T&T Defence Force (TTDF) members are said to be on “high alert” and will be dispatched over the next few days to work alongside the T&T Police Service (TTPS), as security measures are heightened to ensure a safe Carnival 2018 for tourists and citizens.

This heightened approach came on the heels of police announcing they had disrupted an imminent “terrorist” threat to disrupt the Carnival celebrations in Port-of-Spain.

As tens of thousands more tourists are expected to arrive over this weekend, strategic and intensive security measures are being put in place at the Piarco International Airport.

According to airport security sources, all leave has been suspended by the Airports Authority of T&T (AATT) until the curtains of Carnival 2018 come down on Ash Wednesday morning.

Speaking with the T&T Guardian under strict anonymity, an officer said sniffer dogs will be out at full force at the airport.

“We expect bomb detector dogs to be brought in to go through all checked-in travelling bags and cases. Also, sniffer dogs for drugs, for those who will choose to attempt to bring in illegal drugs in this busy period.

“Some officers will also be carrying random and frequent checks of all people traffic in and out of the airport, including those coming to pick-up passengers.”

Contacted for an official comment yesterday, AATT corporate communications manager Zola Joseph said they would not release security procedure to the public.

On what plans the Immigration Division may have to ensure a smooth flow of arriving passengers, Joseph referred the T&T Guardian to the Immigration Division. However, up to press time there was no official response issued by the division.

But an Immigration officer told the T&T Guardian officers are expected to report to duties “as normal.”

“This is the busy peak period for arrivals in T&T and all officers are expected to report for duty, but it is not certain if there would be full attendance because of the grievances expressed by some over the non-payment of overtime salaries and other issues,” the officer said.

National air carrier Caribbean Airlines has announced that some 5,800 arrivals are expected from yesterday to tomorrow.

Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon told the T&T Guardian that in preparation for the increased flow of visitors, the Immigration Department has put contingency measures in place to ensure the smooth flow of returning citizens and visitors.

“As customary during the Carnival period, security measures are increased at all our airports and sea ports ... These measures, together with the island-wide operations, are all geared to ensure a safe and secure Carnival for all,” Dillon said.

T&T is at high risk and becomes a "soft target" during the Carnival celebrations. So says Paul-Daniel Nahous, a certified US Anti-Terrorism Officer and Israeli Counter-Terrorism Combat Instructor, following claims of a terrorist threat in T&T.

“Carnival season is in counter-terrorism or terrorism known as a soft target…easy to hit and the impact of hitting would be great because of the amount of people and possible locations. It is also a symbolic thing to hit during national festivities as it is deemed a huge reward on their end, which is the terrorist end,” Nahous said.

Nahous advised revellers and spectators, who would be on the road for Carnival, to know the route they are taking for Carnival, section the route into zones and for each zone to create its own muster point.

“So, in case of a mass shooting or bombing you would be able to get to your muster point. Do not look for people in the band or who you came with because no one is going to hear you because there is going to be hysteria. If your muster point is blocked off for some reason, have a back up, maybe a side road…communication is afterwards.”

He warned that if for any reason you are taken hostage, “do not fight back, stay calm and comply…do what you are told to do and don’t try to play hero in the situation because it is not a movie thing.

"It is not going to have a happy ending because if it is a veteran in terrorism they will kill you without thinking twice or if it’s an amateur they will get nervous and kill you…so do not do anything to get them nervous.”

He said the only time you should attempt to escape or fight back is if it's in the most dire of circumstances where they are executing hostages and the opportunity presents itself.

Do's and Don'ts during an attack

Do have a plan

Do make sure everyone is on the same page of the plan

Do find the quickest and most efficient way to your muster point, especially when choosing your muster points

Don’t get yourself so drunk that you don’t know what’s going on

Do not attempt to find anyone through the confusion

Do not try to use your phone to contact anyone because its not going to make sense no one will hear you or communication would be down

If you see any unusual behaviour, for example, someone dropping a backpack in a bin or with a gun in their waist report it to the police or soldier.

Do not accost the person yourself

Do not question or ask that person anything

Do not try to run your own investigation

Do not try to stop the person or attempt to catch him yourself

Do make note of what clothes they are wearing, not so much their jersey or shirt because it can be changed easily but note what colour and type of pants or shoes

Make note of their skin colour, ethnicity and/or any serious distinguishing marks, like a scar or tattoo. Identify things on them that would be easy to remember and easy to report.

If you are in a band and hear gunshots or explosions:

Do not immediately drop to the ground because there would be a stampede and you can get killed…what you should do is get your head down and try to get to somewhere safe, for example, your own muster point

Do not try to run to the hospital, get to somewhere safe and once out of danger, signal someone because there is going to be soldiers and police everywhere

Do not try to move the injured to the hospital yourself because you may cause more bleeding to occur. Your job is to signal the authorities

British couple Amanda Binns, 40 and Elias Mark Jr, 33, who were in T&T for Carnival 2018 were forced to pack up and return to London with their two children, just hours after they were robbed at gunpoint of their phones and rental vehicle.

The incident occurred on the morning of February 6, just as they arrived at a relative’s home along Tumpuna Road in Arima, after attending Machel Montano’s Soca Kingdom concert in Port-of-Spain.

