RALPH BANWARIE

Two cousins were shot dead yesterday stopping Fathers’ Day celebrations in Salybia. The double murder also threw several people living in the North Eastern coast into mourning.

Jahovan Roberts, 21, and his cousin Mark Roberts, 23, of Primus Street, Salybia, died in the vehicle in which they were travelling out of Matura.

They were shot several times about the body.

The vehicle, a white Teana driven by Mark, with his cousin in the front passenger seat, was found parked in the driveway of a villager at Matura around 5 am yesterday.

Police could not give a motive for the killings. They, however, said Mark was well known to them.

The incident pushed the murder toll to 237 for this year.

Mark’s body was found slumped over the steering wheel while Jahovan was found with his hands over his face.

Jahovan, a father of one, and Mark both attended a short pants party held at Joe Winter’s Bar, Matura. They reportedly left the party around 4.55 am and was making their way to Sangre Grande.

Police believe they were forced to drive the vehicle into a villager’s driveway in Matura where they were attacked by a gunman who opened fire on them.

One eyewitness reported that the assailant was also a passenger of the vehicle, sitting in the back seat. Both victims received gunshot wounds to the back of their neck and head.

Eyewitnesses also reported that a lone masked man walked away from the vehicle after the shooting and escaped in nearby bushes.

Police said around 5.15 am yesterday, they received an anonymous call about the shooting and that a strange white vehicle with headlights on, was parked in the driveway of a villager at Matura.

A police team responded and began investigations.

Jovahan was dressed in a black long sleeve jersey and blue and white short pants, while his cousin was in black short pants and a black jersey.

Police officers found several spent shells inside the vehicle and nearby.

Jahovan’s brother, Jason, told the T&T Guardian his brother was at their Salybia home sitting in the gallery talking and making plans for Father’s Day celebrations when a white vehicle pulled up in front of their house. He said Jahovan immediately got up and left in the vehicle. He said his brother did not tell him where he was going.

He added: “I did not know it was Mark who was driving until this morning. When we went to the scene we saw him in the front passenger seat of the white vehicle, dead. I could not believe what I saw. I remained in shock.”

Francis Roberts, a former police officer and uncle of Jahovan, told T&T Guardian that Jahovan’s both parents reside overseas. He added that Jahovan was “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Francis added: “He was a good boy...Only a few days I spoke with Jahovan and he was very happy and in good spirits. I warned him to stay away from bad company and stay focused in making his life a success.”

Francis said when he received the news about the killing he could not believe that Jahovan was dead.

At the scene Francis had to be consoled by police officers.

A resident said he was drinking coffee around 5 am when he heard explosions. “I did not realise that two men were shot and killed, but found it strange when I saw a white vehicle with bright lights at a standstill near the driveway.”

The neighbour added: “I looked out again and still saw the lights on the vehicle but no movements.”

The man said he became curious.

“I heard police sirens blasting and police vehicles began to stop and park, with heavily armed officers alighting from the vehicles. Then I learn that there were two dead men in the vehicle,” he said.

Jahovan’s relatives described him as a law-abiding man.

The Roberts family said yesterday instead of Father’s Day celebrations, they now have to prepare for a wake.

District Medical Officer Dr Chandolu viewed the bodies and ordered their removal to mortuary at the Sangre Grande District Hospital.

The bodies will be taken to the Forensic Science Centre in St James tomorrow for autopsies.

Cpl Jones of Homicide Arouca, Region 11 continues with investigations.

The Met Office has issued another bulletin saying the country should begin to experience Tropical Storm conditiopns within the next 18 to 24 hours.

The bulletin was issued at 6 am, which means the conditions should start anywhere between midnight and 6 am Tuesday.

It notes that the system has not as yet developed into a Tropical Cyclone but says it has the potential to become one.

It is located 1005 kilometres east-southeast of Trinidad and Tobago and is moving west at 37 kilometres per hour.

The system contains maximum sustained winds of 65 km/hr with higher gusts.

It is expected to produce 50 to 125 mm of rainfall over Trinidad and Tobago.

The Met Office's next bulletin will be at midday today.

The Met Office is warning of adverse sea conditions with waves as high three metres.

