The increased use of breathalyser testing and speed guns has led to a gradual reduction in road fatalities since 2014.

Head of the Highway Patrol and Traffic Branch Senior Supt Basdeo Ramdhanie made the statement yesterday at the Police Service weekly police press briefing at the Police Administration Building in Port-of-Spain.

Refferring to statistics for the past four years, Ramdhanie said: "In 2014 there were 165, 147 in 2015 and 135 in 2016. To date, we have had 72 road deaths, but that is still too much."

He said the Police Service was expecting yet another decrease at the end of the year. There were 83 fatalities for the corresponding period, last year.

Ramdhanie said his officers were concerned over the frequency of fatal road accidents involving one vehicle.

"We have discovered that 49 per cent of these accidents involves one driver or one vehicle. It sends a message that motorists operating vehicles on our roadways are suffering from some sort of disorder, for instance, they are tired, exhausted or under some drink or drug and they are involved in these accidents," Ramdhanie said.

In addition to designating a driver, Ramdhanie suggested that drivers ensure that they are well rested and familiar with routes they plan to use before going on their journeys.

Ramdhanie noted that for the year so far his officers have issued 21,606 tickets for offences other than speeding and 13,002 for exceeding the speed limit. A little over 500 people were arrested and charged with drunk driving.

"We in the Traffic Branch do not intentionally go out there to hand out fix penalty tickets to motorists, we are there to ensure there is compliance with our traffic laws," Ramdhanie said as he appealed to drivers to comply with driving regulations.

The T&T Police Service's road safety spokesman Brent Batson also spoke at the briefing to advised drivers of traffic conditions expected with

the opening of the new school term next Monday.

"Just as the students had a vacation so did motorists from traffic congestion. We need drivers to be much more alert and anticipate the increase in traffic congestion," Batson said.

He also advised parents, who planned to transport their children to schools in unfamiliar areas to plan journeys.

Batson also encouraged parents to explore the option of car-pooling with parents of students of the same school who live nearby.

Referring to an incident last week in which four-year-old Lexie Baptiste was killed in an accident in Valencia, Batson reminded parents that all children under the age for five are required to ride in car seats.

"Failure to do so will cause the driver to incur a fine of $1,000. A car seat costs on average between $800 and $900. The ticket more expensive than a child seat," he said.

Batson also asked drivers to slow down near schools and for parents to advise their children of safety tips if they have to travel to and from school.

"We remind persons that a pedestrian hit at the speed of 80 km per hour has an almost 90 per cent chance of dying on impact," he said.

KEVON FELMINE

kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt

The T&T Police Service (TTPS) has made a major shake-up in its operation this week, with acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams removing Special Branch head ACP Ainsley Garrick and his deputy Snr Supt Austin Lee.

The T&T Guardian understands that Garrick was sent on vacation leave while Lee was transferred to the South Western Division, where he was expected to take over from Snr Supt Inraj Balram.

A senior Government official said the changes are coming after issues were raised over the Special Branch's counter-terrorism efforts at a recent National Security Council (NSC) meeting. The official said the decision may have been made in anticipation of Monday’s NSC meeting. However, sources within the TTPS said they believe the changes may be political influenced.

Last January, the Ministry of National Security confirmed it was working closely with the United States, Britain and Canada on intelligence and information sharing on people who were found to be associated with any terrorist group, whether locally or internationally.

Several calls made to acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams between Tuesday and Wednesday were unsuccessful as he did not return them nor did he respond to voice messages.

Also contacted on the issue, TTPS Corporate Communications Manager Ellen Lewis did not share any information on why Garrick and Lee were removed and where they were reassigned. However, she did say that all manpower placements were normal practice and done at the discretion of Williams.

“The assignment, reassignment or transfer of any officer occurs from time to time is an administrative practice within the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. It is the prerogative of the Commissioner of Police to assign officers under his command as he deems appropriate to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the management of the organisation,” Lewis said.

But secretary of the T&T Police Social Welfare Association, acting ASP Anand Ramesar, said from their point of view the changes seem unusual.

“You don’t normally see a transfer like this taking place in relation to a department like the Special Branch. However, it is sometimes good to note that the days of the sacred cows, where people feel they can’t get transferred because of where they work, is slowly eroding," Ramesar said.

Responsibilities for the Special Branch include intelligence gathering and processing, conducting information into the activities of foreigners entering the country and providing security to the Prime Minister, President and other dignitaries.

Earlier this month, the United Kingdom updated its travel advisory to T&T, warning its citizens of possible acts of terrorism occurring in the country. They stated that although there were no recent attacks, more than 100 T&T nationals had travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight along with Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) and are likely to pose a security threat on return to T&T. They also stated that there was also a threat from individuals who may have been inspired by terrorist groups, including Daesh and al Qaeda, to carry out so-called ‘lone actor’ attacks targeting public events or places.

Last year, CoP Williams described the Special Branch as the “most elite VIP Protection Unit” in T&T.

However, following the appearance of "community leader" Cedric “Burkie” Burke at President's House for the swearing-in of Port-of-Spain South MP Marlene McDonald as Public Utilities Minister on June 30, President Anthony Carmona ordered an internal investigation into whether there was a breach of security and protocols. Carmona had requested a report from the Special Branch officers on duty, especially as Burke was not on the list of invited guest.

Rhondor Dowlat

Whilst there may be a lot of achievements to celebrate in the country’s 55 years of Independence, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she is saddened by the number of challenges the nation currently faces, noting she feel it's in “crisis.”

In her Independence Day message, Persad-Bissessar said citizens continue to grapple with the scourge of crime and criminality.

“Our journey has been a challenging one; we have faced upturns and severe downturns, and today, unfortunately, we are faced with another sharp decline in our economy. There is a sense of hopelessness in the country, with thousands of citizens struggling to get by, having lost their jobs and only source of income,” Persad-Bissessar said.

She added, “Citizens seeking health care in our nation’s hospitals and health centres are unable to get medication, and in some instances, they cannot get the care they need because of broken or malfunctioning equipment. The recent cuts in education funding have resulted in hundreds of young people being unable to access tertiary education.”

She said she and her team “remain focused” and are developing policy proposals to build the economy, create sustainable jobs and to continue to develop the nation’s human capital.

“We want to realise a knowledge-driven diversified and growing economy; one that is no longer dependent only on oil and gas, but is also strong in the areas of tourism, agriculture, maritime and information and communication technology,” she said.

She emphasised that strong leadership is required to confront the challenges and that it was up to the people of T&T to continue to work towards advancing national development and building a prosperous future.

“We must be determined and unwavering in our efforts to take our country forward, and take whatever steps are necessary to secure the best possible future for Trinidad and Tobago, and I believe that together, we can live up to our nation’s motto:“Together we aspire, together we achieve.

"Happy Independence to all and may God bless our nation!” Persad-Bissessar said.

A plumber who claimed he stole 13 chocolate bars to give his children will spend the next four months doing hard labour in jail.

Neil St John, 52, of Mon Repos, pleaded guilty to larceny when he appeared before Princes Town Magistrate Nalini Singh. A video of the incident had been circulating on Facebook.

Prosecutor Sgt Shazeed Mohammed said Estate Constable Bissoon was on duty at Persad's Supermarket on Tuesday when he saw St John taking chocolate bars off the shelves in the grocery.

Sometime later the officer saw St John walk out of the grocery without paying for anything and with nothing in his hands. Another security officer approached St John and took him back into the grocery.

Upon searching him, Bissoon found the chocolates tucked inside in his underpants. The bars were each valued at $47.99.

St John offered to pay for the chocolates and asked for a fine. He said his intention was to buy the chocolates for his children, but he doesn't know what happened. He claimed he had been drinking puncheon rum earlier that day.

The prosecutor asked for a custodial sentence, citing the prevalence of the offence and his criminal record. St John had five previous convictions, three for a similar offence, in the last 10 years. He was only released from prison in March last year having served a jail term for stealing from a business place in San Fernando.

KEVON FELMINE

kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt

Residents of Indian Walk, Princes Town took umbrage to being dubbed criminals following reports that they mobbed Princes Town CID officers in order to protect an alleged gun-toting criminal on Tuesday morning.

At Cumoto Road yesterday, where dozens of residents had reportedly surrounded the officers who tried to arrest a 42-year-old mason the day before, residents accused the officers of fabricating the story after a blunder was made by a young officer.

A woman whose husband was identified by police as the armed suspect, said he was targeted by the officers before. However, she said although he had chopped someone in his youth and was charged for marijuana possession when he was caught in a vehicle where someone was smoking a spliff, he was no criminal. The woman said they went to meet the superintendent at the Princes Town Police Station yesterday, but were told he was not there. She plans to make a report to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) next week.

“They are wrongfully accusing us of attacking the police and they wrongfully accuse my husband of having a gun. This is a peaceful community where nothing much happens. If you look at the video of the incident, you would see that none of us attacked the police and we were there talking to them. I wanted to know why they shot at my husband, my husband is a hard working man,” the woman said.

Police reported that they were driving along the road when they saw the suspect on the roadside. They claimed they stopped and attempted to search the suspect when approximately 40 residents converged around them. While he was approaching the officers, a gun reportedly fell from the suspect and another resident picked it up and ran off.

But residents yesterday told the T&T Guardian that the mason was standing on the roadside around 9.50 am with his work bag containing his tools and lunch waiting for transportation. When he saw the police with their guns he reportedly ran to the bushes and a young officer fired two shots. It was when they heard the shots that many of the residents walked out to the road and confronted the police.

“The officers who came out of the vehicle were in plain clothes and they did not identify themselves as police. They pulled out their guns and the guy dropped his bag and ran, the residents claimed.

"The officer fired two shots at him. Two of the officers gave chase and the other officer took up the bag and brought it to the road and emptied it. They took out the man’s food, trowel and float. When residents heard the shots they came out and the officers came out of the bush.

“The altercation started there because we were telling them that they shot the man and left him in the bush. We did not know if he got shot, but they did not hold him. We as concerned residents told the officers to go look for the man, but they did not.”

But the officers claimed one resident began inciting the crowd to pick up pieces of iron and wood to attack them. The officers claimed when they tried to arrest the second suspect, he resisted and the mob engaged the officers.

Sitting under a shed yesterday, the second suspect said there were no residents seen holding any object in the video shot by the police. He admitted to resisting arrest, saying he did not trust the police and feared he would have received a fake charge.

“The reason why I resisted arrest is that I knew they were going to take advantage of me. Because of the commotion, I knew they wanted to leave with somebody. I just did not want to get locked up because I have things to do. I am a hard working individual and am just trying to make it in this life,” the second suspect said.

Ramesar: Attacks against us growing

Secretary of the Police Social Welfare Association, acting ASP Anand Ramesar, said yesterday that attacks against the police by residents seem to be a growing trend. As a result, he said police must now analyse and determine what are the triggers and how to mitigate against such incidents.

However, he said there must be no tolerance for people obstructing police in the execution of their duties and such offenders must be swiftly arrested and brought before a magistrate. He said the behaviour acted out by the Indian Walk resident could have resulted in injury or loss of life to officers and the public.

With the stress the officers face in such situations, he said they must be commended for the high level of restraint exercised during the latest incident.

In a similar incident yesterday, police were attempting to arrest a man at Beetham Gardens, Laventille, when residents ran into road and surrounded the officers. Using profanity, the residents threatened to attack the officers, who quickly took the suspect away in their vehicle.

In March, a 17-year-old Carapichaima East Secondary School student was charged with the use of obscene language, resisting arrest and three counts of assault on police officers. In February, a constable was bitten and his colleague beaten during a mob attack in La Brea. The crowd also smashed the back windscreen of the officers' marked Nissan X-Trail SUV.

“The association wants to say that the actions are unlawful so far, as it is designed to obstruct the police officers in the execution of their duty. Such behaviour must cease. As an association, I want to call on the senior superintendent of the Southern Division to look at the video and if the perpetrators can be identified engage in due process. They must be brought before a magistrates' court to answer charges of obstructing our police officers, who are risking their lives day to day to make T&T a safer place,” Ramesar said.

He also chastised politicians who openly criticise the police service, saying they have no confidence in the police. He said the current pockets of unlawful behaviour were a direct product of reckless comments.

Tobago police are in search of two suspects who allegedly shot at two off-duty police officers yesterday.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 1.30 pm at Sandy Hill Trace, Lambeau, near Daniel’s Den Apartments.

According to reports, Supt Shirley Stanley–Caruth had just returned from doing a transaction at the Auchenskeoch Branch of Republic Bank and went to visit PC Larry Daniel at his Lambeau residence when two men pulled up in a silver Nissan Tiida vehicle and opened fire on them.

The officers were not hit and Daniel, using his personal firearm returned fire, striking one of his attackers in the leg.

T&T Guardian understands that the men escaped in a vehicle registration number PDH 5313 which was later found, parked at Tank Road, Signal Hill, a nearby village, with traces of blood inside.

Police sources believe that Stanley–Caruth may have been followed from the bank.

Approximately 18 spent shells were recovered at the scene of the shooting.

Up late yesterday, no one was held in connection with the crime.

Scarborough CID is continuing investigations.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 800- TIPS, 555 or the Scarborough CID at 639–2515.

Members of the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on National Security found loopholes in the security apparatus at two major ports of entry they toured on Tuesday.

The JSC, chaired by Laventille East MP Fitzgerald Hinds, visited the Point Lisas Port (Plipdeco) and the South and North Terminals at Piarco International Airport to get a first-hand view of how cargo entering the country is handled by the Customs and Excise Division and security personnel.

At the South Terminal of the airport, where large air cargo imports and exports companies are based, Airports Authority of T&T (AATT) security personnel told Hinds customs officers blocked their access to certain parts of the facility. Comptroller of Customs Glenn Singh, who was on the tour, said he was unaware of the complaint.

A representative of a private courier firm said surveillance footage at the bond could be made available upon request to the AATT’s security. However, the security officers said they needed to be able to get proper surveillance of every aspect of the property as the land and buildings leased to the aviation businesses are actually owned by the AATT.

Officers also complained that sometimes when they reported for duty, they found security cameras were taped off or repositioned. This raised an alarm for Hinds and he immediately ordered an investigation into the allegations. He told the T&T Guardian what he heard was of great concern and would be pursued with much “rigour and vigour.”

“In my genuine view, it is unthinkable that the AATT security, who have the responsibility for security in the airport, are running into blind spots for whatever reason. It is a matter of concern,” he said.

During the tour of a private aviation air freight business it was discovered that sea cargo was brought to the facility to be cleared by Customs and Excise personnel. Hinds and with other JSC committee members, including Prakash Ramadhar and Paul Richards, felt they weren’t given a clear explanation as to why this was done. Hinds asked for a report in writing on all the businesses that brought containers there to clear and the type of cargo involved.

The JSC members were also taken to the airport’s scanner room where they were shown scanners that could detect explosive devices in checked baggage.

At the sea port in central Trinidad, Singh said mobile scanners would soon be in operation at the Port-of-Spain and at the Point Lisas Ports.

He said the reason scanners given to the Port by US Customs and Border Protection in 2014 were not operational was because of the cost of their maintenance. He said the process to have the devices refurbished is almost completed.

It was also discovered that there is an unsupervised time lapse between the Port and the Customs Examination Station (CES) where containers red-flagged via intelligence are directed. Hinds was told it takes ten minutes for a truck to take the container to the CES and if that time passes security is despatched to make checks.

Hinds also raised concerns about the fact that only 15 per cent of containers entering the Point Lisas Port were checked.

The JSC was recently told that the illegal gun trade in this country was worth an estimated $100 million, most of which enters through legal channels. Last November, US$2 million was seized at the Port of Point Lisas.

Upon completion of all tours, Hinds said there would be a tally of all that was asked, responses and questions yet to be answered.

“We hope that parliamentary information will lead to ministers of Government who are responsible for the respective entities—in this case the Minister of Works and Transport—I would hope that he, from the facts that we would have gathered in this exercise, use those facts to drive his ministry and the boards to improve the weaknesses and vulnerabilities,” Hinds said.

Two men are currently warded in hospital after being wounded in a shooting in El Socorro yesterday.

Police said shortly after 1 pm, residents Chanka Trace, El Socorro South, reported hearing a volley of gunshots in their community.

When they came outside several minutes later, they found two men lying on the road with several gunshot wounds.

Their attackers were reportedly seen driving away from the scene.

The two victims were taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope where they both remained warded in a critical

condition up to last night.

The victims were identified by police as Bobby Ramlogan, 48, of Prizgar Road, San Juan and Ram Balo, 55, of Bamboo Settlement, Valsayn.

Ramlogan has a house close to where the shooting occurred and police believe that Balo was visiting him when they were ambushed by the gunmen.

No one had been arrested up to late yesterday.

Questions:

How do think T&T has fared in its 55 years of Independence?

What is your fondest memory in our 55 years of Independence?

What is your Independence wish for 2017?

Dhanoo Sookoo,

Sangre Chiquito:

Failed state, food insecurity and increased food bill. We are dependent, not independent

In 2010, two farmers received awards. Happy that Vasant Bharath was made Minister of Agriculture and Food Production.

My Independence wish for T&T is for us to focus on agriculture. Do what is necessary for policies in place to increase food production. A decrease in food prices will improve the life of citizens. Crime will stop.

Harrilal Khadoo,

Cumuto:

None or little progress, plenty commissions of enquiry.

Independence parade.

For progress and a united Trinidad and Tobago. Find solutions to crime.

Elvis Jackson,

Grande Riviere:

Backward, no progress, too much evil.

Keshorn Walcott won a gold medal.

Parents should be exemplars to their children as well as parliamentarians. To get serious when it comes to dealing with our youths. No more killings.

Hyacinth Pavy,

Toco:

Progress slow. Sometimes I feel we are not totally independent as the country have to import too many things.

Going to Independence Day parade at the Savannah.

For the country to unite, put race aside and as a multi-cultural country let us live in unity for T&T's development.

Andraied Richardson,

Vega De Oropouche:

Aspiring to be first world country.

Looking at Independence parade fascinates me.

To go forward with less crime and corruption.

John Belcome,

Fishing Pond:

Independence is serving its purpose. I want to see more happening, especially for the youths.

People develop a love for one another but politicians putting them apart. People could see themselves as people to bring back the country.

God intervene and bring some solution to crime. Stop the blame game. Have a pleasing society.

Grace Smith,

North Eastern Settlement:

Get better roads, water supply, hospitals and free education for our children.

Love among our people. Keshorn Walcott brings home gold.

Love and unity for each other and good governance.

Ramroop Ramtahal,

Plum Mitan:

Not so good, a quick change in government stalls progress. Have braced the storm so far, but there is the need for improvement.

When electricity and pipe borne water came to my community.

More action and less talk by ministers. Stop corruption, solve crime and take back country.

Spence St Clair,

Ojoe Road, Sangre Grande:

Failing state, not much improvement to problems.

Independence parade.

Wish for Government ministers to speak the truth, stop the corruption and stop wasting time on corruption. Address the problems facing those in need. That a permanent and efficient ferry to Tobago comes on stream. Stop the appointment of friends to high office and victimisation.

Meena Gopie,

Mayaro:

Not too much done. Areas for improvement.

Hurricane Alma destroyed my house and to date, I have not gotten any assistance.

To see government provide computers, books to students, suffering, poverty addressed, live in harmony for a better T&T, stop the race and address the crime that is plaguing the country. Put God first before making decisions.

Questions:

How do you think Trinidad and Tobago has fared during its 55 years of independence?

What are your fondest memories of independence?

What is your independence wish for T&T?

Tony Blackman,

vendor,

Petit Valley:

From then to now a lot of development took place.

People no longer under colonial rule.

I just wish it is a holiday so I could take my rest because I am a hard working man.

Desmond Mounsey,

MTS employee,

Morvant:

Not too bad. We are a very young nation and we have done well.

Going to school, Dr Eric Williams, having a good time, it was nice.

I wish the people could live good. I fed up with the race talk and we here together. We reach an age where it supposed to be a thing of the past even in Parliament. It don’t sound nice.

Alyssa Collette,

student,

San Juan:

I like them (protective services) and want to be like them.

I like the parade and the fireworks.

Happy Independence Day.

Phillip Gibbings,

pensioner,

Cascade:

As far as I see the man who make this country get independent faze the agriculture and put too much trade unions in power.

My memories is good of the Red House system and the flag.

Is to demolish these building in Port-of-Spain and put a proper system and put buildings so it won't have a traffic jam.

Frank Lewis,

pensioner,

Arouca:

It could be plenty much better. On average its 65 per cent.

We must carry out the foundation of Dr Eric Williams where every creed and race find an equal place. The government should be more up to standard.

Michael Hernandez,

CCC student,

Carenage:

I find we have developed plenty and the economy is growing but it is dropping and it is not a good thing. They are trying harder with the crime rate.

Last year it had fireworks like the showerfall.

My wish for Independence is for it to be bigger and better.

Kevon Williams,

CCC student,

Beetham:

It has progressed better and rise from how it was in them days. More modernised and good access and overall nice.

My last Independence was fireworks and friends chilling at the Savannah.

I wish for more life.

Mirakel Philips,

student,

Diego Martin:

Good and the mean people should not do what they doing. From slaves to now it was a good improvement.

The fireworks.

I wish that we not be worrying about who killing who.

Kimberlyn Joseph,

student,

Barataria:

They did very good. I can't take the killing so much.

The fireworks.

I wish they could stop all the killings and crime.

Destiny Philip,

student,

Diego Martin:

The crime.

The fireworks.

I think they should stop the crime and we should be more united.

Melissa Singh-Boodhoo,

clerk,

Sangre Grande:

A lot of development has happened locally.

Looking at the parade in the morning with the family.

More unity, especially among young people, and less crime.

Sonia Achille,

teacher,

Diego Martin:

We have made some progress but with the progress we are seeing a lot of ills manifesting now.

Is seeing the armed services dressed in their uniforms looking smart and patriotic and hearing the music from the different bands.

My wish that we really we become free in our thinking ways and doing everything for a purpose.

Steve Diaz,

contract worker,

Arima:

From the 60s to now we have tall building but as a people they more on their own mission and you hardly have that togetherness we had. We fall down.

My memories fade. When I was younger the parade. Stand at the side of the road and wave flags. You felt more patriotic. Real patriotism is lacking.

More peace for the country.

Eston Dean Calder,

karoake entertainer,

Arima:

We have done well. We made a lot of progress as a nation and government is still trying to get a foothold as to what people want.

Getting independence signifies we get our county into one.

I wish people take this Independence Day to reflect on the crime rate, loyalty, corruption, one country and band together or we can't go forward.

SASCHA WILSON

One day after police officers were mobbed by Princes Town villagers, a "PH" driver was ordered to attend anger management sessions for two years for cursing the police in an unrelated matter.

Andy Chase, 34, also called Kevon Charles, of Rio Claro, got a stern tongue lashing from San Fernando Magistrate Kerianne Byer after he pleaded guilty to obscene language and resisting arrest in the Fifth Court yesterday.

The court heard that around 11.30 pm on Wednesday, PC Mark Clement and another police officer were on patrol along Union Road, Marabella, when they heard Chase, who was standing near Smart Shop, use obscene language.

Prosecutor Sgt Krishna Bedassie said when Clement confronted Chase and asked his name he used disrespectful words. The officer then held his hand to arrest him, but Chase pulled his hand away violently. Using obscene language, he told the officer he could not lock him up because "my Godfather is Fitzgerald Hinds."

"Why were you so disrespectful to the police?" asked Byer, who stressed obscene language was still an offence in T&T. "I don't understand why when the officer came to make an inquiry that you would choose to be so disrespectful."

Chase said maybe it was because of the officer's approach. He said he was on his way to make a report to the Gasparillo Police Station because "some people came around me and my cousin." He said his head was also swollen and he was in pain.

However, Bedassie said Chase was taken to hospital but the medical report stated there were no obvious injuries. "Obscene language is an offence in this country and until that changes it is against the law. At the end of the day it is a matter of respect. Whether or not you feel someone has been disrespectful to you, you have to control your anger and treat with the situation accordingly."

However, the magistrate said Chase seems to have a penchant for that sort of behaviour, since he had previous convictions in 2009 and 2012 for obscene language and disorderly behaviour. Reminding him the maximum sentence for obscene language is 30 days hard labour and resisting arrest is two years hard labour, the magistrate fined him $900 on the resisting arrest charge. He has to pay the fine in a month or serve three months in jail.

Noting that he did not learn his lesson on the previous occasions, he was fined for obscene language and the magistrate put him on a two-year probation. She told him to report to the Probation Office department and undergo anger management to learn to control his temper during that period. If he disobeys, Byer said he will have to return to court for sentencing and she will not be lenient.

No one was arrested in Tuesday's incident at Indian Walk, where residents reportedly hurled insults at the police and even threatened to pelt them with stones in protest over the attempted arrest of another resident.

The T&T Guardian has been told that as part of its investigation into the procurement of the Cabo Star and the Ocean Flower 2 the Committee wants to "understand" how the ferry service got to the point which it has.

While the Cabo Star is working the sea bridge the charter for the Ocean Flower 2 was cancelled for failing to arrive on time.

The Committee also wants answers on the maintenance and management of the vessels which have been operating the sea bridge will commence proceedings on September 4.

In its invitation to former Port Commissioner Ferdie Ferreira, the Committee said it wanted to determine "whether due diligence governed the conduct of all aspects of the maintenance and management of the provisions of the sea bridge service and to determine the changes and challenges with respect to the maintenance of the ferries."

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had expressed concern in Parliament about the contract which had been entered into with Bay Ferries valued at US$7 million a year, questioning whether the country had gotten value for the money spent on the contract in the 11-year period.

The Bay Ferries contract for the maintenance of the vessels ended last year and Ferreira said in his written submissions to the committee he will be explaining why he pushed for the contract to be brought to an end.

He will also be explaining, he said, why a former member of the board of the Port Authority supported the request for an 18-month extension on the MV Super Fast Galicia, the vessel which had been serving the sea bridge without problems, since 2014.

Currently, the T&T Express is the lone passenger vessel servicing the route and is supplemented as needed by the Water Taxi Service. The T&t Spirit was taken out of service in June for repairs and maintenance with a promise that it would have been brought back into service in July. However, the vessel remains in dry dock while parts are being sourced for it.

The T&T Express is also expected to go on dry dock before November.

President of the Inter-Island Truckers and Traders Association Horace Amede said the association had been invited to appear before the committee to speak about the ferry service.

He said all he wants to see at the end of the day is that "we get two proper working fast ferries and a proper cargo vessel, we will be happy with that."

Truckers have in the past complained about a number of problems on the Cabo Star which they say is overrun by rats and rodents, problems with the toilets and the air condition, and there is no cafeteria for them to purchase water or meals.

But in a statement, the Port said since the introduction of the Cabo Star the transportation of passengers, drivers, cargo and vehicles "has returned too a regular and reliable service between the islands."

The Port said its data reflects that there is "excess capacity on the sea bridge," and it is encouraging citizens to utilise the vessels available.

With the cancellation of the Ocean Flower 2, the Port Authority yesterday published in the daily newspapers an invitation to "duly qualified agents, brokers or vessel representatives" to tender for the supply of a roll on/roll off passenger fast ferry on a two year time charter, with the option to renew for one year.

The deadline for sealed tenders is September 20.

There is a marked difference in the process. The Port said tenders will be opened publicly at 2.15 pm on the same day (September 20).

It said late submissions will not be accepted and it reserved the right to cancel the tender process at any time.

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan told the T&T Guardian he will be taking a "deeper interest" in the process this time around.

The process for the procurement of the Cabo Star and the Ocean Flower 2 is now under investigation by businessman Christian Moutett the sole investigator appointed by the Prime Minister, the Integrity Commission, and the Port Authority.

Bridgemans Services Ltd has maintained that the procurement of the vessels was in keeping with international practice and they did nothing wrong.

Rhondor Dowlat

Following through on the words of T&T's most recent sporting heroes, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is urging citizens to support each another as Government seeks to implement the most progressive strategies and policies to attain economic, social and cultural growth and development.

Earlier this month, in what was deemed an incredible pre-Independence Day gift, T&T witnessed the "fantastic four" - Jarrin Solomon, Jareem Richards, Machel Cedenio and Lalonde Gordon - bring home the country’s first ever gold medal in the 4x400 metres relay event at the IAAF World Championships in London, England. A few days earlier, Richards made his mark in the 200 metres event with a bronze medal.

This followed the achievements in July of Akeem Stewart, who secured gold in the men’s F44 shot putt and javelin events at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in London.

Rowley noted these achievements in his speech marking the country's 55th anniversary of Independence.

"I noted the remarks of the young men as they spoke to the media after their races. When asked about their achievements, the young men described themselves as being “focused and fearless.” They declared that they had "made up their minds” and that “our country can achieve if we work together.” On this Independence Day 2017, let us move forward with the focus, grit and determination demonstrated by our athletes," Rowley said.

"Like our athletes, let us make up our minds to be focused and fearless on being the best we can be individually and collectively. I believe that we are a winning team of capable, enlightened citizens. Let us come together as a winning team."

Rowley said as a small island developing state, T&T has always depended on its creativity, willingness to work hard and ability to stand firm together as a nation.

In order to continue on the path of growth and development, Rowley added that "we the people are mandated to foster a strong patriotism, as well as our own capacity to take full advantage of opportunities through clear focus, grit and determination."

He said despite our challenges, "T&T continues to live up to the promise and potential we demonstrated in 1962 and we can ill-afford to falter now."

Rowley insisted that citizens must strengthen the democratic institutions and implement policies that are tailored to specific conditions and developmental objectives.

"In so doing, we will increase our chances of success exponentially," Rowley said.

The PM also implored citizens to re-commit to the nation's motto "Together we aspire, Together we achieve."

"On behalf of the Government, I wish each and every citizen of the Republic of T&T a safe and happy Independence. May God continue to bless our nation," he said.

Former T&T High Commissioner to Ghana Nyahuma Mentuhotep Obika says it is "disrespectful" for banker Robert Le Hunte to return the citizenship bestowed on him by the government of Ghana.

Obika fears that there will be diplomatic fall out as a result of what he deemed "a slap in the face" for the Ghanaian Government, he said "you don't give it back, is not a shirt you borrow from somebody. This is the country's identity."

Le Hunte took the oath of office as Minister one week ago, but four days later Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley indicated that the appointment was in breach of section 42(1) of the Constitution and advised the President that Le Hunte could not serve as a Senator because information had come to him that Le Hunte had Ghanaian citizenship.

Rowley told reporters on Tuesday "there was a communication glitch." He did not explain what the glitch was and why the information only to came to him about Le Hunte's Ghanaian citizenship after he took the oath of office.

Le Hunte has since returned to Ghana to revoke his Ghanaian citizenship. The Prime Minister said he expected that would be done by tomorrow and once that is completed Le Hunte will again take the oath as Public Utilities Minister, until then Rowley will re-assume duties as Public Utilities Minister.

Obika told the T&T Guardian that Le Hunte was bestowed the citizenship by the Ghanaian government in December 2016 as part of a policy of recognition by that government introduced by President Kwame Entuma to offer citizenship to Africans in the diaspora.

Le Hunte, he said, was given the second recognition by the government of Ghana on March 6 on the country's 60th anniversary of independence, when he said the Ghanaian government wanted to give special recognition and "one of the awards was for the diaspora in terms of investment."

Obika said Le Hunte was selected "as the Managing Director of Republic Bank Ghana for having brought in the largest foreign direct investment portfolio with the purchase of the HFC Bank by Republic Bank to the tune of over US$700,000 into the Ghanaian economy."

"So he got a second recognition by the government of Ghana for this direct foreign investment, notwithstanding that others as well like Jamaica have several companies in Ghana and what have you."

Both the citizenship and the subsequent award, he said, caused Caricom nationals from Jamaica, Barbados and even Trinidad and Tobago who had been living in Ghana for over 50 years "to become very upset that they were bypassed, especially for the honour of citizenship of Ghana."

The bestowing of the citizenship by the government of Ghana, he said, "is a very serious thing. Africans take very strong pride in a title and all of this is a very serious matter for them to do that."

Obika fears there will be fall out from Le Hunte's decision to give up the citizenship. He said "here it is you being given citizenship, being honoured on their 60th anniversary and now you have gone to give it back to them. You going to throw back the citizenship in their faces. This is going to have a serious negative impact on Republic Bank's presence in Ghana and will upset diplomatic relations between the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Republic of Ghana."

He said "this is going to hurt Ghanaians very deeply. I am telling you this will be a sad blow. It is a royal mess, a sad blow to relations between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago."

Obika said he personally was "very very upset about this situation," because as High Commissioner he "played a significant role in Republic Bank's effort to obtain HFC Bank."

Asked whether the process for renunciation of the Ghanaian citizenship would be as quick as envisaged by the Prime Minister and the situation could be resolved by tomorrow, Obika could not say but indicated that "it is not something that happens on a regular basis." The T&T Guardian sent a message to this country's honorary counsel in Ghana, Hilton John Mitchell, but he said he was in meetings all day and unable to talk.

On trial now. Former People’s Partnership attorney general Anand Ramlogan, who has become the country’s first former AG to be charged with criminal offences, will appear in court tomorrow on two charges.

Ramlogan, 45, who was detained at dawn on Tuesday for questioning on witness-tampering allegations made by Police Complaints Authority chairman David West, was charged in the matter 36 hours later, around dusk yesterday.

The two charges which were laid against Ramlogan at approximately 5.32 pm were misbehaviour in public office and obstruction of justice. Ramlogan was charged at the Criminal Investigations Division on St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain. He was taken there very late on Tuesday night after being questioned at the nearby Police Headquarters for 12 hours earlier.

The charges arise from allegations in a report made by West to the Commissioner of Police on January 28, 2015, according to the T&T Police Service yesterday. (See box)

Ramlogan was granted bail in the sum of $750,000 covering both charges. He was released from police custody around 6.45 pm.

At the end of yesterday’s long day, Pamela Elder, SC, lead attorney of Ramlogan’s legal team, told the media, “My client has been charged with two offences, one of common law - misbehaviour in public life - and the other, under the Criminal Offences Act, for obstruction of justice.

“These charges are very serious allegations ... very serious allegations being made against my client, who has been a former attorney general who has served this country with distinction.

“He’s a person with unblemished character and I patiently and eagerly await the day when the person who has made these allegations against my client appears in court and supports them - we await him.”

Elder was surrounded by other members of Ramlogan’s legal team - attorneys Gerald Ramdeen, Wayne Sturge, Alvin Pariagsingh and Sean Sobers.

Minutes after Elder finished speaking and the team left, Ramlogan also left the CID compound. His exit, however, was cloaked and he did not speak to reporters.

While the process of charges and bail was taking place inside the CID building around 6.10 pm, outside, his black SUV was driven by an aide into the CID compound through the Sackville Street entrance.

Soon after his legal team left, the vehicle emerged from the CID compound with Ramlogan in the back seat. He was glimpsed wearing a long-sleeved white shirt. The SUV then sped off.

Two of Ramlogan’s brothers and his cousin, who had arrived around 4.40 pm along with former People’s Partnership minister Devant Maharaj - all immediately left after Ramlogan did.

PoS Magistrate hears case tomorrow

Police said yesterday that the charges were laid following consultation with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Apart from alleged misbehaviour in public office, the other charge of obstruction of justice alleges the following: That Ramlogan, in the county of St George West, “reasonably believing that West was a potential witness in judicial proceedings, did use threats, bribery or other means to dissuade West from giving evidence, contrary to Section 11 (2A) of the Criminal Offences Act.”

Ramlogan will appear before a Port-of-Spain Magistrate tomorrow to answer the charges. They were laid by acting ASP Arrlet Groome (Fraud Squad.)

Legal sources said Ramlogan - an officer of the court and former legal adviser to the PP Cabinet - created history by becoming the first former AG to be charged with criminal offences.

They noted one-time AG Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj was jailed years ago - prior to becoming AG - for contempt of court, but this was for refusing to apologise to a judge.

The CID location where Ramlogan spent yesterday and was charged sits next to the Cabildo Chambers where he was formerly based as AG during the PP’s tenure.

Ramlogan “unwell”

The laying of the charges against Ramlogan marked the end of a long 36 hours of police custody - between Tuesday and yesterday - for the former AG

After his arrest at his Palmiste, San Fernando home around 6 am Tuesday, he was taken to Police Headquarters, PoS, where he was grilled for 12 hours with 189 questions.

Later that night - after 10 pm - police sources said Ramlogan was moved to a room at CID headquarters, obliquely opposite Police Headquarters. This, while police reviewed information on the matter and awaited instructions from the DPP.

A decision was expected yesterday morning. Media and other people gathered near the PoS Magistrates’ Court from early. But they waited in vain.

Ramlogan and his legal team were also ready very early. One of his aides emerged from the CID compound around 8.45 am with a tote bag and plastic bag containing towels and other items, including a blue travel pillow.

By 10 am, rumours were flying that instructions had been given to charge Ramlogan and he’d been charged - but that didn’t happen until seven hours later.

Lead attorney Elder, who arrived at CID around 11.20 am to ascertain what was taking place, told reporters then, “Our client hasn’t yet been charged. It’s becoming a bit oppressive now since he’s been in continuous detention since 6 am (Tuesday) and has co-operated fully with police officers.

“You’d appreciate he’s been arrested on reasonable suspicion that he committed an offence and this investigation has been going on for some two years now, so a reasonable expectation is that if charges are to be laid they’d have already been laid.”

On whether the situation had anything to do with political victimisation, Elder added, “That thought hasn’t entered my mind at all.”

Elder, Ramdeen, Sturge and Pariagsingh, who remained conferring on the situation, were joined by veteran Justice of the Peace Ackbar Khan.

Khan said Ramlogan “... wasn’t feeling too well. I gave instructions for him to have a room and bed so he can relax a bit, he’s comfortable.”

Police sources also confirmed Ramlogan didn’t appear to be “well.” He was said to be napping at one point.

But last night after Ramlogan left CID, his attorney Ramdeen said, “He’s fine now, he isn’t ill.”

When the situation did begin to move towards the laying of the charges - from around 4.45 pm - Elder returned to CID with another Justice of the Peace after Khan left earlier.

Yesterday, the Opposition UNC issued a directive to officials not to comment on the matter until the situation was clear. The Law Association also cautioned the public about comments and “inflaming political passions” with it.

Campers and visitors to the popular Shark River in Grande Riviere will now have to pay a fee to park and enjoy the popular liming spot.

In addition, litter wardens will be on site to ensure that campers and visitors keep a clean scene.

The fee, which is yet to be determined by the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation and other stakeholders, becomes effective on Independence Day. The fee becomes effective today.

Terry Rondon, councillor for Grande Riviere and chairman of the Corporation, made the announcement during the Grande Riviere Shark Fest last Sunday.

He said the fee was being imposed because people were in the habit of visiting Shark River and leaving litter scattered all over the area which villagers were then left to clean up.

Rondon said he felt ashamed, after long weekends and public holidays, to see the amount of garbage left by visitors.

“It is an eyesore and worst of all, it provides a haven for flies, which can cause the outbreak of diseases,” he said.

Rondon said although litter bins and portable toilets were provided at the site, some people had no respect for the area. As a result, he said, measures were being implemented to curb unacceptable behaviour and people would learn the hard way.

“There is too much lawlessness. People feel they can do as they want and get away. This disrespect for the people in the northeast coast must come to an end,” he said.

