N Touch

Bakr criticises gov't response to ISIS threat: Its nonsense

Attorney and Youth Officer of the Jamaat Al Muslimeen Fuad Abu-Bakr slammed government after what he described as the latest attempt to marginalise T&T’s muslims, with the arrest of eight suspected terrorists by authorities last week adding that the response by authorities to the arrest were woefully account

Newsday spoke with Bakr this morning who said he was not convinced of the motive behind the arrest of suspected ISIS-affiliated muslims and questioned the legitimacy of the the supposed threat. Adding full disclosure on the part of the Ministry of National Security was needed before he could be convinced.

Police to investigate incident involving Sando mayor

Marlene Augustine

Southern Division Acting Superintendent Yusuff Gaffar will lead an investigation into the incident which took place on Carnival Tuesday between San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello and the TT Police Service.

This was disclosed by Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Deodath Dulalchan today at the TTPS weekly police briefing, at Administration Building, Port of Spain.

Dulalchan said an investigation has been launched and Gaffar will do all the relevant inquiries into the incident.

On Carnival Tuesday, police attempted to stop Carnival celebrations in San Fernando at around 10 pm but Regrello who was with steelband Caribbean Airlines Skiffle, felt this was too early.

“I am not too sure exactly what has transpired but just to say that from time to time things may happen that can impact people’s safety and it is a call on the part of the Silver Commander of those respected division. As it relates to this I am not in a position to really make a statement because I do not have all of the facts. In relations to the incident Sup Int Gaffar is in fact appointed to investigate the incident. Sup Int Gaffar is the investigator,” Dulalchan said.

Unidentified man found murdered in Cunupia

JENSEN LA VENDE

Police have yet to identify the body of a man found at Billy Harmon Road, Esmeralda, Cunupia this morning.

According to police reports around 10.30 am a passer-by was walking along the roadway and saw the body and contacted the police.

ASP Wayne Mystar and a team of officers visited the scene and found the man, of East Indian descent lying face down with a bullet wound to the back of the head. Police said the man is believed to be in his mid twenties and was brought to the farming area and murdered.

Father of detainee: Extremism doesn't belong in TT

Despite his family becoming the subject of an intense police investigation, radio personality Shamoon Mohammed insists that his son, Tariq Mohammed is innocent and was not involved in any plot to disrupt Carnival celebrations.

The elder Mohammed spoke with Newsday this afternoon and said despite searches and questioning my the authorities, there is no evidence to suggest that his son was involved in any local terror cell.

He said the family has continued to cooperate with the police and urges Muslim leaders to do their part by working with their followers and the government in maintaining peace in TT.

See the full story in tomorrow’s paper.

251 suspects in terrorist financing

THE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has revealed that 251 citizens of TT are suspected in being involved in the financing of terrorism and related offences.

This information is contained in the FIU’s 2017 Annual Report which was posted on Thursday on Twitter by the Finance Ministry. The FIU also reported over $22 billion in suspected proceeds of criminal conduct last year.

In a statement in the report, FIU Director Susan Francois said this unprecedented monetary value came from 877 suspicious transaction reports/suspicious activity reports (STR/SAR) which the FIU received last year.

Francois said of the 877 STRs/SARs, “94 percent were completed suspicious transactions with a monetary value of $8.4 million while six percent were attempted transactions with a monetary value of over $13.6 billion.” She observed the value of the attempted transactions was 62 percent of the total value ofg the STRs/SARs. “The fact that these transactions were blocked, reflects the robust risk management systems which reporting entities have instituted to monitor large and unusual transactions and to pay attention to customers who want to use the financial system to launder illicit funds, ” Francois said. Francois stated the continuing impact of the global terrorism threat was again demonstrated by the significant increase of STRs/SARs related to suspected financing of terrorism. Within the 877 STRs/ SARs received, Francois said 112 were related to suspected financing of terrorism offences.