At about 2.20 am, as they exited the Toyota Rav 4 rental vehicle, two men approached them. One of the men “cocked” the gun and pointed it towards Mark’s face, demanding that he hand over his phone or “get shoot”. The men also took Binns’ phone before escaping in the SUV.

Binns’ mother is Trinidadian and Mark’s father is also Trinidadian. However, both are British nationals living in London, and have two children–a girl, aged three and a ten-month-old baby boy.

Speaking with the Sunday Guardian yesterday, Binns described the incident as “traumatic” but at the same time thanked God that they are alive today.

She said hours after the incident, she contacted British Airways and told them of the robbery and asked to be put on the next flight out of T&T. They departed that same day.

Binns explained that not only was she robbed, but she was shocked by the treatment they received after. The first was an issue with the police about jurisdiction in which the crime occurred and why they could not take their report, while the other was the treatment meted out to them by the car rental company that operates out of Piarco International Airport.

“First, when my father-in-law contacted the San Raphael Police Station they said they couldn’t take the report because it was not in their jurisdiction and directed us to La Horquetta Police Station. When Elias went there, La Horquetta police told them it was within San Raphael’s jurisdiction. Here, in London, people do not go through that. The police take the report and then contact whoever else and takes it from there,” Binns said.

“When we went to the rental company we weren’t even asked how we were doing…all they cared about was asking us a thousand questions and were only interested in if we saw what the gunmen looked like and what they were wearing, as though they were the police. They also wanted to charge us TT$9,000 for the insurance excess, given the fact that when I booked the vehicle in November via online I already paid £900, plus a further TT$3,000 deposit, when we actually got the vehicle last Thursday.”

Upon her return to London and still trying to come to terms with the robbery, Binns took to her Facebook page and wrote: “People, for those of you that don’t know Trinidad; to come away from an incident like this, unharmed, is quite literally, unheard of. It is not enough for bandits to rob you; they need to beat you, humiliate you, rape your wife and murder anyone they find in your house, parents, children, grandchildren and then murder you too. I swear to you I am not exaggerating. This is the state of Trinidad. Crime over there is violent and it is bloody and people who are victims do not walk away from incidents. They are carried away in body bags.”

Binns chose this way of highlighting the robbery on the heels of the UK issuing a travel advisory to its citizens because of the heightened crimes and criminal activities in T&T.

If the robbery had not occurred, the couple was due to return to London on February 23. They came to T&T so that their daughter could have experienced her first Carnival.

Attorneys for the men detained in last Thursday's police probe of a Carnival disruption plot are making legal bids for their release.

This, after the 48-hour period in which the men could have been detained without charges expired between 7 am and 9 am yesterday. Shamoon Mohammed, father of detainee Tariq Mohammed, said he was also sending a "demand letter" to Commissioner of Police, Stephen Williams and the arresting officer, seeking immediate release of his son.

But official sources told the T&T Guardian the four men may remain detained throughout Carnival.

Mohammed said their attorney yesterday began filing a writ of habeas corpus to have Mohammed released as the 48-hour detention period ended yesterday.

Mohammed added, "We've complied and co-operated. But the 48 hours expired and we felt they should have freed him. Therefore, we must file this writ. We are also sending the demand letter to the CoP and arresting officer."

He said Mohammed was allowed to use a phone to call his family late last Friday night. He asked for a change of clothes as the police had not finished their questioning.

Mohammed added, "When police came last Thursday, they requested Tariq to go with them voluntarily, they didn't demand. He wasn't handcuffed. Once he's released, they're free to talk to him and we invite them to search. But they have no right to continue holding him at this point."

The writ was expected to be completed by 4 pm yesterday. It will be served today or tomorrow.

The attorney is seeking to have Mohammed appear before a judge for authorities to explain why he continues to be detained and was not charged. The family hoped the application will be heard immediately by a judge in chambers in emergency session.

Mohammed said his other two sons who were affected in last Thursday's searches are writing the Police Complaints Authority. He said one was hit and the other forced to lie down and his hands were tied up.

Heightened security

There was heightened security as Carnival 2018 got going yesterday with parade of children's bands in downtown Port-of-Spain. Security presence was highly visible in and around parade perimeters.

Security in T&T has been high following searches at homes in El Socorro and other areas—including the Nur E Islam mosque—early last Thursday. Several people were detained concerning the disruption plot. Police Information officer ASP Michael Jackman revealed police had unearthed credible information of a threat to disrupt Carnival. He confirmed the individuals planned to engage in criminal conduct to disrupt Carnival activities.

Yesterday, Jackman confirmed police investigations are continuing.

There has been no confirmation that any others have been detained since Thursday. But security sources said "solid" investigations have been ongoing by police across T&T for some time on this matter and Thursday's events "didn't just happen out of the blue".

They noted Government's mandate for national agencies to reinforce security systems following word of T&T nationals joining Islamic State over 2013-15 and also after some nationals were sent back to T&T from the Middle East over 2016-17.

Rajaee Ali shifted from Frederick Street prison

Amid the heightened security, sources indicated murder accused Rajaee Ali was shifted from the Frederick Street prison last Friday to the Maximum Security prison. The Frederick Street prison is along the Carnival parade route. They also said a Cunupia mosque was searched by police yesterday afternoon. National Security Minister Edmund Dillon did not answer calls on this yesterday.