It is warning persons with marine interests to exercise caution in all sea-related activities.

The following is a statement by the Met Office.

"The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) is informing the public on the deterioration of sea conditions along coastlines of Trinidad and Tobago in 24 to 30 hours.

While the sea state is currently moderate, it is forecast to become more agitated today with waves reaching 3.0 m and above.

These waves are being generated by an area of disturbed weather located approximately 1200 km east-southeast of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Wave heights are forecast to increase to 3.0 m and above from this afternoon, Monday 19th June 2017, along coastlines of Trinidad and Tobago, especially the northern, eastern and southern coasts.

These rough seas will continue into the following day, Tuesday 20th June 2017. 

Additionally, conditions will be exacerbated during high tide.

Fisher-folk and citizens, in particular those residing along coastal areas, are asked to be on the alert for these expected sea conditions.

All necessary measures should be taken to preserve life and property.

GIVEN THE FORECAST MARINE CONDITIONS, ALL MARINE INTERESTS ARE ADVISED TO BE ON THE ALERT AND EXERCISE CAUTION IN ANY SEA RELATED ACTIVITIES.

The TTMS continues to closely monitor sea conditions and will issue an update at 12:00 p.m. today, Monday 19th June 2017, or earlier if the situation warrants."

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has issued two addition hotline numbers in light of the Tropical Storm Warning.

The following is a statement issued by T&TEC.

"The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission wishes to advise members of the public that as a result of the Tropical Storm Warning issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Office, in addition to the existing 800-TTEC (8832) and 800-BULB (2852), two new hotline numbers will be activated from 6.00 p.m. this evening.

The numbers are 794-4823 and 794-7264.

The public is reminded to stay away from any fallen lines or poles and should not attempt to move or interfere with the infrastructure, but rather to contact T&TEC immediately in the event of any hazardous situations using the numbers above.

T&TEC’s personnel would be available 24/7 at the Command Centre to take all reports.

Safety is of high priority to the Commission and as such we urge the public to take extra precaution during the Tropical Storm Warning."

Caribbean Airlines has cancelled 31 international and domestic flights due the ongoing tropical storm warning.

In a press release issued this morning, the airline affected customers traveling between today and Wednesday would be able to change or cancel their reservations without penalty.

Passengers who wish to change their flights must complete their travel by June 25 and travel in the same cabin as originally booked.

"Caribbean Airline will not be responsible for arrangements or transportation to/from an alternate airport or hotel/overnight expenses incurred by affected passengers," the release stated.

The airline advised its customers to visit their website or cal their call center at 1-868-625-7200 to check their flight status before going to the airport.

International Flights

BW550 - Port-of-Spain to New York
BW483 - Miami to Port-of-Spain/Port-of-Spain to Guyana
BW459 - Kingston to Antigua/Antigua to Barbados
BW481 - Ft Lauderdale to Port-of-Spain
BW485 - Orlando to Port-of-Spain
BW434 - Port-of-Spain to St Lucia
BW435 - St Lucia to Port-of-Spain
BW448 - Port-of-Spain to Barbados
BW449 - Barbados to Port-of-Spain
BW438 - Port-of-Spain to Grenada
BW883 - Port-of-Spain to Suriname

Domestic Flights

Port-of-Spain to Tobago- BW1650, 1522, 1528, 1532, 1538, 1526, 1530, 1536, 1540, 1550 
Tobago to Port-of-Spain - BW 1651, 1523, 1529, 1533, 1539, 1527, 1531, 1537, 1541, 1551

All Tobago House of Assembly (THA) offices will remain closed tomorrow as a result of the potential Tropical Storm expected to hit T&T tonight. 

The announcement was made today by the THA Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles.

He has also announced that the Tobago Budget which was due to be read tomorrow, will be delayed until Thursday.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young has said that it is too early to say whether Government offices will be closed on Tuesday.

Government agencies said they are prepared for any emergency arising out of the tropic storm forecasted to hit T&T tonight.

A forecaster at the Meteorological Service said the Tropical Storm Warning remained in effect for T&T, Grenada and its dependencies.

He said the forward edge of the system was already reaching rural areas in East Trinidad such as Rio Claro shortly after midday.  

The forecaster said the system was moving forward at a fast rate and can affect the islands between 8 pm and 2 am. 

The weather system was not named because it is a potential tropical cyclone. 

In an yesterday, Kenny Gopaul deputy chief fire officer said the Fire Service has activated an emergency plan and cancelled leave for officers and the Auxiliary officers were on stand by. 

"Office personnel are on operational duty. We want the public to access the shelters (in emergencies) and keep in contact with a friend or relative during the event," he said.

Gopaul said Government schools, fire stations and community centres were being used shelters in the event of emergencies. 

He said citizens should have a plan, secure all loose items outside the home, store drinking water and medicines.  

Gopaul said citizens can access Fire Service by calling 990 or 999 for assistance.

Health and safety officer of the lifeguard branch of the National Union of Government & Federated Workers, Augustus Sylvester said fishermen were outside on the beach preparing for the storm. 

Sylvester who was based at Las Cuevas said beach-goers were scarce at the beach yesterday.

He said there were 12 lifeguards at the nine of the nation's beaches. 

"The water is calm and things are normal and the fishermen were pulling out their boats and bringing them on the land and tying them down," he said. 

Sylvester said the water at the beach was calm and inviting. 

"You know the calm the before the storm...we (lifeguards) are out and with the overcast sky there is hardly people on the beach except fishermen. We just waiting to hear via the radio and listening to the news," he said.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said staff at the various hospitals were prepared for the storm.

"Of course they are, always and staff at the Accident and Emergency staff are fully prepared and equipped," he said.

Education Minister Anthony Garcia said the ministry will be keeping updates on the event. 

"It is a bit early to make a decision about the closure of schools at this time. While the main concern of the Ministry of Education will always be the safety of the school population, we will be guided by the Meteorological Office.

"A release will be made once the necessity arises. Unless otherwise advised school goes on as usual," he said.

In Tobago, Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles announced the closure of all school and non-essential service offered by the Tobago House of Assembly. Emergency shelters were open from 8 pm and residents were urged to find alternative shelter if they believe they may be in danger.

ODPM advised:

Pack an emergency kit for your entire family including non-perishable food, potable water, first aid supplies, flash light, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, et cetera.
•Ensure that preparations are made for persons with special needs and pets.
•Secure all important documents in a waterproof bag.
•If you live in a flood-prone area, place furniture and appliances on a height from the ground and keep sand-bags easily accessible.
•Develop a family emergency and evacuation plan.
•Ensure that lawn furniture and loose outdoor items are properly tied down or brought inside.
•After heavy rainfall, stay inside until water levels subside and venture outside only when it is confirmed safe.
•Do not walk / drive through flood waters and avoid areas that experience high impact flooding.
•Be cautious and vigilant when walking /driving along hillsides or landslide prone areas.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley last night urged citizens to remain calm and do not panic as Tropical Storm Bret bears down on the country.

Rowley, who was speaking in an interview to CNC3 News from Tobago said, there was no reason to close operations at Government agencies and other places of work. A voice note circulated by Public Service Association president Watson Duke called on public servants to stay away from work.

He said he was confident in the emergency operations and plans in place in preparation for the approaching storm.

“With respect to the latest information given out by the T&T Met Office we need not do more than we have done so far,” Rowley said.

He urged citizens to act responsibly and listen to all official bulletins by the Office of Disaster Preparedness Management (ODPM).

“There is no need to panic. We have a good emergency and response system in place and we are receiving sound advise from the Met Office who is advising the ODPM,” Rowley said.

“We are on full alert and on standby,” he said.

As most of the country was preparing for effects of Tropical storm Bret, three men were murdered in a shooting in Laventille last night.

According to reports, shortly after 6 pm police received a report of a shooting at an apartment building near to the basketball court at John John, Laventille.

Police found the three victims lying in a corridor to an exit of building. All three were shot several times and were pronounced dead on the scene by a District Medical Officer.

The sneakers of the victims were missing.

Police had not identified the victims up to late yesterday but said that it was likely gang-related based on the circumstances.

Investigators were on the scene up to late last night attempting to interview residents who may have witnessed the shooting.

Autopsies are expected to be performed on the victim’s bodies today.

The three murders raised the murder toll for the year to 222.

Citizens living in rural areas should be prepared to wait up to 72 hours for disaster relief in the event of damage caused by the possible tropical storm, which was expected to reach this country last night.

Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of National Security’s office in Port-of-Spain yesterday, relief officer with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management Captain Neville Wint said while all State responders were mobilised and prepared for any eventuality caused by the weather condition, relief may be slower for people living in rural communities.

“The 72 hour protocol is an international standard where we ask members of the public to sustain themselves for that period in the aftermath of a disaster.

“Based on the impact it would take time for resources, personnel and equipment to move into position to assess damage,” Wint said.

Borough Corporations throughout T&T are ready and are actively operational for any eventuality arising out of the impending tropical storm damage.

Port-of-Spain Mayor Joel Martinez said the city corporation workers were up until late last night preparing for the tropical storm system.

Martinez was speaking yesterday at a press conference at the Port-of-Spain City Corporation in Port-of-Spain.

“We are getting ready at city corporation to take care of this impending tropical storm,” he said.

He said the disaster management unit, councillors and members of the public health committee were preparing for any emergency situations.

“We are asking the citizens of Port-of-Spain and environs to be aware of the tropical storm and we are assisting the burgesses with sand bags and taking note of areas that could be affected by this heavy rain storm.”

Martinez said the city corporation police would be patrolling areas to assist those in need.

“The corporation vehicles are on standby with backhoes and trucks and the corporation workers are on standby. We are waiting for any calls. There are 20 shelters and three were community centres with managers at all the shelters available to receive anyone in distress,” he said.

Martinez said the corporation would be looking at various areas to assist citizens who are in distress.

“If anyone is in distress and would like assistance, they should not hesitate to call. We could only hope and pray and we are a lucky country. We could never be too sure, let us prepare,” he said.

Councillor and public health officer June Durham said sandbags are given out in areas of lower Woodbrook and St James.

“I started giving out sandbags and we will be going out later to make sure everyone has sand. We made sure everyone has water and we have tarpaulin,” she said.

Durham said if there citizens were affected by flood waters they should get to higher ground. She also urged citizens to have fresh drinking water and stock up on food.

Alderman Wade Coker said citizens should watch their children as they like to play in rain and water.

At the Chaguanas Borough Corporation, an emergency meeting was held yesterday headed by Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) for Central Division, Surajdeen Persad, and including Senior Superintendent Kenny Mc Intyre, Inspector Chunilal Bedassie and Inspector Gibbs of the Central Division Police.

The Operational Response Plan was headed by Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodhan, and was attended by Deputy Mayor Faaiq Mohammed, Councillor Ronald Heera, Councillor Vandana Mohit, Councillor Andell Paramsook, Councillor Debideen Manick and Alderman Marisa Ramlogan and partnering stakeholders, inclusive of REACT, Police, Fire Services, and Disaster Management.

Citizens were also urged to exercise caution and be vigilant in case of flash flooding or any other adverse effects of the inclement weather pattern at this time.

Meanwhile, the Arima Mayor Lisa Morris-Julian and the Arima Borough Council advised that they are correctly collaborating with the Disaster Management Unit to ensure that the Borough is prepared for the upcoming weather disturbance.

The Arima council has confirmed that all shelters have been examined and are secure for the possible relocation of the burgesses. It also points out that the borough’s main water courses have been inspected and the water within them is flowing freely.

“The burgesses have heeded the warnings and have been actively preparing by purchasing emergency supplies and securing their premises. The mayor and council are encouraging burgesses to remain calm but vigilant as the tropical storm warning is in effect,” Morris-Julian said.

Dozens of passenger travelling between T&T were left stranded as sailings of the Inter-Island ferry and domestic flights were cancelled yesterday due to the tropical storm warning.

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) and the Port Authority announced the temporary closure of their services over 12 hours after warning was issued by T&T Meteorological Service on Sunday.

When a news team visited the departure terminal at Piarco International Airport, dozens of passengers were overheard making alternative arrangement to stay in Trinidad for the night as airline staff announced that flights were expected to resume this morning.

