There have been no promotions for Second Division prison officers for the past two years due to a delay by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in setting the criteria and selection process.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Prison Officers’ Association president Ceron Richards accused the PSC of hampering the promotion process by its tardiness to iron out the issue.

“There is a need to move quickly on this matter as it has the ability to undermine the overall performance of officers,” Richards said.

Richards said the issue arose in 2016 when a promotion policy for the rank of Prison Officer 11 and Prisons Supervisor, as set in a general order from 2011, expired. The PSC attempted to modify the policy but the move was opposed by both the association and prison administration. In April, the association sent a pre-action protocol letter to the PSC threatening legal action over the change.

“In response to the letter, they (PSC) said it would take no further action on the issue unless all parties agreed on the way forward,” Richards said. Since then, there has been no update from the PSC, he said.

Richards claimed that the delay left prison officers dissatisfied, disenchanted and demotivated.

“You would understand that officers closest to retirement would be feeling the pinch because they were eligible for promotion years ago. They would have sat and passed examinations, gotten educational qualifications and now they are at the mercy of the PSC,” Richards said.

Richards also encouraged the PSC to promote officers who were eligible before the previous policy expired. He suggested that Government reconsider the antiquated system of promotion of public servants including prison officers.

Issues with the promotion procedure are not unique to the Prison Service as the T&T Police Service (TTPS) regularly faces litigation from its members over its policy.

Three men are currently in police custody for the fatal stabbing of Garfield Pickering who was killed in Blanchisseuse on Saturday after he confronted a group that illegally entered a beach house there.

According to reports, around 6 am, Pickering, 47, left his family’s Blanchisseuse home to check on a beach house he manages in the area.

When Pickering entered the beach house he saw a group of people already there.

He called the beach house’s owner to confirm whether he had given the group permission to be there. The owner said he did not and Pickering approached the group and asked them to leave.

A scuffle ensued and Pickering was stabbed repeatedly with an icepick.

He ran out of the beach house and collapsed on the roadway. A passerby took him to the Blanchisseuse Police Station.

Pickering was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A relative, who requested anonymity, said it was disheartening to know that Pickering was killed when he went to do an “honest day’s work”. Pickering was described as a “family man”.

Investigations are continuing.

President Paula-Mae Weekes has paid tribute to the late Nobel Laureate Sir Vidia Naipaul who died at his home in England on Saturday.

The full text of her statement follows:

I join with all citizens of T&T in extending sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Sir Vidia Naipaul, who passed away in England on Saturday at the age of 85.

Sir Vidia was a renowned author and literary giant whose success helped to inspire entire generations of Caribbean writers. His masterful storytelling captivated his audiences and infused them with a love of reading.

Many of his stories, in which we recognised ourselves, have been set for study by Caribbean students, awakening in them the realisation that great writers could come from among us and emboldening them to follow along the path.

Without doubt, Sir Vidia was an immensely gifted purveyor of truths, with an unparalleled ability to capture the vagaries of life in a post-colonial society. His passion for literature was reflected in the intensity of his many works which routinely challenged the status quo. His often unsparing analyses provided millions of people around the world with a glimpse into his formative years in Trinidad and subsequent life in England.

Sir Vidia’s achievements reflected his work ethic and talent for writing, winning the Booker Prize in 1971 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001.

Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate his undisputed legacy and significant contribution to the literary landscape of T&T. His voice will continue to be heard through his enduring and well-loved literary masterpieces.

radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt

Instead of building a new $3 million animal shelter in San Fernando to keep stray animals, vice president of Animals Alive Jowelle De Souza is suggesting that the money be used to expand the existing Animals Alive sanctuary in South Oropouche.

She is also hoping that part of the $3 million can be used to embark on a mass educational campaign to advise citizens to spay, neuter and care for their pets. For those who neglect and abuse their pets, De Souza hopes the Government could impose stiffer fines.

Speaking ahead of her planned meeting with Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein at San Fernando City Hall today, De Souza said instead of building another pound, the Government could utilise the five-acre plot owned by Animals Alive to re-home stray animals.

“Instead of using up land space in the city and building another animal pound, why not forget the pound and do an investment with Animals Alive instead?” she asked.

“We can set up more buildings for the animals at our sanctuary and we could invest that money in an education drive to spay and neuter.”

Currently, the sanctuary at Ralph Narine Trace has 385 stray animals. There is already a staff and the sanctuary is run using funds from corporate citizens and animal lovers. De Souza said the Government should also advise the citizenry about the penalties for dumping their animals.

“We want to encourage the minister to partner with us. We need an advertisement drive to remind people of the need to spay, neuter and care for their animals. De Souza said she also hoped to meet with incoming Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith to discuss the enforcement of existing laws to protect animals.

“We will be mounting a campaign for fines to be increased. The fine for dumping dogs should be increased. We will also be campaigning for the media to help us in our efforts to educate the public about spaying and neutering,” De Souza said.

She added that the new pound will cater for the stray animals in San Fernando but questioned what will happen to the stray animals in other parts of the country.

Not so, Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Keith Rowley is getting flack from some PNMites for referring to certain members as “imps” at last Sunday’s PNM Family Day function—and for making reference to mosques in his speech.

Rowley at PNM’s Family Day, in Chaguanas, reportedly attacked—among others—someone whom he referred to as a particular “imps who spent the last four years before elections going to every mosque in T&T” saying Rowley was against Muslims. He said that person now wanted to contest party office.

He also waded into other members about making statements about him, adding he had to protect PNM from “imps” entering the party’s executive to run it.

Rowley spoke after last Sunday’s exclusive Guardian Media story on the postponement of the party election—from September 16 to September 30—and that several former frontline PNM members and ministers intend challenging the incumbent team managing PNM.

Rowley said he is defending the leadership of the party and has a full slate.

However, one challenger Dane Wilson asked, “Exactly who was Dr Rowley referring to as ‘imps’? This is a disturbing trend—his fixation on issues relating to the Muslim community. Instead of bringing religion or race into the election, he should instead account for his current executive’s stewardship and explain whether disciplinary processes like (suspended member) Harry Ragoonanan’s have been completed or why PNM has not had an education officer for months.”

Wilson, who is challenging PNM’s Ronald Huggins for social media officer, said he supports Rowley as the leader.

“And my leader’s right—there are ‘imps’ in the party: on the current executive and Cabinet. I fully support him having his slate and I’m extremely grateful he introduced the one-man/one-vote system for our elections as PNM’s membership is much smarter and educated and will vote their mind,” Wilson said.

Former minister in finance Mariano Browne who intends contesting a senior post also queried Rowley’s “imps” remark. Browne who was among prospective challengers who were warmly received at the Family Day shook hands with Rowley at the function.

“The PNM’s a democratic institution so I expect basic respect for common things will hold. But why is the leader so afraid of competition and diplomacy in the internal elections that he has to put up a slate and deem as ‘imps’, fellow members who may be against his slate?” Browne asked.

“However, I would understand why Dr Rowley would feel people are stabbing him in the back. That’s probably how (former leader) Patrick Manning would have felt when there was talk during the 2010 PNM general election campaign of ‘time for court-martial later on’”.

Indications, so far, suggest that several of the 15-plus incumbents are expected to defend their posts including senior officers like chairman Franklin Khan, vice chairman Camille Robinson-Regis, labour relations officer Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, PNM sources hinted.

They noted Public Utilities Minister Robert Le Hunte’s name has been called concerning treasurer—held by Dr Lester Henry—and other frontline posts.

Incumbent assistant general secretary Daniel Dookie is tipped to contest the general secretary’s post, in which he has been acting since after Ashton Ford’s tenure, they added. Other incumbents expected to contest include youth officer Chinua Alleyne and operations officer Irene Hinds.

A July 25, internal memo from acting secretary Dookie confirmed the poll was being shifted from September 16 to September 30 due to the September 16, CPL tournament final.

Prospective nominees have been told the initial nomination submission process has, therefore, been shifted from this week to September 3- 7. Yesterday, Balisier House officials said forms are available from now.

Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) leader Ancel Roget yesterday said the trade union movement was not afraid of the Prime Minister and will not back down from a fight.

Responding to Rowley’s remarks during the PNM’s sports and family day in Chaguanas last Sunday, Roget challenged the PM’s version of events.

Rowley had said Roget refused to meet with him and inferred that Roget earned a $100,000 salary.

“What the country witnessed on Sunday was the ranting of a desperate man,” said Roget.

He said Rowley was trying to change the conversation but the union would remain focused on the problems and issues facing the country.

Roget challenged the Prime Minister to provide evidence about a conversation relating to a request to meet with him.

The Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) leader said the country’s three labour federations had dispatched a letter dated October 11, 2017, to the Prime Minister outlining a number of problems and issues but to date, there had been neither received an acknowledgement or a response to that letter.

He accused the Prime Minister of disrespecting the trade union movement. Although he was an employee of Trinmar, Roget said, as president general of the OWTU he was paid by the OWTU and received much less than $100,000.

He said Rowley’s response was similar to that of Petrotrin chairman Wilfred Espinet when he claimed workers were receiving a salary of $45,000 which was also inaccurate.

He said the trade union movement remained unfazed and its members would be heading to the Prime Minister’s official residence in St Ann’s on August 26 where they would kneel and pray to God to save the country from poor governance.

“We are not afraid of a fight at all,” said Roget.

Roget was speaking at the OWTU’s San Fernando head office before heading to Mayaro to continue the mobilisation drive for their September 7, day of rest and reflection.

