golden Grove; and the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre.

The PoA says the Carrera Convict Prison or the Remand Prison in Golden Grove were not suitable detention centres.

Guerra’s legal representatives are contemplating filing judicial review proceedings while a complaint over his arrest is expected to be lodged with the Police Complaints Authority.

On December 30, the President declared an SoE due to escalating gang-related violence.

The SoE was invoked to counter threats to public safety and disruptions to essential services.

The emergency regulations grant extensive powers to law enforcement, including detentions, restrictions on movement, and limitations on speech deemed prejudicial to public order. A person who commits an offence under the emergency regulations is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for a term of five years.

Visa Black Friday purchases increase by 27%

TRINIDAD and Tobago recorded sustained growth in online and in-store purchases using Visa credentials for the holiday season, particularly for Black Friday.

According to data from Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA), there was a 27 per cent increase in total transactions for Black Friday 2024 in TT compared to the same period the year before.

Black Friday is the kickstart to the holiday shopping season, where retailers offer great discounts and sales. It was observed on November 29, 2024.

VCA said this growth in TT was fuelled by a 35 per cent rise in contactless payments, highlighting this technology’s increasing popularity and effectiveness among consumers and businesses for fast, convenient and secure purchases in this digital age.

VCA’s analysis also found that online transactions registered a 29 per cent increase compared to 2023.

“This surge in e-commerce spending reflects TT consumers’ growing preference for online shopping, driven by enhanced connectivity and mobile commerce options. It also highlights the promising digital ecosystem that is consolidating locally,” it said.

The growth percentages, the VCA said, were related to both local and foreign currency.

Visa TT country manager Jorge Salum said the surge in contactless transactions underscores a compelling shift in consumer and business behaviours in TT.

“These results, coupled with the continued growth of Visa’s transactions during this critical shopping day, demonstrate TT consumers’ adaptability to evolving macroeconomic conditions and their willingness to embrace the new standards of digital commerce,” Salum said.

TT wasn’t the only country analysed. It also looked at transactions from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, Ecuador, Paraguay, Jamaica, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Bahamas and Barbados.

Visa contactless transactions. – Photo courtesy Visa 

Browne, de Nobriga to screen for Diego Martin West, Central

FOREIGN and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne and Communications Minister Symon de Nobriga have confirmed that they are offering themselves as nominees to be screened for the constituencies of Diego Martin West and Diego Martin Central respectively.

De Nobriga is the incumbent Diego Martin Central MP.

Browne, who represented Diego Martin Central from November 2007-June 2015, is seeking to contest Diego Martin West after the Prime Minister indicated on January 3 that he will not be standing for re-election there.

Dr Rowley has been Diego Martin West MP since 1991.

Rowley also said he will be resigning as prime minister and PNM political leader.

After the PNM’s General Council meeting at Balisier House, Port of Spain, on January 11, party general secretary Foster Cummings said 20 PNM MPs have agreed to support Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young to succeed Rowley as prime minister.

Communications Minister and Diego Martin Central MP Symon de Nobriga. – File photo

On January 6, Rowley said the PNM’s parliamentary caucus approved Young as his prime ministerial successor.

In a WhatsApp comment on January 13, Browne said, “I can confirm that I have I given my consent to be nominated.”

Referring to unconfirmed media reports which spoke about his being the PNM’s Diego Martin West candidate after Rowley announced his intention to retire from electoral politics, Browne observed speculation often gets ahead of the facts.

“The particular process has only just begun, where a nomination period has been officially announced as open, and I am now in a position to say that I have indicated my consent to be nominated. I have already done so through the proper channels.”

De Nobriga was asked if he has offered himself as a nominee for Diego Martin Central, which he won in August 2020.

He replied, “Yes.”

Finance Minister Colm Imbert is the incumbent Diego Martin North/East MP. He has not indicated whether or not he intends to stand for re-election, and was unavailable for comment.

No dates have been set as yet for screening nominees for the three Diego Martin seats, Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West, Port of Spain South and D’Abadie/O’Meara.

To date, the PNM has selected 33 candidates for the next general election, which is constitutionally due by August.

The party will reopen screening for nominees for D’Abadie/O’Meara after the death of incumbent MP Lisa Morris-Julian in a fire at her Arima home on December 16. Morris-Julian had been nominated unopposed for the constituency.

Before her death, the party had selected 32 election candidates (including Morris-Julian).

PNM candidates (so far)

  • Arima – Pennelope Beckles-Robinson
  • Arouca/Maloney ­– Camille Robinson-Regis
  • Barataria/ San Juan – Dr Muhammad Yunus Ibrahim
  • Caroni Central – Adam Hosein
  • Caroni East – Leena Rampersad
  • Chaguanas East – Richie Sookhai
  • Chaguanas West – Winston Mahabir
  • Couva North – Brent Maraj
  • Couva South – Aaron Mohammed
  • Cumuto/Manzanilla – Nadia Ramatahai Singh
  • Fyzabad – Kheron Khan
  • La Horquetta/Talparo – Foster Cummings
  • Laventille West – Kareem Marcelle
  • Lopinot/Bon Air West – Marvin Gonzales
  • Mayaro – Beatrice Bridglal
  • Moruga/Tableland – Lisa Atwater
  • Naparima – Sarah Nangoo
  • Oropouche East – Richard Ragbir
  • Oropouche West – Shawn Dube
  • Point Fortin – Kennedy Richards Jnr
  • Pointe-a-Pierre – Mukesh Ramsingh
  • Princes Town – Rocklyn Mohammed
  • San Fernando East – Brian Manning
  • San Fernando West – Faris Al-Rawi
  • St Ann’s East – Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly
  • St Augustine – Renuka Sagramsingh-Sooklal
  • St Joseph – Terrence Deyalsingh
  • Siparia – Natasha Mohammed
  • Tabaquite – Anil Ramjit
  • Toco/Sangre Grande – Roger Munroe
  • Tunapuna – Esmond Forde
  • Tobago East – Ayanna Webster-Roy
  • Tobago West – Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis