Tag: la romaine

Mystar: Police will use ‘every resource’ to find Gulf View drive-by suspects

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Wayne Mystar has pledged to use every resource at the police’s disposal to track down the suspects in what was believed to be an attempted hit on the daughter of a businessman in Gulf View, La Romaine, on May 13.

Reports said the 34-year-old woman was driving her white Range Rover along the South Trunk Road, La Romaine, around 10 am when a white Nissan B-14 rammed into the back of her vehicle near Achievor’s Banquet Hall.

Both vehicles came to a stop and the front passenger of the B-14 allegedly got out and shot at the woman twice before jumping back into the car and escaping. Newsday understands the woman drove off immediately to the San Fernando Police Station.

The woman’s father told reporters this was a clear hit-attempt on his daughter’s life, but he could not think of a motive. He said his family is no stranger to the effects of crime, as one relative was kidnapped, there were two attempted kidnappings of another relative and they were victims of 14 robberies.

Despite this, he said they have no enemies but would be beefing up security arrangements. He was confident in the police’s ability to get to the bottom of this attack.

Mystar, the ACP for South/Central, said a full investigation is currently underway. Crime scene investigators have processed the vehicle and the surrounding area, and CCTV footage from nearby establishments is being reviewed.

“We are actively pursuing several leads and appealing to any members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have relevant information to come forward.”

He said the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.

“The safety of our citizens remains our top priority, and we will utilise every resource necessary to identify and apprehend those responsible for this brazen act.”

He urged anyone with information to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS.

UNC complaints a strategy for election petition, says Al-Rawi

FORMER attorney general Faris Al-Rawi has dismissed myriads of written complaints the United National Congress (UNC) has dispatched to Chief Election Officer Fern Narcis-Scope about alleged election irregularities on April 28.

Al-Rawi, the PNM San Fernando West candidate, said this is merely a ploy by the opposition to file an election petition after the results are declared.

He warned that this is a movie he has seen twice, after the 2015 and 2020 elections, and it will not end well for the UNC a third time.

The UNC dispatched 15 letters of complaints at about 4 pm, ranging from the PNM setting up a mock station in a residence, within 100 yards of polling stations 3880 and 3881 at Gulf View, La Romaine where it said a former mayor, councillors and campaign managers converged.

Complaints about some employers giving workers one hour to vote contrary to election rule 28 which guarantees all employees two hours to cast their votes, reports of voter suppression tactics at Aranguez Hindu Primary School, extreme delays in the San Juan/Barataria constituency and general neglect of established protocols for processing of electors by EBC staff.

Speaking to the media after he cast his vote at San Fernando West Secondary School shortly before noon on April 28, Al-Rawi said, “In 2015 we had an election petition and in the 2020 election, I had to count all the votes myself in a recount.

“This is a clear strategy, in my view, to set the stage for an election petition. We would have none of that, this is why we are making sure to carefully observe the process.

“I have done many election petitions as a lawyer and also as a defendant in proceedings which we won. This is just par for the course. The UNC strategy is “jhan jat” (Hindu word for confusion), confusion, bacchanal, mayhem. Come on, we all know what they are about. I have seen this movie many times and it does not end well for them.”

Al-Rawi who is one of four candidates contesting the San Fernando West seat, also hit back with allegations of his own.

“Right here, at this polling station, there are serious allegations that our opponents were caught in voter intimidation, some campaigning too close, telling voters when you go inside, ‘vote yellow’.

Also, he said, a banner of UNC candidate Dr Michael Dowlath was on the school compound that is a polling station, on the day of election,

“We have taken note of it. We have reported it we are treating with it with sincerity because that is not allowed. This has to be something that is fair.”

ACP Wayne Mystar who passed through the school while Al-Rawi, accompanied by his mother, Diane Seukeran, a former MP for San Fernando West, said he had no reports of irregularities and if any reports were made and people were willing to stand, they would be investigated.

He said in the zone for which he has responsibility, from Caroni to Cedros/Icacos, there were no reports unearthed about plans to disrupt the proceedings.

Gasparillo man kidnapped, robbed at gunpoint in South Oropouche

A 35-year-old man from Gasparillo was reportedly kidnapped and robbed of his car at gunpoint in the South Oropouche district, on the morning of April 22.

The victim told police that around 7.15 am, he was driving his blue Honda Accord along the Archibald-De Leon Highway.

As he approached the Delhi Road roundabout, a silver wagon pulled in front of him, forcing him to stop.

A male occupant got out the wagon, aimed a gun at the victim, approached him and announced a robbery.

The suspect ordered the victim out of his car and then forced him into the wagon. Another suspect took the victim’s car.

The victim was later taken to Dumfries Road in La Romaine, where he was dropped off. A report was made to the South Oropouche Police, who searched for the car and suspects but were unsuccessful.

Investigations are ongoing.

Concerns growing for missing Canadian citizen, 57

CONCERNS are growing for a 57-year-old man who has been missing for over a month in south Trinidad.

Canadian citizen Marlon Henwood, also called “Yellowman,” from Logie Street in Siparia, was last seen on March 1.

Despite ongoing searches and public appeal, he has not been seen since.

Henwood has mental-health challenges, and his family remain deeply worried, particularly given his condition and his need for medication.

“There is still no word or sign of him anywhere. He does not have a cell phone, so I know it is harder to track him. We do not know if he is dead or alive. We want closure,” his brother Sherwin Henwood told Newsday by phone on April 6.

“People do not just vanish in thin air like that. There must be a logical explanation for his disappearance. I will be travelling to Trinidad to drive around the country to try to find him myself.”

Sherwin, who lives in Canada, recounted that on March 1, his brother was attacked and beaten on High Street in Siparia.

Henwood was taken to the Siparia District Health Facility before being transferred to the San Fernando General Hospital for further treatment.

The family was notified of the incident on March 2, and his mother, accompanied by other relatives, immediately went to the hospital.

However, they were told that Henwood had been discharged and already left.

Sherwin expressed confusion and concern over the hospital’s handling of the situation, saying his brother was discharged without the family’s knowledge and considering Henwood is an outpatient of the hospital’s psychiatric ward.

People claimed to have spotted him at King’s Wharf, San Fernando, and walking in La Romaine asking for money.

Siparia and San Fernando police confirmed that a relative filed a missing person’s report.

The police did not have any leads.

“The Canadian police are in contact with local authorities as well as Interpol (International Criminal Police Organisation). We just want to find my brother,” Sherwin added.

Anyone with information about Henwood’s whereabouts can call the Siparia police station at 649-2333, the San Fernando Police Station at 652-1771, the police emergency numbers 999, 555, 911 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).

CoP: No concern over 11 sent back from US

ACTING Commissioner of Police (CoP) Junior Benjamin is vowing the police service will keep a close eye on the 11 people recently deported from the United States.

Benjamin’s statement came after 11 people were deported from the US on March 28.

The ten men and one woman were sent back from the US for various criminal offences and arrived at Piarco International Airport on March 28 aboard a Global X charter flight from Louisiana.

None of them had passports.

Speaking with Newsday via phone on March 31, Benjamin said one person from the group had an active warrant and was detained. He sought to assure the public that the police service had “everything under control.”

“We are able to monitor the situation and control it. If anything tends to get out of hand, we have a strategy we would employ,” Benjamin said.

“We recognise what is happening. We are going to be forearmed in putting the necessary measures in place to monitor these individuals with all the protocols we have within our organisation.

“If any of these people are found to have ties to guns or other illegal activities, we are going to monitor them closely,” he added.

Benjamin said the police are collaborating with all relevant authorities as it monitors the situation to ensure the service is doing its part.

Asked if the public should be concerned as the 11 deported people have a criminal history, Benjamin stressed it is under control and the police service has assessed and gathered the necessary information.

He said the police will not just be monitoring and evaluating but also work to ensure they become law-abiding citizens.

“We will do what is necessary to ensure they are properly monitored and integrated into society while working with the relevant authorities.”

Benjamin said they will also be treated like any other person.

Asked about others outside of the one confirmed of having a warrant, he said: “I don’t know if there are others who have warrants.

“If they do, we (the police) have their location and information, which we will use as necessary.”

He added the police service has been liaising with US authorities during this process and has always been in constant contact with both US and other international and regional agencies to ensure collaboration. He said this collaboration is crucial to ensure Trinidad and Tobago is not adversely affected.

When questioned about possible future deportations, Benjamin said the situation is outside of the service’s control but noted, “This might not be the end.”

“We must ensure we receive the relevant information and data to analyse and monitor these cases to prevent it from affecting the crime situation.”

Benjamin also discussed what he described as incremental successes in policing, saying, “I can say we are seeing small victories.

“At this point in time, we have 98 murders, compared to 141 for the same period last year.

“The numbers continue to move in a positive direction.

“We have 43 fewer murders, which is very encouraging to me and shows the hard work officers are doing on the ground.”

He added the police service is committed to continuing along this path and will ensure these deportations do not negatively affect TT. He reiterated that police will monitor the deportees “very seriously” to ensure their reintroduction into society is as productive and law-abiding as possible.

“We will deal with them precisely, if necessary,” he concluded.

Prime Minister Stuart Young, speaking at Macoon Masjid in Victoria Village after an Eid celebration on March 31, commented on the deportation of 11 citizens, describing it as not unusual.

“This has been happening for years.”

Reflecting on his time as national security minister, Young said, “You would receive reports of deportations that were going to happen.”

Commenting on his first National Security Council meeting as PM, he said at that meeting he prioritised the issue and is satisfied with the arrangements that had been made, explaining there is a process in place for people deported on their return.

“We are informed in advance by the US government, as has been the case for decades. They provide us with information on the charges these individuals faced.

“That information is then entered into our system, shared with our intelligence services, and our police service. Upon arrival, they are greeted at the airport for debriefing.”

A close relative of the only woman in the group told Newsday via phone on March 31 she was still in police custody for two outstanding warrants. She did not want to comment further.

The others include a 36-year-old man arrested for illegally entering the US in 2024 and a 41-year-old man arrested for selling heroin. Additionally, a 28-year-old man from Arima was arrested for assault, while a 50-year-old man from Arima was also arrested for illegal entry. Another Arima man, aged 40, was deported for selling cocaine.

A 38-year-old man from La Romaine was arrested for larceny and a 54-year-old man from San Fernando was deported for false imprisonment. Lastly, a 50-year-old man from Chaguanas was arrested in the US for armed robbery.

Eight were picked up by relatives at Piarco and all offences and arrests were carried out in the US.

On their return, they were processed by the Northern Division CSI, further interviewed by Traffic Index, and subsequently processed by Customs.

18 held in Southern Division

Southern Division police arrested 18 people for various offences in an anti-crime operation on March 21.

The operation took place in the San Fernando district between 4 am and 9 am.

Officers from the San Fernando police station and La Romaine police post arrested ten people for offences such as possessing ammunition and marijuana and for larceny of a car.

The officers also seized five rounds of .45 ammunition and four rounds of 5.56 ammunition.

In a separate intelligence-led operation, eight more people were arrested for possessing 63 grammes of marijuana, 23 grammes of cocaine, camouflage clothing and ammunition and for using obscene language.

Snr Supt Kirk, Supt Singh, ASP Ramsaran, Insp Maharaj, and Sgt Nandlal co-ordinated the operation, which Sgt Seecharan and Cpl Huggins led.

Investigations are ongoing.

La Romaine woman, co-worker sentenced for killing her husband

A La Romaine woman who enlisted a co-worker to kill her abusive husband in 2008 has been sentenced to time served by a High Court judge.

Rasha Sobrian and Rown Campbell were originally charged with the murder of Lester Sobrian, who was killed on March 15, 2008. However, both pleaded guilty to manslaughter under a plea deal with the state.

Justice Devan Rampersad sentenced Campbell to 28 years in prison, with a remaining term of one year and nine months to serve. Sobrian, having already spent 23 years on remand, was released on three years of probation and ordered to undergo counselling. Both received a one-third reduction in their sentences for their guilty pleas, and their time spent in custody was deducted from the final term.

According to the evidence, the day before Lester Sobrian was killed, he had an altercation with his stepdaughter after she returned from church. He reportedly slapped her six times, prompting relatives to intervene and lock him outside the gate.

Sobrian’s daughter called her and she returned home with her. Moments later, Lester also came home, and Campbell invited him to a bar in Fyzabad for drinks.

Lester’s body was discovered the next morning at Sewal Trace, Fyzabad, by police on patrol.

Campbell confessed to his cousin, saying, “I slit the man throat.” He also told police after he was arrested, “Well, ah force him down on his knees, ah take meh left hand and pull he neck back, ah take meh right hand with the knife and start to cut on he neck and ah pull it.”

Campbell claimed that during their time at the bar, Lester made a series of racist remarks, leading to a brief scuffle. Afterward, they continued drinking before leaving together.

Hours later, as they walked toward Campbell’s car, Lester allegedly repeated the offensive remarks, triggering another altercation. Campbell admitted to slitting Lester’s throat with a knife and later discarding both the weapon and Lester’s wallet on his way home.

During police questioning, Sobrian said she had discussed her marital problems with Campbell the night before but insisted she would not leave her husband. She claimed Campbell reassured her, saying, “Doh worry, ah go help yuh.”

She also admitted telling Campbell, “Do what you have to do, but in spite of all that, I still love meh husband.”

After he killed Lester, Campbell called Sobrian, telling her that he had killed her husband by cutting his throat. She said Campbell warned her not to tell anyone and threatened to harm her and her children if she did.

Sobrian’s attorneys, Michelle Ali and Janeil Chuck of the Public Defenders’ Department, argued that she was a victim of domestic abuse and did not actively participate in the killing.

Meanwhile, Campbell’s attorneys, Larry Williams and Toni Roberts, contended that he acted under the influence of alcohol and was provoked by racial slurs. They said he had a traumatic upbringing, which included severe physical abuse from his mother, who allegedly tied him up and beat him, leaving scars. They noted that his relatives eventually removed him from the abusive household.

State attorney Taterani Sookoo-Seecharan prosecuted the case.

Brother of missing Coast Guard officer wants answers

THE brother of missing Coast Guard officer Able Seaman Keiron Simon intends to seek legal advice and is calling for answers regarding his disappearance, saying the family is being left in the dark.

On March 7, Kevlon Simon told Newsday that he is in contact with a retired policeman, who is also a relative, for guidance.

Kevlon accused the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) of not putting enough effort into finding his brother, who has 18 years of service.

“I am frustrated. I want the truth. The only person who calls is a social officer from the Coast Guard, and the information is still not adding up.

“Today marks 16 days since he went missing. I am getting information from the public. What is going on?” Kevlon said.

Coast Guard officer Keiron Simon who is missing at sea. – Photo courtesy Kelvon Simon

Simon, of La Romaine, went missing at sea on February 20 during a multinational drug eradication operation between Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada.

After three Colombian nationals were removed from a submarine vessel, Simon and another sailor conducted a check for anyone else on board.

Reports say he boarded the vessel, but rough seas caused it to overturn, submerging and trapping Simon.

That was the last time the father of two—aged three and seven—was seen.

“I find it strange that, as the senior officer, he had to do a final search. Something is not adding up. I heard the sunken vessel was spotted last week,” Kevlon said.

“Then, I heard it was spotted yesterday, not far from where it sank, and that the authorities do not have the proper equipment to retrieve it from that depth. I don’t know what to think. Maybe someone is trying to cover something up.”

Newsday attempted to get an update from the TTCG, and the PRO, Lt Khadija Lamy, said: “We don’t have any updates at this time. Once we have something, we will post it via our social media pages.”

No further information was provided.

La Romaine man to pay stepson $40k for 2023 stabbing

A man who stabbed and wounded his stepson in a fight at the family’s home in La Romaine in 2023 has been ordered to pay him $40,000 in compensation.

On February 19, Justice Nalini Singh in the San Fernando High Court passed the sentence after Jason Small pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Small has until December 31 to pay. The judge also ordered a protection order for the victim for three years.

Attorney Shanelle Kissoon represented the State, and attorney Kiran Panday represented Small.

The court considered that he had moved out of the house and agreed to the protection order and pay compensation.

The police contended that the stabbing occurred at around 4.30 pm on December 26, 2023, at Hector Street, La Romaine.

There was an altercation that escalated, and the victim was stabbed in the left side of his chest.

Small left the house and a report was made to the San Fernando police.

His injured stepson was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital, where he was treated and warded.

The next day, Small was detained.

When the police told him of the matter being investigated, Small said he and his stepson’s mother were fighting.

The stepson tried to part them and was stabbed.

Small told investigators, “All three of we was arguing and we end up in a fight. All of we was in the kitchen and I grabbed a knife from by the sink. Two of them was still coming at me, so I swing the knife at them.”

Battle of the Kings: Rikki Jai, Montano among 14 vying for Chutney Soca Monarch crown

THIS year’s Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) title will be an epic battle between two kings as the king of chutney Rikki Jai and the king of soca Machel Montano face off.

Both Jai and Montano emerged with the top scores at the CSM’s semifinal round which took place at La Tropical, Rig Compound, La Romaine on February 8.

The pair are seeking to dethrone the reigning chutney monarch Rick Ramoutar and pocket the $400,000 prize purse.

Of the 14 contestants, four women will also be competing for the crown as well as the Queen of Chutney Soca title.

This year’s finalists include Machel Montano, Kerron “Wackerman” Williams, Reehanna Gopaul, Ricardo Melville, Rikki Jai, Hurricane-Hemlatha Dindial, Saleem “Master Saleem” Beharry, Adesh Samaroo, Vanessa Ramoutar, Veekash Sahadeo and Rick Ramoutar – defending champion.

Terry Gajraj was added to the competitor list as a “wildcard” entrant. Implemented in 2024, this option allows non-nationals to participate in the show. The wildcard entrant will receive free travel to Trinidad courtesy Caribbean Airlines and free accommodation from Paria Suites Hotel & Convention Centre.

Newsday photographer Innis Francis attended the event and captured these images.

Reigning Chutney Soca Monarch Rick Ramoutar performed at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals at La Tropical, Rig Compound, La Romaine on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Kerron Tyron “Wackerman” Williams performed Ganga Channa at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Veekash Sahadeo performed his song Bataawo Balam at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Suresh Maraj performed D’ Driver at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Amit “Stargram” Sagram performed Kyalay Jaibo at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Shiva Mohammed sang Awo Na alongside Jardine “Jadel” Leceze at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals. – Photo by Innis Francis

Vanessa “Sexy Vanessa” Ramoutar performed Is Ah Indian Wedding alongside Olatunji Yearwood. – Photo by Innis Francis

“Sexy Vanessa” and Olatunji Yearwood were supported by tassa drummers during their performance of their song Is Ah Indian Wedding at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals. – Photo by Innis Francis

San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris greeted the audience at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Robin Jagdip performed Millionaire with Super Blue at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Rikki Jai during his performance of his song Happy Anniversary at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals. – Photo by Innis Francis

Reehanna Gopaul performed Firewood at the Chutney Soca Monarch Semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Rawytee Ramroop performed her song Take One at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Suresh “Rampo” Rampersad performed Jamuna Gagari at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

O’Neil Bhajman performed Toh Raja Mossay at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals at La Tropical, Rig Compound on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Nigel Gobin performed Since Yuh Leave at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Neval Chatelal performed Vibration at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Rohanie “Nel Ramdass” Ramdass and Marcus “Reece” Seepersad performed Bubble Ah Pot at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Nari “Nari R” Ragaghubir performed Nothing To Loss at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals. – Photo by Innis Francis

Warrior Princess performed Pooha Not Ready featuring Lil Bitts at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals. – Photo by Innis Francis

Devindra “Mr DG” Gattoo performed Katrina. – Photo by Innis Francis

Amit “Mittyranks” Baksh performed My Johnnie Walker at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals at La Tropical, Rig Compound on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Saleem “Master Saleem” Beharry performed Karma at La Tropical at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Machel Montano performed Pepper Vine at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Sarika “Lady Triple S” Sultan performed Playing Games at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Deodath “Jus Jake” Birbal wined low as he performed Fireside Duck at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Hemlatha “Hurricane Hemlatha” Dindail performed Japti at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals at La Tropical, Rig Compound on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Davindra “Davin R” Ramdath performed Last Lap at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Ricardo “Daddy Chinee” Melville performed I Love Chutney Soca at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals at La Tropical, Rig Compound on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Colin “CJ” Jackman performed Sarika at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Kavita “Chutney Empress” Ramkissoon performed Lag Jaayengi at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals at La Tropical on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Chris Garcia performed Meet Meh By Caura at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals at La Tropical on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Kendel “Captain Kendel” Jaggernauth performed Living Better at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals on February 8. – Photo by Innis Francis

Adesh Samaroo performed Who Could Dance Better at the Chutney Soca Monarch semifinals. – Photo by Innis Francis

Chutney Soca semis on February 8 at La Tropical

Machel Montano will hit the stage first on February 8 at the Bmobile CSM 30th anniversary semifinal show.

The competition is being held at La Tropical, Rig Compound, La Romaine. The show starts at 9.30 pm.

Also expected to perform on Saturday is nine-time champion Rikki Jai, who returns to the stage for the first time in more than five years, said a media release.

Past champions Neval Chatelal and Daddy Chinee are also expected to compete.

Women will face off as well as they vie for not only the big prize but also the title of Queen of Chutney Soca 2025.

Rawytee Ramroop, the 2024 Queen, is also competing at this stage.

Thirty-four artistes are expected to compete at the semis.

Missing man’s wife distraught after oil rig collapses

THE family of Well Services employee Pete Phillip are distraught after he was confirmed missing after the partial collapse of an oil rig he was working on.

Phillip was one of 75 workers on Rig 110 in the Heritage East Offshore Area when the incident happened around 3.09 am on December 22.

At his family’s home on George Street, La Romaine, his wife Kandasie was too emotional to speak for long.

“This morning, his sister and brother were here and some friends and they said that he is missing. He’s the only one they can’t find,” she told Newsday on December 22.

Asked if anyone had updated her about the situation, she said, “They said the Coast Guard is searching.”

The couple have four children: Jesiah, 13, Justin, 11, Jelicia, nine and Giselle, three.

La Romaine man gunned down

A brief confrontation between two men in La Romaine on the night of December 19 left one dead and the other on the run from the police.

Akeem “Reddo” Greene, 34, died on the spot at the corner of Ethel Street and Byron Street after being shot by a gunman. He lived on Southern Main Road in La Romaine.

The shooting happened shortly before 10 pm.

Reports are Greene was driving his car along Ethel Street when he stopped and got out. A friend was also in the car.

A man approached him, and after a brief confrontation, gunshots were heard.

Greene fell to the ground, injured, and the frightened occupant drove away with the car.

He parked the car at a relative’s house on a nearby street, handed over the key, explained what had happened, and then left.

The police and ambulance personnel were notified. Acting Insp Ramsaran and other officers from the Southern Division, as well as the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, visited the scene.

DMO Dr Rajkumar viewed the body and ordered it to be taken to the mortuary of the San Fernando General Hospital for safekeeping, pending an autopsy at the Forensic Science Centre in St James.

W/Cpl Dyer-Baptiste of the homicide bureau is leading the investigation.

When Newsday visited Greene’s home on December 20, no one appeared to be there.

Human skeletal remains found in La Romaine

Human skeletal remains were found in an overgrown area in La Romaine on December 16.

The police said around 7 am, a 66-year-old retiree was hunting in a bushy area off the Southern Main Road near Paria Suites, where he spotted the remains on the ground.

He immediately alerted the police, and among the first responders were PCs Maynard and Harrypersad, of the Southern Division.

Police from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, were also notified.

DMO Dr Ramlogan examined and ordered the removal of the remains pending a post-mortem at the Forensic Science Centre in St James.

Because the body was totally decomposed, the police were unable to determine the race or gender of the remains.

PCs Nandoo and PC Coker (crime scene investigators) also visited and gathered evidence.

PC Maynard is leading the investigation.

Anyone with information on the identity or circumstances of the death can call the nearest police station. People can also call the police at 555, 999 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).

St Benedict’s seek to end 26-year National Intercol title drought

St Benedict’s College are goal-bound on ending their agonising 26-year Coca-Cola National Intercol title drought when they face 2022 winners and an equally intent Fatima College in the anticipated final at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on December 5, from 5 pm.

With the most prestigious and final Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) title up for grabs this season, both teams remain confident that their respective styles of play will supersede the other’s.

The two schools have proven a cut above the rest in 2024, with the still-unbeaten Benedict’s winning the league and Fatima second, with each claiming their respective south and north zone Intercol titles.

For the La Romaine Lions, the national title has evaded their den since 1998, a streak they want to break this year en route to a potential SSFL triple crown.

The south team has now reached the final three times in the past 25 years, losing 1-0 to East Mucurapo in 2014 and to none other than Fatima, by the same margin, in 2022.

Likewise, if Fatima come up trumps, it would be their second national Intercol title in two years, having won the league in 2023.