Standing in solidarity with Roget were several unions representatives, including those from Communications Workers Union, Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union and Sheep and Goat Farmers Association.

radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt

Pitched from her bed when her home collapsed in the dead of night, pregnant mother Monique Abraham prayed fervently for the life of her unborn child to be spared as heavy rains pounded the ruins of their wooden home.

Abraham, who is six months pregnant, was asleep in bed with her husband Ricardo when their ply-board house fell apart.

Her 16-month-old baby Kaiden Abraham and 13-year-old Jessica Johnson, who suffers from Down syndrome, were asleep when the wooden pillars supporting the house broke off.

Abraham said the children began screaming.

“It was dark, the light went out when the house fell. My neighbours started to call to see if we were alright. I was devastated. This entire ordeal was so frightening. They broke down the door and managed to get us out,” Abraham said.

She added that this was the second tragedy to hit the family as her mother-in-law died from a brain tumour in January last year.

Councillor for Longdenville/Caparo Ryan Rampersad visited the family yesterday and made arrangements for them to receive a National Self Help grant. Rampersad said his immediate concern was to find shelter for the family.

“We are hoping that the ministry will make the grant available so that these children will have a place to spend the night,” Rampersad said.

Anyone willing to assist the Abraham family can contact them at 320-0376.

Resident Derrick Balliram said the Caparo River needed to be dredged as soon as possible.

“When it rains on the Mamoral side, the water from the river comes down in a gush. We lost books, clothing and foodstuff. I didn’t have time to move anything. Right now we are assessing the damage. All our furniture gone.”

He said before the last elections, in 2015, some drainage works were done but it was never completed.

Ranjit Rampersad, of Santafield Road, Caparo, said the floods came after half an hour of intensive rain.

“We want the Government to clear the water courses so that this does not happen again,” Rampersad said.

In an interview, chairman of the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporations Henry Awong said several areas in the constituency were cut off when the Caparo River broke its banks following rains on Tuesday.

“So far, we are in the mopping up and in the assessment phase. Some of the areas affected by the flooding are Macaulay, Gasparillo, Mamoral, and Caparo,” Awong said.

He added that all disaster management teams were working to bring relief to the affected communities.

In Debe, a blind pensioner Golly Gookool, had to be rescued from her home as flood waters rose rapidly late yesterday.

She was lying on her bed when her son Krishna rescued her and took her to safety. “I was frighten to leave the house so I remain on the bed,” she said after she was rescued.

One man was granted bail and the other remanded into custody after they appeared in court on charges related to the armed robbery of CNC3 television anchor Khamal Georges, last week.

Gamal Waldron, of Layan Hill, Belmont, and Thion Clurvis, of St James, appeared before Magistrate Nizam Khan in the Port-of-Spain Magistrate’s Court yesterday on separate criminal charges.

Waldron, who was charged with stealing Georges’ vehicle from outside the Besson Street Police Station after it was recovered following an armed robbery, last week, while Clurvis was charged with being in possession of Georges’ stolen cellphone. Neither was charged for the armed robbery.

Khan was initially considering to grant bail to Waldron, a sanitation worker at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, but changed his mind after he inspected the prisoner’s criminal record.

The records showed that Waldron had served three prison sentences for breaching a bond to keep the peace, larceny and house-breaking.

Waldron’s lawyer Shane Pantin asked Khan to ignore the convictions as the most recent was over 10 years ago. He also said that his client, a father of two, competes and performs with the BP Renegades Steel Orchestra.

However, Khan said he still needed to consider the convictions as they still formed part of his criminal record and are similar to the offence, for which he is now charged.

“The purpose of bail is not to punish the defendant but is a conditional release. Bail also deals with re-offending and I have to consider what is going on in the country,” Khan said.

He advised Pantin that he may apply to a judge in chambers to vary his bail order.

During the hearing, Khan did not ask Waldron to plead to the charge as police prosecutors were unable to say whether the case should be prosecuted indictably (before a High Court judge and jury) or summarily before him (Khan).

Prosecutors are expected to give the indication when Waldron re-appears on September 11.

Clurvis’ court appearance took place hours before Waldron’s.

Clurvis pleaded not guilty to the charge during his brief hearing as prosecutors elected to have it determined summarily.

He was released on $40,000 bail and was ordered to reappear in court on September 27.

Georges’ Kia Sportage was first stolen as he was ambushed by two gunmen when he returned to his home after attending the opening Caribbean Premier League game, last Wednesday.

After robbing him of his cellphone, wallet and car, Georges reportedly asked the bandits for his identification cards and apartment key, which was in the car.

The men threatened by pointing a gun at Georges before driving away.

The vehicle was eventually recovered by police at the Bath Street Plannings in Port-of-Spain, the following morning.

The vehicle was impounded at the Besson Street Police Station and officers requested that Georges supply the certified copy of the vehicle before releasing it.

Several hours later, police officers at the station noticed that the vehicle was missing.

It was eventually recovered at Roget Place, St Barb’s Road, Belmont, the following morning. It has since been returned to Georges.

The incident prompted acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams to apologise to Georges for the incident.

An internal investigation has also been launched into the theft at the station, which is also located within a stone’s throw away from specialist police units housed at Riverside Plaza.

Waldron was arrested and charged by officers of the Port-of-Spain CID led by Senior Supt Ajith Persad and ASP Anderson Pariman.

Clurvis was arrested and charged by detectives of the Western Division.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday accused certain individuals of trying to stir up racial hatred in the country over a People’s National Movement (PNM) skit.

His comments came hours after several groups and individuals condemned the skit and demanded that Rowley apologise.

The UNC Women’s Arm said the skit depicted the sexual assault against a woman dressed in a yellow sari by two individuals dressed as red gorillas at the PNM’s family day on Sunday.

The Hindu Students’ Council of T&T also expressed displeasure and disappointment of the skit, while UNC activist Devant Maharaj wrote the Equal Opportunities Commission to investigate the matter, stating that such expressions of hate and ridicule should not be accepted.

At a key distribution ceremony in Arima yesterday, Rowley when told by the media that the skit had offended some religious groups which were calling on him to apologise, the PM said “there are people in this country who would not pass up any opportunity to try and see if they could create racial or religious strife because that serves their political purpose.”

Rowley said the People’s National Movement would “disregard such foolishness and we would not take any responsibility for persons who are trying to create discord.”

Rowley said there was a skit in the PNM’s march past, stating that “if persons who would go into the depths of the Ramayan to try to link that to something. I want to say to all those persons when they speak about the PNM and the PNM’s action which is insulting to Indians, just remember half of the PNM Government is Indian.”

He said if those Indians are insulting the Indian population, “please have a conversation with them.”

Rowley said the PNM was a national political party that represents every creed and race.

“That story is the best they can do because they were shocked at the PNM’s family day which was a resounding success and the best they could do is to find that foolishness to come and try and stir up racial hatred in the country because that is what they live by,” Rowley said.

Persad-Bissessar, in a statement, said the “‘skit’ depicted an unwarranted and dangerous propagation of the negative, vile and offensive stereotyping that Afro-Trinidadian males have had to endure since the days of slavery and colonialism against their appearance.

She said the “wanton attack on the religion of a significant portion of the population; the propagation of negative stereotypes essentially against Afro-Trinidadian males and the depiction and endorsement of the criminal act of assault against women constitute a deliberate abuse and misuse of the constitutional guarantee of equality, fairness and justice afforded to all citizens all at the hands of the Prime Minister of this country.

“This is a frightening state of affairs, moreso in a country overridden with crime and criminality; it essentially amounts to an abdication of duty of the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago that Rowley swore to uphold. He has effectively sown the seeds of division and tension in a country already battered by his incompetent, punitive regime and his complete lack of any plan and proper policy to govern any aspect of this country,” the statement said.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Pundit Satyanand Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Satya Anand Ashram, called on women dressed in yellow saris to show up at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair tomorrow to demand an apology from Rowley and his Government.

The Hindu Women’s Organisation says the skit discredited the work done by various groups to enhance the treatment of women in T&T.

In a media release yesterday, the organisation condemned the enactment of the skit that they said portrayed the forceful undressing of a woman in a yellow sari by two men in red-toned gorilla suits.

According to secretary Keir Roopnarine, the yellow symbolised the colour of the UNC while the red represented the PNM.

Acting Attorney General and Member of Parliament for Laventille West Fitzgerald Hinds was given an unceremonious bath with flood water yesterday by constituents in Beetham Gardens and chased from the area.

But in an almost immediate response, at least one MP and other social media users who viewed footage on a CNC3 news report and other photos on social media condemned the attack and expressed outrage by the disrespect shown to the government minister.

MP for Moruga/Tableland Lovell Francis stated: “So your MP comes to visit you in a time of crisis and a UNC activists encourages you to disrespect him in the most vile of ways. And all of your problems are solved. Mission accomplished.”

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Avinash Singh described the attack as “very unfortunate.”

The PNM’s D’Abadie/Omeara group commenting on the incident said: “Our Members of Parliament work day and night to ensure representation of the highest order for constituents. We’ve seen the tireless work by our Member of Parliament here in D’abadie/O’Meara.

As such we wish to condemn the disrespectful behaviour of some residents of Beetham Gardens to their MP Fitzgerald Hinds of Laventille West. We take great observation of such behaviour of those wearing yellow t-shirts who choose to accept this behaviour. We must be ever mindful of those we allow to influence our actions as a people.

One of the attackers, had a what appeared to be bottle of beer, in his hands as they taunted and splashed flood water on Hinds.

Hinds and local government councillor for the area, Akil Audian, had gone to the area to see the effect of the steady rain and flooding when residents became irate and complained about the lack of representation by the two representatives.

Over 40 homes in the area where affected, residents said.

Residents say this is the third time for the year they were affected by floods and blamed a recently constructed cylinder on the nearby Beetham highway for causing their woes.

During an interview with Guardian Media, Hinds and the councillor were drenched with a bucket of flood water.

Hinds told the residents that there will be consequences for their actions.

“I am not allowing this to happen. I came to the community to help those affected,” he said.

His words did not deter the residents, who threw buckets of water at him. Hinds and Audian ran to safety.

Speaking afterwards, Beetham resident Anderson Wilson said the residents were unhappy with the type of representation by the Government.

“We are upset over the way things are happening, this is the third time for the year, we are faced with floods,” he said.

Wilson justified the actions by the residents saying it was their way of expressing how they feel.

In a telephone interview, Audian said after the incident people who were affected by the floods were not the culprits.

He said it was sad to see that level of behaviour by the residents.

President Paula-Mae Weekes was yesterday conferred with the nation’s highest award —the Order of the Republic of T&T (ORTT).

Weekes received the award from Chief Justice Ivor Archie during a ceremony at President’s House in St Ann’s.

Weekes spoke briefly at the event to thank media personnel who attended.

The invitation for the event was only sent by Weekes’ office yesterday morning and only journalists from the country’s three daily newspapers were invited.

Archie, who chairs the National Awards Committee, said the award is given to all sitting presidents as they serve as Chancellor of the Order of Trinity.

National awards have been awarded since 1969, with the Trinity Cross being the highest award. The award was the subject of criticism from religious leaders, who questioned why a “Christian award” was being given in a secular state in which freedom of religious beliefs is protected under the Constitution.

In 1995, then head of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) Pundit Krishna Maharaj refused to accept the award because he felt the award did not reflect T&T’s multi-religious society.

Almost a decade later, SDMS secretary general Satnarayn Maharaj and Islamic Relief Centre head Inshan Ishmael challenged the constitutionality of the award.

High Court Judge Peter Jamadar, who has since been elevated to the Court of Appeal, ruled that the award was discriminatory but refused to strike it down as he said such a decision lies with Parliament.

The judgment led then prime minister Patrick Manning to appoint a committee to review the award. In 2008, the award was replaced with the ORTT. The award can only be given to a maximum of five people annually.

Since being launched, the award has been handed out 21 times.

Previous awardees are Professor Brian Copeland, Bertram “Bertie” Marshall, Anthony Williams, Jizelle Salandy (posthumous), Karl Hudson-Phillip, QC, Krishna Maharaj (posthumous), Dr Wahid Ali (posthumous), Kamaluddin Mohammed (posthumous), Ulric Cross, Zalayhar Hassanali, Helen Bhagwansingh, Anthony Norman Sabga, Keshorn Walcott, George Chambers, Adrian Cola Rienzi, Anthony Carmona, Makanda Daaga, Chief Justice Ivor Archie, Professor Ramesh Deosaran, Winston Dookeran and Errol McLeod.

The award was not given in 2016 and last year. This year’s recipients, if any, will be announced shortly before the award ceremony on Republic Day (September 24).

Last year was the first year that the ceremony was shifted from its traditional home on Independence Day.

Beetham/Picton councillor Akil Audain said he felt hurt after floodwater was splashed on him by Beetham Gardens burgesses.

Audain said on Monday when the first flooding took place in the community he visited the community and “did not leave until 9 pm after assessing the situation for disaster to come the following day to bring relief.”

He said the people who retaliated on Tuesday have not realised what they have done to their community.

“As it stands right now essential services don’t go into Laventille communities without the presence of the police,” he said.

As the area’s councillor for the past eight years, Audain described the attack as “disheartening and hurtful,” stating this was the last thing he had expected since he has a good relationship and rapport with the residents.

Audain said during the visit with Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds “one resident began to cuss me while walking. Expletives were hurled at me. As soon as we went there. Then, we had an exchange of words and he (resident) got upset. I left it alone.”

Asked if he felt threatened at any point in time, Audain said no, stating that he remained calm and walked out with an angry mob behind him.

He said despite the incident he would still serve the people of Beetham Gardens.

“I am a representative of the community. This would not stop me from doing my duties and serving the people.”

Public relations officer of the Beetham Community Council Kareem Marcelle yesterday apologised to MP Fitzgerald Hinds for the actions of a few misguided youth in the community.

Marcelle also called on the T&T Police Service to bring anyone before the court who may have breached the law in splashing water on Hinds and Beetham Gardens councillor Akil Audain during Tuesday’s visit to the community which was under floodwaters.

Condemning the actions, Marcelle, a law student, said, “I want to offer an apology to Mr Hinds and Audain for that unfortunate incident.”

Marcelle said he chastised the residents telling them what they did was wrong.

“I told them to revolt with their vote when general elections is called in 2020 if they are dissatisfied in whatever way.”

He said while Hinds’ visit to their community has been few and far between, the residents went about things the wrong way.

Marcelle said Hinds must have felt scared after what happened.

“Probably, he felt a fear for his safety. I am advising him when he is coming into this community that he is accompanied by the police just to be on the safe side and to avoid any confrontation.”

He agreed that those culpable for their disrespectful actions should be punished by the law.

“They must be held accountable. That is the job of the Police Service to do. I support the Police Service in carrying out their duties to bring these people to justice who have clearly breached the law. We must separate what is legal and what is unethical and immoral.”

Having held discussions with the residents, Marcelle said “in fact, a lot of them are welcoming being arrested. They are saying that if it is one thing they will feel proud about is getting arrested and standing up against Hinds. They remain unapologetic. They have no remorse for what they did.”

A little over two days after he was abducted from his home by a group of men posing as police officers, a 46-year-old fisherman from La Brea was rescued by police yesterday.

According to reports, Kenny Soogrim, of Union Road, La Brea, was abducted from his home around 3 am on Monday.

Soogrim and his family were awakened by a group of men, who were dressed in what appeared to be police tactical gear, who claimed they were there to execute a search warrant.

The men searched the house and handcuffed Soogrim after they claimed to have found a quantity of drugs hidden in the house.

They told Soogrim’s family that they had to take him to the La Brea Police Station where he would be charged.

However, shortly after the men left with Soogrim, they received a call and were informed that he had been kidnapped. A US$50,000 ransom was demanded.

The family made a report to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and an investigation was launched after the unit confirmed that Soogrim was not in police custody and was not the subject of an official police operation.

A team of officers from the unit and the Port-of-Spain CID led by Senior Supt Ajith Persad made a breakthrough in the investigation yesterday after they received information where Soogrim was being held captive.

Around 2 pm yesterday, the officers went to a forested area, off Ocean Sand Road in Mayaro where they found Soogrim handcuffed in a shack. Police believe his captors may have fled shortly before they arrived.

Soogrim was taken to the hospital for medical attention. Police sources said he was beaten by his kidnappers but did not suffer any life-threatening injuries. Persad, ASP Anderson Pariman and Insp Nicholas Thomas are continuing investigations.

Acting Attorney General and Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds made a report to police against a group of residents of Beetham Gardens who doused him with flood water during a tour of the community on Tuesday.

Police sources said that Hinds went to the Besson Street Police Station to make the report yesterday. Hinds refused to confirm or deny the reason for his visit when asked by reporters outside the station.

Guardian Media was unable to confirm whether local government councillor for the area, Akil Audian, who accompanied Hinds on the tour of the flood-ravaged community and who was also soaked with flood water, made a similar report.

Now that the incident is reported, police are expected to visit the community to interview those who were involved and those who witnessed the incident. No arrests were made up to late yesterday.

Investigations are continuing.

Two men were gunned down at La Puerta Road in Diego Martin yesterday in what was described as a “brazen” attack by men pretending to be police officers.

The dead men were identified as David Charles and Kurt “Ratty” Smith, 28.

According to a police report, at about 8.35 am, Charles, who was driving an Almera vehicle, pulled off the road after he heard a siren coming from a white Hyundai Tucson SUV behind him. The vehicle also had a flashing blue light on the dashboard, an eyewitness said.

Police were told that seconds after Charles pulled off the road, the SUV stopped behind and two men dressed in khaki outfits and ski masks, and what appeared to be bullet-proof vests, alighted the vehicle and approached Charles and dragged him out.

Police said the men attempted to push Charles into the vehicle, however, he attempted to fight them off. A third man emerged from the SUV and the men held Charles down before he was shot repeatedly, according to CCTV footage of the incident.

The men got back into the vehicle and reversed over Charles’ body before speeding off.

As the SUV sped off, Smith, who was standing on the corner of Riverside Road was also shot several times by the occupants of the SUV.

Smith was taken to the St James Infirmary by residents, however, he died while undergoing treatment. Both Charles and Smith lived at La Puerta.

Smith’s older brother, Curtis “Birdman” Smith was gunned down at La Puerta almost a year ago, on August 21, 2017.

Residents in the area, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of their own lives, said that they believe there is a “pact” to kill every member of Smith’s family and Birdman’s close friends and associates.

One of the men, who was killed at the Boardwalk in Chaguaramas on July 9, Fabien “Super” Williams, was said to be a close friend of Charles. Williams, who lived at Sea View Hill, Carenage, was killed along with two others – Kedel “Timeless” Osbourne, 21, also from Sea View Hill and Andrew Francis, 39, of Mamoral No. 2. Guardian Media was told that Charles was scheduled to appear before a Port-of-Spain magistrate yesterday on charges of arms and ammunition.