The family of another detainee, Mustapha Khan, also said they had spoken to attorneys and will proceed "accordingly" to act after the end of the 48 hours. "Let the law take its course, he'll be vindicated."

They said when police returned to their El Socorro home with sniffer dogs to do a second search on Friday afternoon, they found no guns or ammunition. They said they only took documents.

"They were very courteous and professional, no abuse or threats. Fawaz is only 28 with a wife and three-year-old child, he never had any brush with the law," they said.

Ali's relatives said their attorney was filing a writ seeking his release.

"But we're hearing they wouldn't release them before the Carnival. It's very sad. Fawaz had made plans for the long Carnival weekend to fix the house and his truck," they added.

"We've been able to drop food for him at the (police) station, but we can't see him. An officer said we could bring his Qur'an for him to read."

A fourth, allegedly one Eddie Ishmael Aleong, from Enterprise, is also still in custody. The men are detained at different East-West Corridor police stations.

FLASHBACK

In an exclusive Sunday Guardian interview in February 2017, Tariq Mohammed had appealed to T&T authorities to clear his name after the Islamic studies scholar returned home after being detained in Saudi Arabia for 16 months. T&T police had also questioned him on links to terrorism before he left for Saudi Arabia in 2015.

When he arrived in Saudi in 2015, he was detained and questioned by Saudis about suspicion of terrorism. Mohammed—a student at the University of Medina for seven years—was not charged and was released. He arrived home last December and was grilled by Immigration for two hours.

Mohammed, the nephew of attorney Nafeesa Mohammed, related instances of perceived torture. He had warned that one could fall victim to entrapment in Saudi Arabia. He had also said that after his experience he wasn’t encouraging anyone to “‘study anything in the Middle East”.

During his detention in Saudi prisons, he was alongside inmates including scholars, political prisoners and people who fought in Afghanistan. He said he was asked about Isis and about T&T people who joined (Isis) and was told Saudi agencies had a close eye on the university he attended and “hunted it” for Isis members

He had said “T&T is a nice place, let’s stay out of fighting any war and live peacefully. The way things are going, you have to keep your distance."

The Muslim Roundtable (MR) has expressed concern about certain alleged action in Thursday's searches. The MR was formed last year, under the auspices of the National Security Ministry and US Embassy, with Muslim groups to counter extremism.

MR head Hafeez Khan, en route to the Middle East for prayers, said, "The Roundtable wants clarification on the recent raids at masjids. We commend security agencies for their intelligence gathering and follow-up action to negate any threat to security. We commend respect shown to places of worship, but the process of breaking down and shooting down doors of innocent persons and injuring them cannot be condoned.

"We hope the same diligence applies to the situation that resulted in the record number of murders in the last two years. We're willing to work with agencies on strategies to help reduce any threat coming from within the Muslim community."

Islamic Front leader Umar Abdullah said yesterday the 48-hour detention period had passed without any credible "information" being produced.

"In one case we heard a blue camouflage pants was found but everyone has such types of clothing. We also have concerns about the building Rajaee Ali is now being held in."

There was a heavy police presence in downtown Port-of-Spain and the Queen's Park Savannah for the National Carnival Bands Association NCBA/Republic Bank Ltd Junior Kiddies Carnival parade of the bands, yesterday.

This is in the aftermath of Thursday's police investigations concerning a plot to disrupt Carnival.

The police officers, male and female, mainly came from the Port-of-Spain Division, Belmont, Central Police Station, Besson Street Police Station and officers from the Inter Agency Task Force (IAT), and many were heavily armed.

They were deployed along the downtown junior parade starting point at South Quay and at the Savannah.

Come rain or shine, the young masqueraders could not be denied their place on the “Big Stage” as they jumped up, chipped and danced in their colourful, dazzling costumes in front the judges and appreciative audiences in the Grand and North Stands. One section leader/mom in Aladdin and the Magic Lamp mini band led her charges with her arm in a sling.

Large band leader Rosalind Gabriel junior revellers' costumes in her Buy Local presentation were smaller versions of “big people” costumes with backpack harnesses and brightly coloured wings and banners as they moved rhythmically in the morning sun.

Margaret and Associates Sailing the Caribbean also impressed with their take on traditional sailor mas with pretty girls in white spandex sailor pants and colourful accessories.

Machel Montano's Soca Kingdom ruled the roost at South Quay with Iwer George's Savannah coming second, however when the kiddies bands crossed the savannah stage it was to George's aptly named tune that was played slightly more than Montano's, nine to six.

Education Minister Anthony Garcia, who was at the parade, said it was gratifying to see depictions of the country's history, art and creativity on show and he wanted to encourage it in young people.

Garcia said the children demonstrated the ability to work and play together. He was sure if it continued and students were encouraged, the level of violence in society will diminish.

Overall market activity resulted from trading in 14 securities of which eight advanced, one declined and five traded firm. Trading activity on the First Tier Market registered a volume of 235,433 shares crossing the floor of the Exchange valued at $5,242,404.38. Neal & Massy Holdings Ltd was the volume leader with 92,026 shares changing hands for a value of $3,773,066.00, followed by Trinidad Cement Ltd with a volume of 41,487 shares being traded for $113,037.67. GraceKennedy contributed 25,000 shares with a value of $92,730.40, while National Enterprises Ltd added 16,856 shares valued at $193,839.68.

