DPP receives file from Tobago cops

Police Commissioner Everald Snaggs yesterday submitted a file to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, on the decision by the police in Tobago to free two Bajan fishermen caught fishing in TT waters in early February. The bulky file was dispatched to the office of the DPP just after midday yesterday. The file reportedly contains the sole reason why the police in Tobago took the decision not to offer any evidence against the two Bajan fishermen. Officers in Tobago maintained yesterday that their decision to release two Bajan fishermen held with fish on Saturday February 7, followed the instructions of a top Cabinet Minister, identified later as Foreign Affairs Minister, Knowlson Gift. They said they were instructed by senior police officers prior to the hearing of the case on Monday, February 9, that they were not to offer any evidence against the two Bajans.

Snaggs, when contacted yesterday, said that he was in the process of having the file delivered to the office of the DPP. He said that he did not wish to comment on the contents of the file but assured that a statement will be made when necessary. On February 10, the DPP Geoffrey Henderson wrote Snaggs asking him to submit in writing the reason why a decision was taken by Tobago police to release the two Bajan fishermen as he contended that the only person entrusted with the authority to offer no evidence against any persons or persons charged by the police with any offence is the Director of Public Prosecutions.