Prison officers injured while confiscating cell phone

RYAN HAMILTON-DAVIS

Two prison officers are now being treated at hospital after they were injured while executing their duties at the Golden Grove Maximum Security Prison.

Sources in the prison service clarified that the two prison officers were injured yesterday after rumours began spreading that a prison officer was stabbed in his head.

Newsday understands the two prison officers were trying to confiscate a cell phone which was found in an inmate’s possession, however, while trying to retrieve it they were wounded.

Newsday was told one of the prison officers sustained an injury to his head, and the other to his leg.

Prison Service officials would not give the names of the two prison officers for their protection, but Newsday was told the two officers were PO1’s

Prison Officers Association president Ceron Richards told Newsday the injuries were not serious, and the situation was par for the course when treating with prisoners.

“When doing prison work, these things happen from time to time,” Richards said.

He however said he was thankful that the prison officers were not seriously injured. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Galleons Passage delayed but still expected in April

The arrival of the Galleons Passage, the long-awaited vessel that will service the beleagured TT sea-bridge, has been delayed because of the Chinese New Year.

In a tweet today, Finance Minister, Colm Imbert, said Chinese New Year celebrations delayed the process for acquiring required permits for trans-Pacific Ocean travel and the Panama Canal. New Year celebrations end in one week, Imbert said, after which, the Galleons Passage will sail the 11,000 nautical miles from Hong Kong to Port of Spain. The government had previously announced the boat would have left China on February 9, for arrival in early April. In a Twitter message, Imbert told the Newsday that while the government is still hoping for an April arrival, it will “be a bit later in April, obviously.”

Unbecoming

JUNIA REGRELLO has to be congratulated for being a champion of the arts over decades. He was a founder and captain of the Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra based in San Fernando and was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) for his contribution as a member of the team that invented the G-pan.

He has also served as chairman of the Dimanche Gras Carnival committee and previously served as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs. He is clearly a tireless advocate of the Carnival arts who is very passionate about what he does.

However, Regrello’s conduct on Carnival Tuesday set a poor example. While it may be explained by his love of pan, it clashed with what is required of the person holding the office of mayor of San Fernando.

Video footage circulated on social media this week showed a stand-off between the mayor and police officers. The officers, it was later stated, had taken a decision to shut down Carnival two hours ahead of the expected midnight curtain call. Yet the mayor and his band resisted entreaties. Defiantly, they struck up the music.

The mayor and his legal advisers may well feel the decision of the police to end Carnival early was unwarranted or disproportionate. He may well be correct that he should have had a greater role in the decision-making process. And he also has a legal right to seek a review of the personal contact made with him by a specific officer. But he cannot excuse open defiance of the will of the police.

In a situation in which a high-profile threat to Carnival was reported and where people were arrested as operations continued in relation to reported plots of a nefarious nature, the mayor should have been more sensitive to the need to maintain the authority of the police.

If our high-ranking public officials do not cooperate with our police officers, what will the ordinary citizen think? The ordinary man in the street cannot refuse to obey a police officer. In fact, citizens are daily arrested for resisting police officers.

That being said, police officers are not exactly known to be people-friendly when carrying out their duties and due respect should be accorded to someone holding the office of mayor. In this context, we welcome the announcement by Deputy Police Commissioner Deodath Dulalchan that an investigation is to be conducted into the incident.

We maintain, however, that Regrello’s actions, however well-intentioned, were unbecoming of his role as mayor and as a cultural stakeholder. Our ability to hold Carnival celebrations annually is heavily dependent on the ability of the police to maintain order and to guard the well-being of all who participate in the festival.

The mayor should have complied with the wishes of the police. He risked provoking violent confrontation between revellers and officers by prolonging the standoff. Instead of questioning the decision that was taken – wherever it came from – he should have taken note of it and sought redress in a dialogue with the police after Carnival Tuesday.

Carnival 2018 a success

CARNIVAL 2018 has been deemed a success by Gold Commander for Carnival 2018, acting DCP Deodat Dulalchan.

He made this announcement yesterday at the media briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port of Spain.

“We did in fact conduct tremendous work,” Dulalchan said.

“It is not to say that we were not in any way affected with the crimes that we have had, but when we take everything into account, we would say yes, 2018 Carnival was a success. These offences, we would have tried our best to ensure we minimise criminal activities, but we now have to deal with the SRCs (serious reported crimes) which have occurred.

“There were 21 SRCs for Carnival 2018, which represents an increase of five from Carnival 2017. This represents the second lowest number of SRCs in the last six years.” Asked about police who reportedly did not show up for Carnival duties, Dulalchan said, “Unlike the previous year, when a 20 per cent absenteeism rate was recorded amongst officers rostered for duty, this year it stood at 16 per cent. I was very happy that for 2018 we would have had approximately 16 per cent of our officers who did not show up for duty, which is four per cent less than 2017.”

When asked if the absenteeism had any impact on policing for Carnival, Dulalchan said, “From a planning perspective, the deployment of officers for Carnival duty, must take into consideration the possibility there may not be a full turnout of officers, on legitimate grounds. In instances where an officer fails to report for duty, without just cause or the requisite approval, disciplinary action follows. Of the 5,000 Carnival strength there was an absence of 808 officers. It will not really affect the effective management of Carnival. I don’t know and I can’t say if it was legitimate sick leave they were on.”

He said the police usually ensured that any officers who were absent had submitted sick-leave certificates.

“If they breach any regulations we usually take disciplinary action against them.”

In relation to Carnival 2018, Dulalchan said five divisions had no serious crimes reported: Tobago, Northern Division, South Western, North Eastern Division and the Western Division.

He said a total of 438 vehicles were wrecked during the Carnival period, and outside Carnival activities, there were 11 SRCs reported, three fewer than 2017.

“Other offences recorded include one wounding in South, one shooting with intent in the Southern district, larceny from the person – three, two larcenies, nine robberies, one rape, two homicides, and two people were held for possession of marijuana for trafficking.”

He said from midnight on Carnival Sunday to midnight on Carnival Tuesday, 145 people were arrested for various offences, with 96 formally charged, and 49 assisting in outstanding enquiries.

Dulalchan said the police carried out approximately 2,000 patrols, 139 road blocks and exercises, 18 DUI exercises, 18 DUI arrests, 46 tickets issued for driving above the speed limit, 99 tickets issued inclusive of speed, ten firearms and 63 rounds of assorted ammunition recovered, and 49 camp-sites were visited.

Amery’s credit card used in Brazil and TT

MIRANDA LA ROSE

THIS country’s Ambassador to Brazil Dr Amery Browne is urging the public using local bank to be more vigilant and check their credit card statements. This after $14,000 was spent from his Scotia MasterCard account in TT, over a three-day period last week, while he was at the mission in Brasilia.

“I only realised the issue when I accessed the Scotia website to view my account details, as I do every week or so,” Browne told Newsday. “While I am hard at work here in Brasilia,” he added, “simultaneously someone was comfortably using it incessantly and massively at gas stations across Trinidad for days with no problemo.”

He asked that regardless of the banks people use, people should check their statement details urgently to identify, “if you have been hit” and to be on high alert for suspicious activity associated with their cards. “I am concerned about what happened and the fact that the bank’s systems failed to immediately stop these transactions even though they were obviously fraudulent,” he said.

“The bank really should have been in a position to intervene as myriad transactions were occurring over a period of three days at various gas stations using one card, amounting to $14,000.

“That was obviously contrary to the client’s normal pattern and location of use,” he said. He has since blocked the card and, “we’ll see if this bank rectifies the fraudulent transactions.” Efforts to contact Scotia Bank management were futile as messages left were not returned. His biggest concern, Browne said, “is for other citizens who may be victims of this type of attack and who may not even realise it.

Hence my message to all that nowadays you have to basically maintain a daily ongoing scrutiny of your credit card statement. It is very likely the perpetrators have tentacles within the heart of the banking system itself.”

We cannot see about homeless

CHAIRMAN of the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation Anthony Roberts said it was not under the remit of the corporation to look after the homeless or look after their needs. He said this fell under the Ministry of Social Development.

This subject came up after a man, obviously homeless, was found outside of a bank at the Croisee in San Juan with wounds that were infected. The man was no longer there and checks made with the North West Regional Health Authority could not confirm if the man was taken in for treatment.

“There is homelessness througout the country, but this case was not brought to my attention. What we do is refer the matter to Social Development, and it is not the councillors remit either. It is not something that you go looking for and if it does come to their attention it would be referred to Social Development,” Roberts said.

Several calls made to Social Development Minister Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn and Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh were not returned.

Secretary for the Psychiatrists Association, Dr Varma Deyalsingh, said the homeless were dealt with by their level of aggression.

He said there was a team that determined whether someone should be sent to the St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital or for medical help.

Deyalsingh said there should be a team of medical personnel and police to deal with the homeless.

He said there had to be an establishment to determine whether a person was “insane” or needed medical help.

Deyalsingh said there could have been a mental team who could have checked on the person. He said many were homeles because their families did not want them because of their addictions or violent behaviour.

$100,000 bail for kidnapping, rape

STACY MOORE

A San Fernando man charged with the Christmas Eve kidnapping and rape of a woman, was granted $100,000 bail yesterday by a magistrate. Shane Alexander, 32, of Tarouba, appeared before senior magistrate Cheryl-Ann Antoine in the San Fernando First Court.

The charges stated that on December 24, he kidnapped the woman and took her to a location where he raped her. The charges were laid indictably and Alexander was not called upon to plead. The alleged incident occurred in the Ste Madeleine area.

At a previous hearing, magistrate Brambhanan Dubay refused Alexander bail and remanded him in custody for tracing of his record. Attorney Ainsley Lucky said his client is not married, has no children and is not a flight risk.

Yesterday, court prosecutor PC Cleyon Seedan told the magistrate that Alexander had three convictions for possession of marijuana, robbery with violence and breaking and entering with intent to rob. Seedan said the allegations against Alexander were very serious. The magistrate granted Alexander $100,000 bail to be approved by a clerk of the peace or a cash alternative of $10,000. The case was adjourned to February 20.

Hold your hand

AZARD ALI

AFTER three failed bids in the local High and Appeal courts, lawyers for A&V Drilling company were smiling yesterday after the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in England ordered State-owned Petrotrin to hold its hand on seizing A&V’s Catshill’s field in Barrackpore without giving an explanation.

On Ash Wednesday, the law lords granted A&V an injunction against Petrotrin three weeks after the company failed to obtain said injunction when it petitioned a High Court judge, then an appeal court judge and finally, last week Thursday, a board presided over by Chief Justice Ivor Archie and two other judges.

The Ash Wednesday ruling means that Petrotrin cannot take away the Catshill contract from A&V while it continues discussions over a breach of contract. The State-oil company contends it paid $83.9 million to A&V Drilling, a Penal-based company, for oil it did not receive at its Pointe-a-Pierre refinery. Under the terms of the contract, Petrotrin can terminate and seize the Catshill fields pending arbitration discussions.

A&V was also successful in getting the law lords to order Petrotrin to respond by the end of next week to its injunction lawsuit in which it claims that the state-owned company refused to make available to A&V, two audit reports.

Former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, presented the case for A&V which was filed in London on Carnival Monday, seven days after Chief Justice Archie led a three-member panel of judges which threw out A&V’s injunction.

A&V’s troubles began with Petrotrin’s March 2017 internal audit report which revealed an $83.9 million payout to A&V for ‘fake’ oil. Petrotrin hired Kroll Consulting Canada and subsequently forensic expert Gaffney Cline of the United States which confirmed discrepancies in oil dip measurement from the Catshill production field.

Six Petrotrin employees were implicated in the report and on January 25, the company fired former People’s National Movement councillor Vidya Deokiesingh from the company’s maintenance department. Petrotrin then sought to terminate A&V’s contract to continue pumping oil from the Catshill field, but Maharaj entered into discussions with the company before filing a High Court injunction to stop the contract termination.

Jagessar breaks 19-year drought to win Sando Band of the Year

YVONNE WEBB

VETERAN mas man Lionel Jagessar has broken a 19-year drought to win the coveted San Fernando Band of the Year title in the large band category.

Jagessar’s traditional Indian mas portrayal of Eminence, edged out reigning champions Ivan Kalicharan into second place. Kalicharan’s 2018 offering was Elixir of Life. In third position was Wayne Hanooman’s Fireworks Promotion which presented Tabanca The Story of Layla & Majneen.

It is the third time in the Gransaul Street, San Fernando band’s 40-year history, it has copped the title. Jagessar’s wife, Rose Marie Kuru-Jagessar was also voted Female Masquerader of the Year with her portrayal of Yakima — Mother Earth. South King of Carnival, Marlon Rampersad from Ivan Kalicharan’s band was named Male Masquerader of the year with his portrayal of D Midas Touch

Convenor of the San Fernando Carnival Committee, Naigum Joseph announced the results yesterday morning at a news conference at city hall.

The Jagessars also tasted success the day before, as they created the entire Indian section in the victorious Port of Spain band, Life’s Checkered Board portrayed by Ronnie and Caro.

On a high from this victory, Kuru-Jagessar said she woke up yesterday morning, feeling very happy and decided to attend the news conference where the official results were announced. She said she normally stays away from this event, but her son, Lionel Jagessar Jr, who usually represents them, was reluctant to attend because he did not want to be disappointed again.

Reacting to the win after the announcement, Kuru Jagessar said, “I wasn’t surprised.

Nothing surprises me in Carnival. We last won the Band of the Year title in 1999. Out of 40 years in the business, this is the third time we have won, but we always placed one, two or three.” Her son, who is quietly succeeding his father, said the results left him speechless for the first time in his life.

“I usually have a lot to say, but they caught me off-guard. I was shocked. I was not expecting it.” He said based on the results over the years, he normally came and left after the results, very sad. He was not sure what gave his family band the edge this year but said he was very happy with the results.

He vowed not to get caught up in the euphoria of winning. “Our priority is to stay in the position, to push ourselves to improve so that our masqueraders have better quality costumes and are happy with their experience.

This victory is a bonus.”

Lionel Jnr foresees that this victory could bring about a better appreciation for the traditional mas.

To being named Masquerader of the year for the 13th time, Kuru-Jagessar said, “I am not boasting, but I was 66-years-old in January and I still have that in me. I could still challenge some young people.” Kuru-Jagessar also holds the record for being the only masquerader in the history of Carnival in TT to capture the National Carnival Queen title with a fancy Indian costume. That was in 2010. Kuru-Jagessar also used the opportunity to announce her retirement as a Carnival Queen.

“I retired a couple years ago, but my daughter-in-law’s (who succeeded her) grand-mother died and I had to come back on. But I am retiring this year and wish the new one all the best. I also want to thank all of TT and especially San Fernando for the love and support shown to me over the years.”

She also thanked the police, saying because of their presence and hard work, she felt comfortable playing mas in the city.

She also thanked Mayor Junia Regrello and the Carnival Committee for the several decisions taken due to the economic decline, including the return of judging on Harris Promenade, the cancellation of the Pre Dimanche Gras show at Skinner Park and judging of a South King and Queen of Carnival in Port of Spain.

Drug lord still in police custody

POLICE were yesterday continuing inquiries into the discovery of four guns and a quantity of marijuana at the North Trinidad home of a well-known drug lord. Police said they were gathering evidence and reviewing CCTV footage before they approach the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

The drug lord and two associates were arrested on Wednesday at 5 pm, when North Eastern Division Task Force officers along with the Air Support unit searched the house. Officers were co-ordinated by Snr Supt Sagramsingh and ASP Michael Sooker. The team of officers was led by Sgt Sterlyn Taylor.