“I have work in the morning but I guess we don’t have a choice but to sleep here tonight,” one woman, who came to Trinidad with members of

her church for a weekend treat said.

Another family from Buccoo, Tobago, said that they were initially booked to travel on the ferry but decided to try for a flight after they were informed at the ferry was cancelled earlier that morning.

“We really did not know what to do because we have no where to stay,” one member of the family said as they began to construct a make-shift bed with their suitcases.

Several travellers also questioned if Caribbean Airlines would be increasing flights today to accommodate all the displaced passengers as the inter-island air-bridge was already oversubscribed on public holiday weekends.

Several people interviewed as they arrived on the last flight for the day from Tobago said that fellow passengers were experiencing similar frustration at the Arthur NR Robinson Airport. The last flight left Tobago at 1.15 pm, leaving scores of angry passengers.

Candles and drinking water were almost sold out in several supermarkets yesterday throughout T&T as hundreds of consumers flocked to get last-minute supplies in light of the approaching tropical storm.

While many shoppers said they weren’t panic buying, they admitted that they simply “have to stock up on water, candles and canned foods.”

Speaking with the T&T Guardian yesterday, one of the supervisors at Massy Stores, Mid Centre Mall, Chaguanas, Sharmaine James, said that the doors were opened at 7 am and since then there have been a constant flow of shoppers.

“I suspect that that it will be that way until the supermarket closes at 5 pm. The lines are longer than normal and what I am seeing passing through the counters in great numbers are candles and bottles and cases of water,” James said.

“The shelves are almost empty,” she said.

An employee at Tru Valu supermarket at Trincity Mall said by 2 pm all candles were sold out. “Shoppers are out in extraordinary numbers. There are long lines with people mainly buying candles and water.”

This was also the case at Super Quality and Price Club supermarket in Chaguanas.

Shopper Shernel Romain of Edinburgh 500, in Chaguanas, said he was at Massy Stores “to pick up some essentials.”

“While I am not panic buying we all have to be concerned. People say God is a Trini but we cannot take that for granted. I am from a family of six and I will be getting some candles and water,” Romain said.

Nicole Johnson, of Endeavour, Chaguanas she was there to get her candles and water supplies.

“The warning is serious yes but I will just pick up some candles and water just in case.”

State agencies warned members of the public yesterday to secure their property and prepare for the effects of a tropical storm that was due to affect T&T last night.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries urged farmers and fisherfolk to secure livestock and marine assets and in many fishing ports boats were hauled inland to safety.

Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat said farmers and fisherfolk should take this warning seriously and take the necessary precautions.

“Fishermen need to secure their boats and stow gear on land and farmers need to act now to shelter or evacuate farm animals,” he said.

Rambharat said the ministry was already coordinating inter-agency resources to provide relief to farmers and fisherfolk should it become necessary.

“There is only so much you can do with serious weather but paying attention to the bulletins and moving quickly to secure your assets will help reduce losses for farmers and livestock producers,” Rambharat said.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Avinash Singh advised fisherfolk to secure their boats and fishing gear in a Facebook post.

“Please take the advice from the Met offices seriously, now is not a good time to be out at sea, secure your boats and fishing gears, livestock farmers secure your animals, vegetable farmers pay attention to the water levels in waterways close by and open sluice gates and blockages where necessary to reduce the impacts of flooding. The Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries stand ready to support its stakeholders as this storm draws closer.”

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) also urged home-owners to download or write down the emergency numbers for all emergency service providers in their districts.

In a statement home-owners were asked to monitor trusted news sources for notifications and warnings and follow the directives of local officials.

“The HDC reminds parents to safeguard young children. Give special attention to the elderly and the disabled in your community. Stay in touch with neighbours.”

The release said home-owners should stock up on essential items such as medicine, special foods and baby supplies.

“Remember to secure valuable documents, all pets must be monitored and secured and If leaving your homes, remember to secure your properties.”

The HDC Emergency Coordinating Team activated its Emergency Operational Plan alongside and in support of all the disaster response services throughout the country.