National Enterprises Ltd enjoyed the day's largest gain, increasing $1 to end the day at $11.50.
Scotiabank T&T and Witco also jumped by $1 each, closing the day’s trading at $37.50 and $50 respectively. Republic Bank added $0.76 to close at $78.02, while GraceKennedy close up by $0.10.
Conversely, Plipdeco suffered the day's sole decline, falling $0.15 to end the day at $4.75. The mutual fund market did not record any activity. Fortress Caribbean Property Fund remained at $5.11, while Praetorian Property Mutual Fund closed at $3.49. Savinvest India Asia Fund remained remained at $62.51.

The second tier market did not witness any activity. FNCU Venture Capital Company remained at $1.00 while Mora Ven Holdings did not move from $15.52. The Composite Index advanced by 13.14 points (1.53 per cent) to close at 870.55. The All T&T Index advanced by 22.18 points (1.84 per cent) to close at 1,226.33. The Cross Listed Index advanced by 0.57 points (0.90 per cent) to close at 63.95.

The threat to disrupt Carnival 2018 is still very much on, acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams stated yesterday as he announced that three more people are now in police custody following ongoing investigations into the matter.

A total of seven adult males have now been detained with respect to the threat, Williams said.

That threat, however, is not a "terrorist threat" and did not involve the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) unearthing "any threat in relation to any embassy or high commission with a diplomatic presence in Trinidad and Tobago", he said. Williams said talk of embassies being attacked were simply "rumours".

"The threat we speak about is of unusual criminal acts of varying forms, including violence," Williams said.

Williams said the investigation into the Carnival 2018 threat is a "live one" and that the TTPS is "doing everything legally possible to eliminate that threat".

Williams said the investigation into the matter is being fully led by the TTPS and that they have not "fully engaged any external agencies for extensive support".

The TTPS has not had any direct presence from the United States in the investigation, he said.

Speaking at a special media briefing called yesterday, Williams said he could not say whether the seven men arrested are Muslim, but gave the assurance that no particular group is being targeted.

Williams, however, said that two Masjids have been searched by the police.

Murder accused Rajaee Ali, who was moved from the Port-of-Spain jail to the Maximum Security Prison on Friday, is not a "person of interest" in the matter, Williams said.

"At present, the investigators continue to interview persons detained and they also continue to pursue the gathering of evidence with a clear intention to prosecute persons where sufficient evidence would have been obtained," Williams said.

DPP being consulted

Williams said the Director of Public Prosecutions is being consulted at intervals.

Williams said the TTPS and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force will be out it their numbers to ensure Carnival 2018 is safe.

"Based on the advances we have made since the threat was uncovered, I am in a position to give the public the assurance that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service supported by our partner agency the Defence Force will continue to be out in our numbers at all Carnival venues to ensure a safe and secure Carnival 2018," Williams said.

Williams said the agencies are working swiftly to ensure the threat is dealt with.

"We are moving speedily to treat with that threat, the Police Service is out there in numbers, in numbers investigating and in numbers protecting and providing a safe and secure environment for the citizens and visitors alike," he said.

He did not disclose if a specific area was going to be targeted for the threat.

Williams urged citizens to remain vigilant and say if they see anything strange taking place.

"Any matter which may come to your attention and which you consider to be strange, unusual, untoward or out of the ordinary, you should feel free to share those matters to any police officer on duty or within any police station or call 999," he said.

When the TTPS first informed the public of the threat on Thursday, four people were detained. They were still in custody up to last night.

Williams said there was no fixed period of time to keep them.

"From the best of my knowledge, there is no fixed period of time to keep an individual, what is intended is that you need to be able to arrest persons and in a very timely way seek to prosecute them or release them," he said.

"At this point in time the investigation is ongoing and we are moving speedily to conclude the investigation with the clear intention to prosecute individuals where we have sufficient evidence and that is the reason why we are engaging the DPP on an ongoing basis to guide us on whether we have sufficient evidence."

The area at the Piarco International airport allocated for passengers travelling to Tobago was packed beyond capacity yesterday as passengers affected by the withdrawal of the T&T Express utilised the seats made available for them by Caribbean Airlines (CAL).

On Thursday, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago announced the withdrawal of the lone ferry from the sea-bridge with immediate effect.

The service was withdrawn in the "interest of public safety", PATT stated.

As a result of this situation and in light of the increased demand because of the Carnival period, CAL said it would accommodate passengers with confirmed tickets until next Wednesday.

In addition to its original schedule of 20,444 seats, CAL increased capacity by 4,720 more seats.

Passengers yesterday took advantage of the opportunity given by CAL.

When the Sunday Guardian visited around 2 pm yesterday, the airport was crammed with people heading to Tobago.However, passengers said the flights were running smoothly.

The situation is expected to remain the same for the rest of the Carnival period.

At the Port, the

Still no name, no confirmed religious group, nationality nor what exactly the threat is or was in regard to the reported plot to disrupt Carnival 2018.

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams only confirmed yesterday—at another of several media briefings held since the Police Service revealed the news last Thursday—that an eighth suspect has been held.