During the search they found a Segur Protek pump-action shotgun; a Tanfoglio 9mm pistol; a Jericho 9mm pistol; and a Taurus revolver along with two magazines, 28 rounds of 9mm ammunition and five rounds of .38 special ammunition. They also found a quantity of marijuana.

Four ‘terror’ suspects released

JENSEN LA VENDE

Four of the 13 people held in connection with a threat to disrupt Carnival have been released up to yesterday, while at least three more are expected to be freed today after their attorney filed writs of habeas corpus.

Those released are Fawaz Ali, Tariq Mohammed, Imam Edoo Mohammed and Krisen Mohammed. Expected to be freed today are Clint Rivers and Adel Mantano. Rivers, and Mantano are represented by attorney Wayne Sturge, Mario Merritt and Lemuel Murphy respectively.

The attorneys will appear before High Court Judge Ricky Rahim in the San Fernando High Court. Another man, Mohammed Salmaan Ali, who is represented by attorneys Evans Welch and Radeyah Ali, is expected to go before a Port of Spain judge.

It was Welch and Ali’s threat of a habeas corpus followed by the fulfilling of the threat that snowballed the attorneys all running to the High Court to have their clients released. Tariq Mohammed and Fawaz Ali were released on Wednesday.

Yesterday, speaking with the media shortly after he was released from the Besson Street Police Station, Edoo Mohammed said: “It’s unjust what they doing right now. It is wrong what they are doing, and it is not making any sense.

“What was the need for this? Trinidad intelligence has to be the worst of the worst. By they detaining me, it shows the high levels of weakness in the Ministry of National Security.”

The exact nature of the threat was never revealed, with authorities describing it as “unusual criminal acts of varying forms, including violence”.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who is the chairman of the National Security Council, said it would have been irresponsible not to act on the information gathered by local and foreign agencies.

He underscored that the threat was viable. The first set of arrests took place last Thursday and by Carnival Monday the 13 people had been detained.

Jailed for wearing army clothing

JENSEN LA VENDE

A 42-year-old Chaguanas man, who claimed he bought a Defence Force uniform from a retired soldier and wore the full army kit as a Carnival costume, was jailed for 15 months yesterday.

Bharat Lutchman, a labourer, was found with the uniform including a long-service ribbon and 25th anniversary army badge. Lutchman, of Longdenville, Chaguanas appeared before Chaguanas magistrate Wendy Dougdeen-Bally where he pleaded guilty. The court heard that he was seen at around 4.40 p.m on Carnival Sunday while at Tobago Road, Enterprise. Police spoke to Lutchman who said he was a soldier and that he purchased the uniform for $400 before Christmas last year.

The case was prosecuted by Sgt Bisnath.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine or 18 months in prison. Defence attorney Shiva Boodoo told the court that his client was not aware that he was committing an offence.

He said Lutchman was highly intoxicated at the time of his arrest and was very sorry for his actions. Boodoo admitted that Lutchman had 13 previous conviction for offences inclusive of larceny and traffic matters and on nine occasions he served time in prison.

Muslims satisfied after meeting

MEMBERS of the Muslim Roundtable yesterday left a two-hour meeting with Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon and acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams feeling that due process was being followed regarding the arrest of 13 people in relation to a terror threat to disrupt Carnival. The meeting took place at the National Security Ministry’s headquarters at Temple Court, Abercromby Street in Port of Spain.

After the meeting, Imam Shiraz Khan of the New Islam Masjid in El Socorro said, “We did get some clarification. Of course we, know that it is an investigation that is still continuing. We don’t think there’s any feelings of Islamophobia from the government authorities or the police authorities.”

He said the group believed the authorities are doing their job and “that they will bring this to a quick end.”

Khan hoped the public will not think that members of the Muslim community, with whom they have co-existed with peacefully for years, “have suddenly become terrorists or criminals and everybody is out to get them.”