T&T Electricity Commission (T&TEC), another government entity, added two new hotline numbers in light of the tropical storm. The numbers 794-4823, 794-7264 were activated from 6 pm yesterday. Members of the public were advised the existing numbers were 800-TTEC and 800-BULB

Storm warning stops ferry sailings

Vilma Lewis-Cockburn, manager, marketing and public relations at the T&T Inter-island Transportation Company said the weather conditions were being monitored in wake of the tropical storm warning.

In a release yesterday, she advised that the noon sailing yesterday and 6.30 am from Scarborough today were cancelled due to weather bulletin in effect.

The weather conditions are being monitored and the public would be advised of the new sailing times.

The release said due to weather bulletin in effect, the water taxi sailed from Port-of-Spain at 6 am and from Tobago at 2 pm and the T&T Express sailed as scheduled.

Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a 17-year-old boy who died at a children’s home in Valsayn supervised by the Children’s Authority.

According to reports, St Joseph Police were called to the home located at Ashland Avenue, Valsayn, after officials found the resident hanging in his room.

The victim, later identified as Joshua Boneo, was pronounced dead by a District Medical Officer (DMO) who ordered that his body be taken to the Forensic Science Centre in St James where an autopsy is expected today.

Investigators interviewed fellow residents and staff at the home after the discovery was made but are expected to return to do additional interviews once the autopsy is performed.

In a press release yesterday the authority said it was deeply saddened by Boneo’s death.

“This situation is a reminder that despite consistent support and counselling, some of the children who are received into care are often troubled because they have undergone significant trauma,” the release said.

The authority also promised counselling for the other residents and staff at the home.

Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) leader Ancel Roget yesterday called for a radical overhaul of the government, starting with the immediate firing of five Government ministers.

Roget who seemed undaunted by the tropical storm threat, overcast skies and rainy conditions also announced that a Labour Day celebration will be held in streets of Port-of-Spain in August.

The unions were resolved to follow through with the Labour Day celebrations in Fyzabad which marked the 80th anniversary of the oilfield riots. Thousands of workers dressed in their respective union polos marched to the beat of rhythm bands and tambu bamboo chanting traditions solidarity songs.

It was also the first time in many years the three union umbrellas, JTUM, the National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non-governmental Organisations (FITUN) were united for the celebrations. Public Service Association president Watson Duke also attended the event.

Expressing his disappointment with the Government’s performance, Roget said a radical overhaul of the Government was not only necessary, but critical.

“In this overhaul the defective parts must be removed, and new parts must be installed for the proper functioning of the engine of government. The country deserve it and must accept no less,” said the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union president general.

In this regard, he called, for the removal of Finance Minister Colm Imbert, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, Public Utilities Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe and Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan.

He also criticised Sinanan for his handling of the seabridge issue to Tobago. Since April 21, after the departure of the MV Superfast Galicia transport of goods and passengers to Tobago have hit several obstacles. The Port Authority is seeking to replace a barge—he Trinity Transporter and the cargo vessel—he Atlantic Provider, both of which have been deemed unsuitable for the job. The two fast ferries have been experiencing significant mechanical problems leaving passengers stranded on many occasions.

Roget said the labour movement will also be embarking on a massive moblisation drive throughout the country which will see them heading to Tobago on June 30.

T&T is expected to continue experiencing Tropical Storm conditions for the next six hours.

According to a Tropical Storm Advisory issued by the T&T Met Office at midnight Tropical Storm Bret is expected to move away from Trinidad and toward the north coast of Venezuela early on Tuesday.
 Grenada and its dependencies can expect Tropical Storm conditions within 6 hours.

At 11 pm Monday, the centre of Tropical Storm Bret was located near 10.0ºN latitude 61.3ºW longitude near the southern coast of Trinidad.

The Met Office said Tropical Storm Bret was moving to the west-northwest at about 37 km per hour and is expected to gradually slow down over the next 48 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 km per hour with higher gusts.

 Little change in strength has been forecast during the next 12 to 24 hours.

The advisory said Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 130 km from the centre and Minimum central pressure is 1008mb.

Citizens and all concerned were advised to closely follow the directions and advice of their Disaster Emergency Managers at this time. 