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, who hosted the briefing yesterday, spent quite a few minutes confirming and assuring that Carnival was safe for masqueraders and other revellers of the annual event urging them to go out and have their fun.

Yesterday’s news conference was held at the Ministry of National Security, Temple Court, Abercromby Street Port-of-Spain.

Dillon said law enforcement officers were fully mobilised to protect citizens and visitors to the island at this time.

Williams announced that there would be stop and search exercises, breathalyser testing, speed guns and police patrols in all communities.

When questioned yesterday by the media whether high profile prisoner Rajaee Ali’s removal on Friday from the Port-of-Spain Remand Prison to Golden Grove had anything to do with the ongoing investigations into the threat to disrupt Carnival or part of the heightened security measures in place, Dillon responded by saying whatever decisions are made within the prison regarding prisoners is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner of Prisons.

Pressed further on the same matter, as relatives of Ali have told the media that their understanding of his removal came as a direct instruction from Dillon’s office, he again dismissed this reiterating that providing additional or heightened security outside the parameters of any prison falls within his remit, hence the current reinforced security measures externally at various prisons namely Port-of-Spain Remand, Golden Grove and Carrera.

However, he noted it remained the sole responsibility of the Commissioner of Prisons with regards to the transferring or any other major decisions relative to prisoners.

“Anything within the prison’s domain is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner of Prisons who can move or adjust prisoners as he sees fit based on the nature of the situation,” Dillon said.

As for Ali’s relatives’ information, he said he could not say where they would get such information.

The involvement of the FBI or any other form of US official, joining forces with the various arms of national security to treat with the threat was also dismissed by Williams.

When asked about this by the media, Williams could not confirm that the circulating Whatsapp pictures of various types of explosives were the devices planned for use in the now foiled threat.

Williams said, “Well I do not know what you have seen, so I will not speak on what you have seen. we have shared that it involves violence which includes firearm, we have conducted searches for firearms and other forms of explosives.”

To the question of what would be the actual charge or charges for the suspects held, Williams added: “We have conducted the investigations and all the investigations are all geared towards unearthing sufficient evidence to prosecute the individuals.

“As soon as we would have achieved that by having the necessary evidence to prosecute we will prosecute.

Armed with blazing flames and glittering confetti BpTT Renegades broke a 21-year winless spell Saturday into Sunday morning to take top honours in the largeband category of Panorama 2018 with a Duvone Stewart arrangement of Year for Love.

Stewart earned double honourswith five-time winners Pan Elders leading the field among the medium bands playing the 41 year old arranger’s version of Brigo’s Limbo Break.

The Renegades’ win, with 287 points, made it ten times at the top for the 70-year-old Port-of- Spain-based band.

Its winning ways had come relatively late in its history with a hat-trick covering the years 1982, 1984 and 1985. The band also won in 1989, 1990 and 1993, then achieved another hat-trick with wins in 1995, 1996 and 1997.

Sunday morning, players and fans assembled in large numbers at the band’s Charlotte Street headquarters in anticipation of a win. They were not let down, while a jubilant Stewart negotiated a heavy security cordon on stage to collect his band’s winnings.

A heavy police presence was in evidence throughout the proceedings, with officers managing the stage outfitted in riot gear and bearing batons.

Meanwhile, the win for Pan Elders also marked a significant milestone in steelband history with five consecutive wins in the competition starting in 2014.

The evening started promptly at 7 pm and ended just short of eight hours later with the final notes struck by fourth place Invaders.

In second place among the large bands was Skiffle, which trailed by seven points and was followed by third-placed Desperadoes (279), Shell Invaders (278), Massy Trinidad All Stars and Nutrien Silver Stars with 277 points apiece, Phase II Pan Groove (276), FC Supernovas (275), Republic Bank Exodus (273) and MHTL Starlift on 270.

The Renegades run of form held steady throughout all phases of the competition, maintaining first place from the preliminary to final rounds. However, crowd favourites Phase II Pan Groove slid from second in the preliminaries to third in the semis to seventh on Saturday.

A similar slide occurred in the case of FC Supernovas which placed sixth in the semis but ould only muster an eighth place position despite improving on its score. By contrast, Skiffle staged a recovery after sliding to fourth position in the semis after occupying second slot at the preliminaries.

Pan Elders (285 points) beat back second-placed Petrotrin Katzenjammers on 274, a margin of 11 points.

In third place was Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille (272) followed by NLCB Buccooners (271), Petrotrin Siparia Deltones (268) and joint sixth-place contestants NLCB Valley Harps and Curepe Scherzando on 266 points.

Potential Symphony came in eighth with 264 points with Sangre Grande Cordettes (263) and Arima Angel Harps (262) trailing the pack.

In addition to Stewart, Carlton “Zanda” Alexander and Terrence Marcelle worked double shifts in the medium and large band categories.

Alexander served as arranger for both Petrotrin Siparia Deltones and Desperadoes, while Marcelle did the honours for Petrotrin Katzenjammers and Republic Bank Exodus.

Among the large bands, three songs enjoyed multiple places.

International Soca Monarch 2018 Aaron “Voice” St Louis’ Year for Love was played twice, along with Patrice Roberts’ Sweet for Days and Lightning Flash by Ultimate Rejects. Voice scored a hat-trick of victories when he took the soca crown this year.