While the group remains concerned that the detainees are being treated properly, Khan said Al-Rawi assured them, “due process was taking place.” Imam Kameel Ali of the Tobago Muslim Organisation was comforted that the police treated the masjids which they visited as part of their operation with respect. Ali said the group made no demands for the remaining detainees to be freed.

Al-Rawi said his ministry has been dealing with writs of habeas corpus for the last several days. “Some were adjourned to today and we expect more to come,” Al-Rawi said.

He said his ministry and the National Security Ministry have been speaking with the Muslim Roundtable for the last year-and-a-half on legislative matters related to anti-terrorism laws and related matters. Al-Rawi said they are no strangers to either ministry.

Noting Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Thursday said the threat was credible, Al-Rawi said, “There is nothing in TT’s history that can speak to Islamic prejudice.” Dillon said the meeting was held to assure the group that, “the investigations and subsequent arrests of certain people were not targeted in any way to the Islamic community.”

Williams said Tariq Mohammed and three other detainees have been released.

Tobago hammer-murder suspect dies

KINNESHA GEORGE-HARRY

A week after he was captured, after being on the run for a week, 34-year-old Jason Cain is dead.

Cain was held on February 8 and was said to be assisting police investigating the murder of 24-year-old pre-school teacher K’la Marie Solomon-Cain.

Police say Cain died around 11.30 pm on Wednesday at the Scarborough General Hospital, where he had been kept under police guard since being captured.

Investigators believe he may have drunk poison before he was held, as traces of a poisonous substance were suspected to be in his blood, which police said an autopsy will confirm.

Speaking at a briefing at the Scarborough Police Station on February 9, Tobago Divisional Commander, Snr Supt Joanne Archie confirmed that around 10.10 am on February 8, police from the Old Grange Homicide Tobago Divisional Task Force, headed by Insp Parsanlal, acting on information received, went about two miles into a forested area off Huntley Trace, off the Arnos Vale Road. They found Cain in a galvanise shed. He was taken to the Scarborough General Hospital in Signal Hill, and was being treated.

Cain, who was originally from Trinidad, was wanted in connection with the murder of his wife, Solomon-Cain, who was attacked with a hammer on February 2 around 8.20 am. The attack happened at the home of a fellow schoolteacher in Lambeau Village, next to the Dorothy Moses Private Nursery School, in full view of Solomon-Cain’s two children, five and seven.

Newsday understands police found a weapon believed to be the one used on Solomon-Cain sometime after. However, police sources declined to reveal the type of weapon or where it was found, but said they strongly believe it was the murder weapon. It has since been sent for forensic testing. An autopsy on Solomon-Cain by Dr Eslyn McDonald-Burris at the Scarborough General Hospital mortuary on February 5 showed she died of craniocerebral injuries due to multiple blunt force trauma to the head. Police confirmed that the children are in the care of close relatives.

Two held for robbingBahamian visitors

NALINEE SEELAL

TWO men, aged 32 and 26, were detained on Wednesday afternoon in connection with the robbery of 13 Bahamian visitors and a maxi taxi driver last Saturday.

Shortly after 2 pm, Western Division Task Force members held the suspects at their Carenage home.

Their home was searched but none of the stolen items were found.

Investigators said yesterday more arrests are imminent and they are confident of a breakthrough in the investigation.

Last Saturday around 10.30 pm the tourists were on their way to the Insomnia fete in Chaguaramas.

As they reached Mc Kenzie Street, Carenage, a gunman held up the maxi taxi driver and announced a robbery.

Six accomplices then boarded the maxi and robbed the tourists of US and TT currency, cell phones, and a gold Rolex watch worth US$10,000. The driver of the maxi drove to the Central Police Station where a report was made.

The victims left Trinidad at 4 pm on Monday afternoon in a private jet, vowing never to return.

Investigators led by acting Sen Supt Ajith Persad, head of the Port of Spain CID, Insp Godfrey Vincent and Sgt Anthony Williams, are continuing investigations.