Benedict’s manager Ravi Ramgoolam said a triple crown would be the icing on the cake this season.

“The final is very important for us, especially to bring home that title, because it’s eluded for us a very long time. The team is looking forward to it, and not only the school but also the community of La Romaine. We’re a school that’s raised in this community, and the residents are looking forward to us bringing the title back here.”

Ramgoolam said despite boasting the likes of this season’s top scorer Derrell “Zum Zum” Garcia up front, alongside an equally active set up, there are no plans to make any drastic changes or add any new ingredients to their winning formula.

“We just go out and play the usual football we play, nothing really different. We basically keep it very simple. We still had training sessions today (December 3) and tomorrow. We’re monitoring the boys to make sure they are up to full fitness.

“We’re very humble. Everything is running smoothly and we thank God for that.”

Fatima head coach Hutson Charles wants to end the campaign on a high, having started the season by lifting the NGC Super Cup with a 2-1 over Presentation College San Fernando.

The Super Cup is a match featuring the SSFL premiership champions and the National Intercol winners from the previous season.

“Reaching the final is a big achievement, but we want to crown it off. We started the league winning a trophy and we’re hoping to end the league winning a trophy,” Charles said.

Like Ramgoolam, the Fatima coach has no intention of altering their strategy and style of football for the high-stakes affair.

“We’re going to play our game. We’re fully aware of what we have to do and we’ll give it our best for the trophy. We’re going there to win the game. As long as we do what we set out to do I have no doubt that we’re going to win,” he added.

Charles confirmed, however, they would be without the likes of national youth talent Caden Trestrail, who was suspended after picking up back-to-back yellow cards in the quarter and semi-finals.

Trestrail is a key player for Fatima and even played the deciding role in crowing Fatima SSFL national U16 champions on December 2, courtesy of a second-half free kick.

Charles said his troops will continue to play a team game, with 2023 SSFL MVP Michael Chaves at the top, and believes if they execute the intended plan, they could climax the 2024 season with the league’s top prize.

“Fatima is all about team play. As long as each individual brings their A game I don’t see a problem getting the trophy.”

When asked how he plans to restrict Benedict’s attacking threat in Garcia, Charles replied, “When we played San Juan North in the semis, we were fully aware of the capability of (forward) Lindell Sween (TT youth player), they might be similar players. We’re not assigning anyone to Garcia or anything like that, that’s not our style,” he added.

Before the 5 pm kickoff, the Girls Intercol gets under way with Pleasantville Secondary against St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, from 3 pm at the same venue.

Police kill one, wound another in separate shootings

POLICE shot and wounded one man and killed another during separate police-involved shootings on November 27.

A police statement on November 28 said officers on patrol on the Eastern Main Road, Sangre Chiquito around 2.10 am on November 27, stopped a white H100 van.

They saw the van was carrying bulky items hidden under a tarpaulin in the tray. Three men were in the van and one of them got out and ran off. The other two men were arrested.

Police ran after the other man into a swampy area, where he got into difficulty in the water. Police said he pulled out a gun, fired at them and they shot back. They said the man threw his gun into the water and was arrested shortly after.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and discharged.

Police said the van was carrying a power generator and other tools. They searched for the gun but were unsuccessful.

In the Southern Division, police were on patrol around 2.30 am in Tarouba when they saw a car driven by someone wearing a mask covering his face and head.

Police followed the car ,which stopped near the Marabella roundabout. They said the man pointed a gun at them and a gunshot was heard.

The car then drove away, but police intercepted it at Battoo Avenue Recreation Ground.

Police said the gunman shot at them again and they shot back, hitting him. He was taken to San Fernando General Hospital, where he died.

He was identified as Wilfred Baptiste, 61, of Marabella.

Police found a pistol with four rounds of ammunition.

Checks found the car had been stolen from the La Romaine area around 7 pm on November 26. Investigations were ongoing into the two incidents.

Princes Town man dies after van tumbles off precipice

A brief stop at the roadside to urinate cost a 56-year-old man from Princes Town his life on November 21.

Anil “Drake” Singh, worked as a truck driver and mechanic.

Singh, who was a father, would have turned 57 on December 9. He lived in Williamsville but was originally from St Julien Road.

The accident happened after 4 pm while Singh and two friends, in their 40s, were on their way to collect money from someone on Mandingo Road, near Princes Town.