A thin, sedate North Stand audience, which never appeared to cross the 25 per cent mark, contrasted with an energised, almost capacity Grand Stand. The “track” was, meanwhile, heavily populated as bands made their way to the Queen’s Park Savannah stage and yet another keen steelband encounter.

Players from Tobago steelbands Petrotrin Katzenjammers and NLCB Bucaneers were among the scores of people looking to return to Tobago yesterday ahead of Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

The bands, which placed second and fourth in the medium band category in Saturday night’s Panorama finals, were on the Port of Spain Port early yesterday to get on to the Cabo Star for the 1 pm sailing.

The pans and racks as well as some of the panmen were able to get on to the vessel, but many other panmen were shuttled to the Piarco International Airport for flights to Tobago.

Vice president of the Inter-Island Truckers Association Samuel Applewhite told the T&T Guardian that in addition to the pans, the vehicles of a number of people who had confirmed tickets on the T&T Express were also loaded on and some trucks were accommodated.

President of Bridgemans Services Limited Brian Grange said the company had always indicated the “versatility of the vessel” and because of the expansive lane meters on board, the vessel was able to “carry additional vehicles during Carnival.”

But the transportation of vehicles was just part of the sea bridge issue.

President of the Inter-island Transport Service Company Horace Amede said while the vessel had vehicle capacity, it could not carry more than 95 passengers and that is where the real problem lay.

He said the collapse of the sea bridge fell squarely to the board of the Port Authority. He said, “As head of the Truckers Association I believe that the entire Board fell down on the job and the entire board must go. They should hand in their resignations because they fell down on their job.

Amede said he was disappointed that Port chairman Allison Lewis, who “came with high credentials and as someone who could get the job done, has failed. That is a big part of the problem. She and the other members should tender their resignations. If they not doing what they supposed to do let the chips fall where they may.”

Throughout the day there were flights from Piarco to Scarborough to accommodate the number of people trying to get to Tobago. But Amede said this was still below what was required. He said in past years thousands of people, “from church groups to others would come to Tobago in their thousands for the carnival weekend. This meant a lot for the economy. But when you look at going from a vessel that could carry more than 700 people to one that can’t even carry a hundred and flights that carry just over sixty, it is a huge dent and businesses will suffer.”

The T&T Express was taken out of service last week Wednesday. According to the Port, the decision was made in the interest of passenger safety because of the high waves expected. But well placed sources told the T&T Guardian that the vessel was pulled off the route by the classification society for safety reasons.

Former calypso monarch Duane O’Connor was allowed to compete in last night’s Calypso Monarch finals following a last ditch legal challenge yesterday evening.

Delivering an oral judgment at the Hall of Justice in Port-of-Spain almost exactly an hour before the Dimanche Gras show was due to begin at 7 pm yesterday evening, High Court judge Ricky Rahim ruled in favour of O’Connor in his lawsuit against the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (Tuco).

Under Rahim’s order Tuco was instructed to allow O’Connor, who won the competition in 2012, to perform his song No Front Page in position 17 after reining monarch Dr Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool.

In a brief telephone interview after the decision was handed down, O’Connor said he felt happy after a week of legal wrangling with Tuco.

“After all the pressure I have been through this week, I feel elated and so happy,” O’Connor said.

He said he was disappointed with Tuco as it repeatedly refused to accede to his requests resolve the dispute without having to go to court.

Asked about how his chances in the competition, O’Connor said: “I am now going home to change but I ready for them tonight.”

In his lawsuit, O’Connor was challenging a judge’s decision to change his score for melody, from 28 to 25, during last Saturday’s Calypso Fiesta semifinals at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

O’Connor claimed that the change was unjustified as melody is constant and does not change during the song.

He alleged that the three point change resulted in him narrowly missing out on the finals.

O’Connor initially challenged the decision with Tuco’s Adjudicating Review Committee, which dismissed his claim earlier this week.

The committee also stated that there was no express rule preventing judges from changing scores provided the error was acknowledged and corrected on the score sheet as done in O’Connor’s claim.

O’Connor’s lawyers sent a pre-action protocol letter to Tuco on Wednesday indicating the committee was wrong as the rules required it to summon the judge to explain the error when it was queried by their client.

While O’Connor’s lawyers acknowledged that he could have appealed the decision with Tuco’s general council but such a process was impractical due to time.

O’Connor was expected to file the lawsuit on Friday but it was eventually filed shortly after midday yesterday, after Tuco refused a last minute appeal from O’Connor for a compromise.

O’Connor’s son Duane Junior won this year’s Junior Calypso Monarch title.

O’Connor is not the first person to gain entry into the finals through legal means. Last year, St Vincent-born Lornette “Fya Empress” Nedd-Reid was allowed to enter the finals after she won her lawsuit over being barred from the competition due to her nationality.

Tuco was represented by Tim Cherriandie.

Prison officers at the Maximum Security Prison (MSP) are confused and disgruntled as to why high risk prisoner Rajaee Ali was transferred from the Port-of-Spain State Prison on Saturday afternoon.

They are also peeved as to why he is being guarded by soldiers on a 24-hour basis.

T&T Guardian was informed by prison officers, who wished not to be identified, that Ali was taken to the MSP at 3 pm. There was a full military escort from the Port-of-Spain jail to MSP. The escort consisted of even a decoy prison van, members of the Prison Service, Defence Force and Police Service, all heavily armed.