A resident of La Puerta said that since Birdman’s killing, they believe there was a hit list out for members of his family and close associates.

A relative of Smith refuted reports that the Smith brothers were involved in gang activity.

“Ratty was never involved in any gang and guns and stuff…he was a contractor and he worked hard for his money. He was always ready to help anyone in need and was very kind-hearted,” he said, under the condition of anonymity.

Police officers from the Western Division yesterday expressed concern that the criminal elements were using “police-like vehicles, lights and sirens.”

A senior police officer at the Western Division said investigators are reviewing the CCTV footage of the incident, which also went viral on social media and could not confirm whether or not the gunmen were police or men pretending to be police.

“We will be tracing the vehicle and we are also asking anyone who may have any information or may have witnessed the incident to come forward to the police.”

Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, when asked about criminal elements using vehicles resembling official police vehicles accompanied by flashing blue lights and sirens, said: “I would not want to comment loosely at the moment...when I am in a better position to comment I will.” This latest double murder brings the murder toll to 340.

Investigations are continuing.

Forestry Division workers are calling for better security at the San Fernando Hill following a spate of robberies—the most recent being on Monday when three employees were robbed at gunpoint.

The traumatised workers have embarked on a go-slow action to protest their unsafe working environment.

Neil Baxter, a handyman, who has been working at the Hill for the past 17 years, complained that neither workers nor visitors are safe.

“Right now it is not safe for anyone here. Sometimes visitors come to the administration office to report that they got robbed. Some people don’t make a report to the police. But workers are scared. We are calling on the Minister of Agriculture and the Forestry Division to do something,” he said.

Baxter said 12 workers, comprising checkers, handymen and cleaners, work at the Hill. He recalled that around 9 am on Monday a man walked into the administration office, pointed a gun at three female employees, and robbed them.

The man escaped with their cellphones, $30,000 in jewelry and $1,200.

“About five minutes after the man walked in, he saw the girls coming out crying. The man ran through one of the trails and escaped,” said Baxter.

He said the latest incident has been reported to the police, the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW), the Ministry of Agriculture and the Forestry Division.

“We have no proper security and we have been begging and pleading with the Forestry Division to install proper security here because people have been robbing the visitors and now they robbing employees. There is also a play park at the Hill and people come with their children. We need cameras installed and proper security.”

Baxter said they have also asked that the three female checkers be relocated to the Forestry Division in Pleasantville. He commended the police officers from the Mon Repos Police Station for doing regular patrols on the Hill.

Contacted via WhatsApp Messenger for comment, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat said they were presently reviewing the security at the Hill.

“Part of the problem lies in the poor performance of some of our private security providers working in public spaces. That is currently under review,” said the minister.

radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt

Having shut down the San Fernando dog pound with immediate effect for the second time in as many years, Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein has now established a committee to deal with stray dogs.

Addressing animal rights activists from several groups—including the T&T Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TTSPCA), Animals Alive and Animal Welfare Network —during a consultation at the San Fernando City Hall auditorium on Tuesday, Hosein said he wanted to solve the issue immediately by establishing a committee to come up with solutions.

Hosein said he expected the committee to provide feedback within seven days on how the ministry should move forward. Several recommendations were made during the consultation. President of Animals Alive Kathryn Cleghorn suggested that a national spay and neuter educational campaign be launched.

“If people can take care of their pets, there will be no need for an animal pound,” Cleghorn said.

Vice president of Animals Alive Jowelle De Souza suggested a partnership with her organisation, saying additional kennels could be built on the five-acre Animals Alive sanctuary at Ralph Narine Trace, South Oropouche. She said strays could be re-homed and put up for adoption rather than to have them kept at a pound.

Dr Stacy Hospedales from the TTSPCA said her group was committed to working with the ministry to solve the problem. She said the TTSPCA signed a memorandum of understanding in 2013 for her organisation to assist in running the pound, once a new one was built.

However, she said the MOU was never finalised or executed but noted that the TTSPCA was willing to work with the San Fernando City Corporation to find a solution to the problem.

Veterinary physician and former Minister of the People Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh said the entrapment of the strays was inhumane.

“The methodology is outmoded and to treat animals like this is barbaric,” Ramadharsingh said. He said the government should partner with the veterinary community to ensure that sedation is used in the capture of the animals. He suggested that a dog control management programme be executed involving all NGO’s, the veterinary community, and the Government.

Meanwhile, Hinni Maraj, technical officer at the engineering unit of the Ministry of Local Government, said there were plans to build a new dog pound on the existing site which will have 15 kennels to house dangerous dogs and other strays. She said while the numbers were inadequate this would be the first phase of the facility.