Tropical Storm Bret has come and gone, leaving in its path a trail of destruction across the country.

Brett also indirectly claimed the life of 40-year-old construction worker Andy Manyair, who died when he feel to his death after slipping on a makeshift bridge as he tried to run through the heavy rains to get to his home. (See other story)

No other deaths or injuries were reported in the wake of Bret.

But as today dawns the Met Office is warning of more rain and riverine flooding, which means that many communities already battling the ravages of Bret will continue to feel the impact of a storm which is no more.

Riverine flooding is more prolonged and widespread in comparison to street and flash flooding, according to the Met Office. It said although water levels in the primary Caroni river remain contained, “the threat is still high” and data from the Water Resources Agency indicates that “water levels in the nation’s major rivers are approaching threshold levels as a result of expected run-off from the current rainfall.”

Further rainfall activity is forecast with accumulations of 20-30 millimetres, and the possibility of rivers over flowing according to the met office is “real and imminent.”

Citizens in general, and those residing in the Caroni River Basin in particular, are asked to be on the alert for rising river levels and possible overspill.

There have been reports of high level flooding in areas such as: Penal Rock Road, Penal Mohess Road, Penal Debe, Barrackpore -Papourie, Enterprise – Chaguanas, Caparo and the Mosquito Creek Road and people commuting to and from these areas have been advised to find alternative routes if possible and to proceed with extreme caution.

As clean-up operations continue today, those most affected by Bret are living in fear that more showers could spell further disaster for them.

Penal/Debe, Mayaro, Princes Town Moruga and Carapo, were all under flood waters yesterday and with riverine flood warnings in effect, it may be some days yet before any semblance of normalcy is restored.

Many affected are praying for some sunshine in place of the rain, which continued to pound the land long after Bret had made its way from Trinidad to Venezuela yesterday.

(See pages A5, A6, A7 & A10)

Ramrajee Chance a pregnant mother of five from Sunrees Road in Penal told the Guardian that she and her children spent fourteen hours under a table watching their clothes and food wash away by the onslaught of Bret.

In Moruga and Princes town there were reports of fallen trees and roofs being blown off homes.

Yet still, shelters set up for use were under-utilised as many preferred to battle the elements and do what they could to salvage anything they could.

Ministerial tours and visits by opposition parliamentarians brought only small relief to those battling the ravages of the storm.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley who was in Tobago when Bret hit, issued a message thanking those who had worked “tirelessly to prepare us for the storm’s passage and those who continue to render assistance to those who still require help.”

Among those whom he felt were in need of special commendation were the Office of Disaster Preparedness (ODPM), under the Ministry of National Security, for its management of the preparation and its continued efforts to coordinate relief for those who have been adversely affected by the storm. That preparedness, he said, was evident as they skilfully and professionally managed the threat of the tropical storm.

Rowley also praised the T&T Meteorological Service for the “vital role” they played “in the effort to minimise the negative effects of the storm, by working with the ODPM and dispensing timely information and updates to ensure the safety of people, property and livestock.”

He also paid tribute to the management and staff of the public utilities, T&TEC, TSTT and WASA “for the dedication demonstrated in the face of the threat.”

First responders who left their own families during a time of uncertainty to serve the national community, he said, also deserved the gratitude of the country for their commitment.

Even as he was thanking those who did service to country, a war of words had broken out between the Public Services Association president Watson Duke and the Public Administration Minister Maxie Cuffy over the attendance of public officers to work yesterday.

Duke said under the law public officers were entitled to stay home where they were affected by a storm. Cuffy, however, said public officers should have gone out to work. By his count, Duke said 90 per cent of public servants stayed home yesterday, as was their right.

Schools were officially closed yesterday and some will remain closed today after being adversely affected by Bret, while others continue to be used as shelters.

Tropical Storm Bret is being indirectly blamed for the death of a 43-year-old construction worker in East Trinidad yesterday.

Andy Manyair died during a desperate dash to escape the heavy rains brought by the storm, when he fell and broke his neck.

It was first reported that Manyair fell off the roof of his home at Mt Pleasant, Arima, while trying to secure the galvanize sheets from being ripped off by Bret.