Ali is the son of Jamaat-al-Muslimeen Imam Hassan Ali of the Carapo Mosque.

Ali went through a thorough body search before being escorted to Building 13 where he was placed. That building, was said to be vacant as it was recently renovated. It can hold as many as 300 inmates.

Ali is in prison for allegedly murdering special prosecutor Dana Seetahal SC and conspiracy to murder radio personality Kevaughn Savory.

In 2007 he escaped from the MSP.

Up to late yesterday, Ali was still imprisoned at the building, which is now being guarded around the clock by the military personnel.

Members of the prison service’s Emergency Response Unit, who are said to be all wearing masks, are said to be standing guard on the outside.

“This is causing a big problem in MSP here…we the prison officers are questioning why this is so? Why do members of the TTDF have to be guarding within the prison walls,” one prison officer said, who wished not to be identified.

The officers also questioned why the building was not properly utilised, “an entire building to hold one prisoner now not making any sense…that making sense?

“They can use that building to house, for instance, the Venezuelans because there is a high influx of these people and they are currently, being pushed in cells with local inmates,” the prison officer said.

The officers are calling on the relevant authorities, including the Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon and Prisons Commissioner Gerard Wilson to “let good sense prevail” in this “grave issue of importance, security, safety that falls within the rights of prison officers.”

President of the Prisons Officers Association Ceron Richards said he did not know anything about the matter but added that the Ministry of National Security can allocate security as deemed necessary.

When contacted for comment Wilson said the matter was “not one to be discussed.”

Fifty two foreigners were arrested by police who raided two hotels in San Fernando and Marabella, in a four-day crime dragnet.

The exercise, led by Senior Supt Zamsheed Mohammed and including Supt Gaffar, ASP Ramdeen, Insp Don Gajadhar, Sgts Ramlogan, Ifill, Juline, Ramroop, Williams and Parasram, resulted in the seizure of two pistols, a revolver, an assault rifle and 34 rounds of ammunition.

During the four day exercise, police raided the night club/hotels and arrested 52 foreign nationals, 16 of whom were without lawful immigration documents.

The police also arrested 104 locals for a range of offences, issued 198 traffic tickets and searched 1,215 searches.

Those arrested are expected to appear before the San Fernando, Princes Town and Siparia Magistrates’ Court stations to answer a range of charges.

Duane O’ Connor performs during Calypso Fiesta In Skinner Park San Fernando. PICTURE TONY HOWELL

Inter-Agency Task Force officers of Central Division and soldiers locked down the entire Enterprise area following two separate shootings incidents after a member of the Unruly gang was shot dead and two brothers injured.

Up to late yesterday, police and soldiers were carrying out searches in the area. However, up to late yesterday there were no arrests.

Residents said they were fearful, bracing themselves for reprisal shootings and killings.

In the first incident an attempt was made on four family members of murdered reputed gang leader Selwyn “Robocop” Alexis.

Details remained sketchy late yesterday but police said that attempt was made at about 4.30 pm on Saturday.

The second shootout between the “Unrulies” and residents of Bhagaloo Street occurred at about 8.30 pm. In that incident, two brothers, known as the Paris brothers were shot and wounded. Police said they were innocent.

Police sources told the T&T Guardian that gang members from the Unruly gang walked across to Bhagaloo Street and opened fire on several young men who returned fire. The Paris brothers, who were walking along the road, were hit by stray bullets during the crossfire. They were both taken to the Chaguanas Health Facility and treated.

In the incident involving the Alexis family, police said, a white SUV, occupied by four of Alexis’ children, were shot at while the vehicle was proceeding along the Old Southern Main Road, the panyard.

An eyewitness told the T&T Guardian that gunmen, known from the Unruly gang, ran out from Crown Trace and opened fire on the vehicle. Luckily no one in the vehicle was injured. However, police said one of the Unruly gang members, during the incident, accidentally shot one of his accomplices in the abdomen. He was taken to the Chaguanas Health Facility where he died while undergoing treatment. He was only identified as “Kwesi.”

This is one of several attempts made on the lives of family members of Robocop since he was killed in 2016. Two of Alexis’ brothers were also killed. On December 4, 2016, Alexis’ younger brother, Mervyn, 46, was killed along Railway Road, Enterprise, Chaguanas. That shooting took place one street away from where Robocop was killed on July 17, 2016.

On March 24, 2017, Sylvan Alexis, another of Alexis’ brothers, was killed at his home at St Francois Street in Enterprise at about 6.13 pm.

Robocop was at his business place along Freedom Street on July 17 when he was confronted by a man known to him. Alexis was killed along with his long time friend Kevin Escayg

The number of masqueraders were low but police presence was high yesterday as scores of children took to the streets to celebrate Kiddies Carnival in San Fernando.

In an unprecedented move, amidst reports of a terrorist plot to disrupt Carnival, a police officer was stationed in every band.

In the larger bands such as House of Jacqui’s Dancing with the Young Stars, there were four police officers moving with the kids as they trekked through Circular Road, Coffee Street, Cipero Street and then to Skinner Park.