Members of the Shark Fest Group, headed by Peter Marcano, will be responsible for collecting the fees, while litter wardens will ensure that people dispose of their garbage responsibly.

Marcano said it should not be that because Grande Riviere is “behind God’s back,” people visiting the area were allowed to misuse and abuse the environment by leaving garbage strewn all over the place. He warned litter bugs to refrain from this practice as they could be charged by the litter wardens.

“You found the place clean then make sure when you leave, it remains clean, take your garbage with you,” he said.

Villagers welcomed the move saying it would provide an opportunity for the small man in the community.

RALPH BANWARIE

A couple from central Trinidad are among three people expected to appear in court today charged with possession of guns and narcotics. They were arrested in two separate police exercises between Wednesday evening and yesterday.

In the first exercise, a 29-year-old Maracas man was arrested during an exercise led by Sgt Sterlin Taylor and including Cpl Shiraz Ali and Constables Lindon Holder, Varin Manna and Jibrael Ali. They found a revolver with two rounds of ammunition and a quantity of marijuana in a white panel van at Maracas and arrested the driver of the vehicle.

The exercise was part of an ongoing effort by officers to arrest a man in the Maracas/Las Cuevas area they say is a “kingpin” in drug trafficking along the north coast.

In the second police exercise, Central Division officers led by Sgt Persad and Cpl Bassant went to a house at Union Village, Couva, armed with a search warrant and arrested a couple after finding two 9 mm revolvers along with 28 rounds of 9 mm ammunition in their possession.

They also found 13 transparent packets containing high grade marijuana with an estimated street value of $250,000.

​In a surprise move yesterday evening, former banker Robert Le Hunte was sworn in as a Senator and Minister of Public Utilities for the second time in the space of a week.

He took the oath of office at around 7.30 pm in a ceremony at the Office of the President in St Ann’s just days after his original appointment was revoked because of his dual citizenship.

Notice of the second swearing in ceremony was issued at around 4.30 pm yesterday, just hours before the ceremony.

It stated: “His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona ORTT, SC President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will today (Independence Day—Thursday 31st August, 2017 ) appoint Mr Robert Le Hunte a Senator and swear him in as a government minister on the advice of the Honourable Prime Minister.

“Mr Hunte will be sworn-in as the Minister of Public Utilities. The ceremony will take place at the Office of the President, Circular Road, St Ann’s at 7.30 pm.”

Le Hunte took the oath of office as minister one week ago, but four days later Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley indicated that the appointment was in breach of section 42(1) of the Constitution and advised the President that Le Hunte could not serve as a Senator because information had come to him that he had Ghanaian citizenship.

Section 42 (1) of the Constitution states that “a person shall be qualified to be appointed as a Senator if, and shall not be qualified to be so appointed unless, he is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago of the age of 25 or over.”

On Tuesday, Rowley blamed a communication glitch for the mix up but did not explain why the information about Le Hunte’s citizenship status only came to him after he took the oath of office.

Le Hunte returned to Ghana to revoke his Ghanaian citizenship and Dr Rowley he would be re-appointed a senator and minister once that was done.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has been managing the post of Public Utilities Minister since the revocation of the appointment of former Housing Minister Marlene McDonald and held the position from July 1 to August 23 until Le Hunte’s appointment on August 24.

He again took on the portfolio briefly this week until Le Hunte was sworn in for the second time. McDonald spent two days as minister before her appointment was revoked after she was accompanied to her swearing-in ceremony by Cedric “Burkie” Burke who was in 2011 arrested and charged under the anti-gang law.

In the Rowley administration the Public Utilities portfolio was first held by retired Brigadier Ancil Antoine who was appointed on September 11, 2015 until he was relieved of ministerial responsibilities on October 30, 2016.

He was followed by Fitzgerald Hinds who held the portfolio from October 31, 2016, to June 29, 2017.

Sherene and Elijah Allen did not get the chance to take the baby girl they named Hannah Abigail home from the hospital. Instead, the grieving Princes Town couple are planning her funeral and are calling for an investigation into the cause of the infant’s death hours after she was born at the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH).

Sherene is still warded at the hospital and the family is seeking answers about her emergency caesarean-section as they were told there is an incision in her colon as a result of the surgery.

“To be honest, I put everything in the Lord’s hands. I don’t want this to happen to anyone else. I won’t like to see anyone go through what I went through, after carrying a baby for a full term,” she said.

Sherene, who was due to give birth on August 22, was given a letter to go to the SFGH. At the hospital she was examined and scheduled for induced labour on August 29. However, she began experiencing pains and discharge of blood and went to the hospital on August 28 where she was examined and told by a doctor it was “definitely no form of labour.”

“They did not even keep me for observation. Knowing that I am from New Grant, so far from San Fernando, she still sent me home and told me to come back 8 am on the 29th. When I went back home, nothing really happened until around 5.30 pm when I was taking a shower and I noticed something gushed out of me. It was clear and brown. I started to think that my water bag had broken because they did four kinds of examination on me.”

Sherene and Elijah once again went to the hospital. This time when another doctor examined her, he found chunks of solid, dark-brown pieces along with the discharge. The baby was found to be in distress and Sherene was prepped for an emergency caesarian section.

“I had no other choice. I needed to get this done because at 40 weeks I was told that I had a healthy baby. I was frightened a bit, but I was more concerned about the baby. I wanted to get it over with as it placed both of our lives at risk,” she said. Hannah was born around 10 pm that night and Sherene and Elijah were able to spend a few moments with their newborn daughter before she was taken away for treatment. Later, when another gynaecologist went to check on Sherene, they told her her baby was dead.

“I think she would have been alive if the doctor had kept me when I went to the hospital earlier in the day. I had this thing coming out and I would have been able to alert them so they could do other tests,” she said.

Contacted for comment, acting CEO of the South West Regional Health Authority Dr Albert Persaud said he would look into the matter.