However, relative confirmed yesterday that Manyair, a part time DJ, fell some ten feet to his death at his recently constructed Las Lomas home while running through heavy rain.

They believe Manyair, who went by the sobriquet “DJ Channas,” was crossing the wet decking pan he used as a makeshift bridge from his home to the roadway when he slipped and fell sometime between 3 am and 4 am yesterday.

Relatives believe after spending some time stuck in his car due to the heavy rains, Manyair decided to run home. He was found some time later in the drain under the makeshift bridge, barely breathing. They said when the contacted the emergency health services they were told what to do assist him until they arrived. Unfortunately, by the time medical officials arrived Manyair had died.

“He was a real dedicated family man. He build this home from the ground up and made sure his family moved in for Christmas gone. Right now the family not taking this well at all,” a female relative told the T&T Guardian.

Relatives said earlier in the day Manyair, father of a 2-year-old son, had complained about the hazardous nature of makeshift bridge in the rainy season.

Bret grew into a storm from a tropical depression around 5 pm on Monday and by 5 am yesterday had already passed, leaving millions in destruction in its wake.

Bret affected Trinidad and Tobago as well as Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines and continued westward, losing its storm status yesterday.

Up to late last night chairman of the Tunapuna Regional Corporation, Paul Leacock, was distributing hampers to affected residents at Oropune Gardens in Piarco.

For most of the day yesterday, most parts of the Housing Development Corporations’s (HDC) development there was under several metres of flood waters. About 100 homes were affected.

Speaking with the T&T Guardian last evening, Leacock said the flooding there seemed to have been caused by a malfunctioning water pump.

“It has a very large retention pond and with the apparent malfunction it made it difficult to pump out the water as it was backing up.”

He also disclosed that up to late last night workers front the corporation were still trying to remove fallen trees throughout the region, including Lopinot, Caura and St Joseph.

“A lot of people had their roofs blown away and we will be assisting in repairs today with help from the T&T Defence Force’s soldiers. Immediate relief such as tarpaulins were given out,” Leacock said.

He added that food hampers were sponsored by Xtra Foods Supermarket in Arima to aid affected residents at Oropune Gardens.

Meanwhile, several roofs were blown off by high winds and there was flooding in Sangre Grande and environs, leaving scores of people marooned in their homes and major roadways cut off to motorists.

But people who either lost roofs or were flooded out were placed in shelters and food and basic supplies were provided to them through the emergency relief efforts of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation.

SGRC chairman Terry Rondon said a total of 25 houses had their roofs blown off across the region.

At Valencia a family of 15, including five children, got the shock of their lives when their roof went flying.

Godfrey Sandy, a senior citizen in the household, told T&T Guardian he was watching television in the living room at 8 pm when he heard a “ripping” sound and when he looked up he saw the sky as his roof was gone. “I was a bit confused and shouted to others the storm is here. My children came to me and said relax,” he said.

However, the children who were awake began to scream and had to be consoled by their parents and grand mother. The family later went to relatives to spend the night, but Sandy said they were left traumatised.

The flooding caused many residents to stay indoors and call in emergencies at their workplaces.

Some residents said they lost all their furniture and appliances in the flood waters.

Rondon said this was the worst flooding he had seen in Sangre Grande and put some blame on contractors who are developing lands for housing.

“We have cleared most of the water courses in the region, but several housing projects are going up in Sangre Grande and development of the land results in the blocking of some water courses,” he said.

Tarpaulins were given to some home owners who lost roofs and food, water and blankets were distributed to those in shelters.

Rondon thanked God that Matelot, Grand Riviere and Toco were spared.

There were some hiccups early on though as councillors complained that resources for those affected, including sandbags, were not readily available. But after an emergency meeting between the SGRC and the ODPM reps the problems were addressed.

However, water continued to rise in Sangre Grande up to last evening and people were fearful that when the tide rose they would have to brace for more flooding.

President Agricultural Society of T&T Dhano Sookoo also expressed concern for farmers, noting thousands of dollars in crops will be lost to the flooding.

“What we will see happening over the weeks is a rise in the cost of market produce that will affect all householders in Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.

RALPH BANWARIE