Throughout the parade, police kept patrols at all exit and entry points of the city, stopping motorists and questioning anyone who looked suspicious. Plain clothes police officers were also milling around.

Jacqui Koon How, the owner of House of Jacqui said there was about ten percent less participation in her band this year but she attributed this, not to the terrorist threat, but to the downturn in the economy0my.

MP for La Brea Nicole Olivierre who participated in the St Brigids Girls’ RC School’s band titled Mama Look a Boo Boo Dey along with her two children Shomari and Shayera Olivierre, said she was satisfied with the level of security.

“We have a police escort and there are adequate police patrols along the route. I am satisfied that they are doing their best to ensure that we are safe,” Olivierre said.

She admitted that there was a slight reduction in numbers of masqueraders but said the creativity shown this year was exceptional.

“We have people coming out in innovative costumes and everything has been beautiful,” she added.

The parade started late and it was well after midday that the first band Dancing with the Young Stars reached Skinner Park. This was followed by the three section Carivog Kids which paid tribute to icons such as Peter Minshall and Lionel Jagessar. Irma and Friends then presented their masqueraders in the band Alladin and the Magic Lamp. Holding up plywood lamps decorated with paint and shining dust, it was evident that cheaper materials were used to produce costumes this year.

The Nations People presentation of Dancing Back Strong featured Indian mas costumes resplendent with features of red, yellow and white while Fyzabad Apex stars produced the Rainbow Medley which featured several sections showcasing the splendour of T&T.

Eckels Village AC School’s Sweet T&T presentation was well received by spectators.

The woman at the centre of a child prostitution ring, accused of pimping out her own daughter as a sex slave, has been questioned by police.

However, even though she confessed in a viral video to forcing girls into the sex trade so that she could collect and send money to her boyfriend who is in jail, the police released her without any charges, relatives said yesterday.

A source said the mother has been staying at a house in Morvant and has been boasting that the police could not touch her.

Her own family said they were concerned that the police were not taking the matter seriously, possibly because they too had paid the mother to have sex with under-aged girls.

A source said the teenager was frequently raped in front of her mother who collected $500 for each round of sex.

“We know the child is not lying but the police thinks she is. We want the Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams to look into this matter and investigate why the police have not arrested and charged this woman,” the source said.

On the day the video was filmed, the child fled Morvant after being raped by three men on separate occasions.

“The mother collected $1,500 and sent the child to bathe. She was bleeding. Her panties and clothes had blood stains when she came. She was crying and shaking. The police need to lock up that disgusting mother and throw away the key,” the source said.

A close relative said the mother also grew up in a children’s home and worked as a prostitute.

She has several children all of whom she gave away, the relative added.

Nekisha Byron aka Delilah who was mentioned in the video denied being involved in the video. She said the plight of the 13-year-old girl was one of many.

“Many more children are hiding secrets and they want to come out and speak about what is going on with them,” Byron said. She added that her home is always open to people needing assistance. She also said the mother and several others had accused of shooting the video but denied this, saying she is currently in Tobago.

The Children’s Authority has warned that under the Children Act 2012, “anyone who causes or encourages the prostitution of or sexual penetration of a child commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.” The Children’s Authority yesterday asked members of the public to assist in providing details of the matter by calling 800-2014. All calls are confidential and can be made anonymously.”

Netballers will be conserving some of their energy from the Carnival festivities to battle it out in the annual Netball vs Cancer one-day netball tournament being hosted by the Team Burke-Browne Foundation next Sunday.

The third edition of the competition, themed “Ribbons of Hope”, will unfold at its traditional venue, the Central Regional Indoor Sport Arena in Chaguanas, from 9 am.

The lines on the court will be coloured in blue and teal to appropriately represent the fight against prostrate and ovarian cancer, respectively.

The foundation, which was established in honour of former national netballer Angela Burke-Browne, who passed away from cancer in 2014, will again use the event to continue to raise awareness about the various types of cancer, which has affected many families here and around the world.

Burke-Browne represented her country at the highest level in three different disciplines of sport, netball, basketball and track and field.

Her daughter Jaime Browne is the coordinator of the non-profit organisation, whose mission is to execute global initiatives to heighten cancer awareness and provide support to less fortunate families in particular single parent homes.

The competition will be divided into four categories including Women’s Elite, Women’s Social, Men, Youth and Legends Exhibition.

“This year we are targeting four teams in each category as we continue to fulfil the purpose of this event which is to raise awareness about this terrible disease,” said Browne.

The event has thrived over the years and it provides a chance for up and coming netballers to mix and mingle with current national players and legends of the game.

“The first year we made the $10,000 donation to the cancer society,” said Browne. “Last year we selected Elise (Charles), as the recipient of the $2,500.”

Charles, a former national netballer and cancer survivor, is still active in the sport, currently competing for Police team as a goalshooter/ attack in the Courts All Sectors Netball League.

Police officers stationed in St James and St Clair intervened yesterday as a group of close to 50 people were reported to have stormed one of the larger mas bands—robbing and beating patrons.

One man said the incident occurred near Nelson Mandela Park, as one of the band’s gathered for J’Ouvert celebrations.

Police said the band of “stormers” dashed through the band, grabbing cell phones and other valuables from masqueraders, before running off and mixing with another band.

Officers confirmed at least one man had been held in connection with the incident.