She said the dog pound will cater for strays from the seven regional corporations in the south.

Last week, stray dogs which were being kept at the condemned dog pound in San Fernando were rescued and relocated to the Animals Alive facility in South Oropouche.

Some 20 families in Debe, South Trinidad spent their day yesterday cleaning slush from their homes and airing out their furniture following heavy rains which caused widespread flooding across the country on Tuesday.

Although flooding is a perennial problem in their community, residents said the authorities can help to minimise the problem by cleaning the drains and cracking down on indiscriminate blockage of the watercourses.

Workers from the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation’s health division were called in to help clean and sanitise the Debe Hindu School which was also flooded out.

Worker Ayoub Mohammed said, “Yesterday, the flood came into the school about three feet high and this morning we came and sanitise it.”

He said about five fans were damaged, but there was no major damage to the school.

Mohammed said clogged drains may have contributed to Tuesday’s flooding.

Kenneth Gokool, of Debe Main Road, said he is usually affected by flooding, but Tuesday’s flooding was a surprising one.

“It came up first, we clean it out, and then it swung back again and that was it, about two feet high,” said Gokool.

Gokool, who lives downstairs the family house, was forced to stay upstairs while his partly blind mother had to spend the night with his sister.

He said they lost a lot of stuff, including appliances and foodstuff.

However, he said he got assistance from Oropouche East MP Roodal Moonilal and other people. Gokool said poor drainage at the back of his house is contributing to the problem.

Another resident, Kim Ramnarine, a market vendor, said they had to move their goods to higher ground. She was not sure whether their refrigerator and washing machine were still working because they were submerged in the floodwater.

Ramnarine complained that a contractor diverted and narrowed the river.

“It really stressful. This is the second time we get it so bad,” she said.

“Be a man, respect women!”

That placard-borne message and others conveyed the feelings of protesters outside of the Prime Minister’s office yesterday, demanding an apology from Prime Minister Keith Rowley and National Security Minister Stuart Young for the PNM’s controversial “sari” skit.

The skit at last weekend’s PNM’s Family Day, depicting a woman’s yellow sari being undone by men dressed as gorillas, caused a firestorm of negative sentiment, though Government rejected the criticism. Young said it was a “lil bit of fun.” Rowley claimed people were “hell-bent” on creating racial and religions tensions.

Yesterday protesters reinforced their concerns, calling for an apology, outside of Rowley’s St Clair office. However, he was at the Diplomatic Centre for the weekly Cabinet meeting. At the height of the protest, members yelled, “Go, Rowley go!”

The group, mainly from UNC constituencies, was dominated by women in yellow saris and other traditional East Indian wear. Also present was Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, UNC MPs, senators, executive members and Muslims in hijabs.

Protesters’ placards voiced their views: “100 per cent Pissed!” “Say no to Rape!” “Don’t be an Imps” “Rape isn’t funny,” “Chase dem like Hinds!” “Imps—Rowley, Faris, Stuart,” “I’m Fed Up—Rowley doesn’t care.”

Persad-Bissessar, speaking outside of the OPM office she once occupied, said, “This (skit) isn’t a racist issue. It’s action promoting violence against women, abuse of black males—stereotyping them as apes—and it has to do with Indians. Why a sari? Why yellow?”

Pundit Satyanand Maharaj, leading protesters said, “I don’t think they understand how sacred the sari is—it’s symbolic. Denuding a woman is akin to sexual abuse and heinous crime—it’s not a ‘lil bit of fun’. We wouldn’t stoop to degrade another community like this.”

“We’re not willing to let this pass. Should we allow ourselves to be treated like second class citizens. Should the sacred wear of our mothers, daughters, sisters be debased and degraded like this? How can you have a ‘lil fun’ at an entire community’s expense? By having ‘fun’ at our expense, you’re telling us we have no value. We have to value ourselves and let them know we do.”

“When leaders refuse to acknowledge the plight of their people, then people must come to their leaders—we must let them know this won’t work.”

The group delivered a letter to the PM’s office seeking an apology. It noted the skit offended many as it was seen as simulation of violence against women, mockery of Hinduism and depiction of political violence—plus, Young’s dismissal compounded Government’s insensitivity on the matter.

The letter warned, “Government’s hostile, belligerent and intractable position in this issue only contributes to stoking fires of division. It does no good to the PNM to attempt to victimise the victim further by labelling legitimate concerns as ‘foolish’ or ‘racial.’”

Hindu group representative Radica Balkaran added, somewhat emotionally that the sari represents a woman’s material, physical and spiritual profile, “If you disrobe her of this garment, it’s not just about a piece of cloth, you’re stripping the person of all of these aspects of her life and her dignity. This isn’t something to play with—no excuse can apologise for that. Dr Rowley has to apologise to the womenfolk.”