Singh stopped his Nissan Frontier on the edge of the roadside near an overgrown area and got out to urinate. While at the back of the van, he realised the vehicle was too close to a precipice hidden by the overgrown bushes.

The van started to move as the edge of the road began to give way, hitting Singh and knocking him over.

The van flipped about three times before coming to a halt down a landslip roughly 30 feet off the road.

Two men in the van were injured but survived.

Singh’s sister Annella Sawah said she saw missed calls from his cellphone earlier in the day, and around 5.30 pm, when she returned his call, someone else answered and told her of the tragedy.

“It is very shocking. He was my life.

“I did not know the area, so I was on the phone taking directions. I was confused because they (eyewitnesses) said after he was hit and fell, he was talking normally and asking them to call me. He was asking his friends if they were okay,” Sawah told Newsday.

“People rushed to help them. A retired nurse was also helping. They put my brother on a chair and also on the ground, and he started complaining about breathing problems.

“When I reached he was unresponsive and had a slight pulse.”

Singh was taken to the Princes Town District Health Facility, where he was declared dead at 7.45 pm.

Sawah shied away from blaming anyone for the tragedy. Instead, she suggested, “The authorities should put up caution tape or a sign to alert people about the depression. There were no signs whatsoever at the scene.”

Her brother-in-law Winston Gunness recalled Singh had lived in the US and returned to Trinidad about a decade ago.

“He was a good person, no matter what. I have known him for over 40 years.”

The funeral is tentatively set for November 26 at the family’s home on St Julien Road, then to the Shore of Peace (Mosquito Creek) Cremation Site in La Romaine.

Barrackpore police are leading the investigation.

La Romaine man denied bail, co-accused granted $500k in drug-trafficking case

A 31-year-old man from La Romaine was denied bail and his co-accused granted bail of $500,000 when they appeared before High Court Master Shabiki Cazabon on drug trafficking charges on November 18.

Andre Floyd and Mark Ramnarine, 30, face allegations of marijuana possession for trafficking stemming from an incident in Chaguanas on November 14.

Police seized approximately 10.6 kilograms of marijuana during the arrest, according to reports.

It is alleged on November 14, around 6.45 pm, acting on information that a vehicle was allegedly transporting firearms and ammunition, police intercepted the vehicle on Edinburgh Boulevard, Chaguanas.

They searched the vehicle and allegedly found a black plastic bag on the passenger-side floor containing 20 rectangular packages. Examination of the packages revealed compressed marijuana.

The packages were seized and transported to the San Raphael Police Station, where they were weighed and identified. They weighed 10.6 kilogrammes. Two men were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana for trafficking.

When the two appeared before Master Cazabon, Floyd was denied bail. Ramnarine’s was set at $500,000.

A status hearing has been set for March 7, 2025, and the sufficiency hearing will take place on November 20, 2025.

Attorneys Jason Jackson and Krysan Rambert represented Floyd, a fruit vendor, and PC Romero represented the prosecution. Ramnarine was unrepresented.

Two Pleasantville men, 18, detained after robbery

Police detained two 18-year-old Pleasantville men shortly after they robbed a San Fernando man on Thursday.

The victim told police he was driving his silver Nissan AD wagon along Rushworth Street and stopped at a red light at Cipiero Street around 9.47 pm. Two men jumped into his vehicle – one into the front passenger seat, where he held a screwdriver to the driver’s head, and the other in the back seat with a knife.

The driver grabbed his cellphone and jumped out of the wagon. The bandits then drove off in it.

The car was equipped with a GPS tracker and was found at Murli Street, La Romaine.

PC Burke and officers of the Area West CID met the victim and took him to recover the wagon.

But the man spotted the assailants near George Street, La Romaine and pointed them out to the police.

They approached the men, who tried to run away, but were caught. On searching the suspects, the officers found some of the victim’s property.

They were arrested and taken to the San Fernando Police Station.

La Romaine fisherman shot

A 53-year-old La Romaine fisherman was hospitalised after he was shot several times on November 7.

Police said around 1.45 pm the fisherman was tending to his boat along South Trunk Road, La Romaine, near Paria Suites, when the two men approached and shot him before running away.

The victim was hit three times. He was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital, where doctors told investigators he was stable.

Police are continuing enquiries.