Suspects in city bombings released

Last Wednesday, the Criminal Intelligence Unit led by ACP James Philbert raided several homes in Morvant and Laventille. A UNC activist was detained in connection with the bombing.

He was allowed to leave on Thursday after it was realised he was of no assistance to the police’s investigations. The activist, on his release, said he was never questioned about the bombing and felt his arrest was politically motivated.

Two Laventille residents were arrested but again police had no choice but to release them. Up to yesterday, investigations continued with police arresting a 20-year-old George Street, Port-of-Spain man in relation to the bombing on that street. He too was released.

Sources said they were nowhere near solving the two bombings — one on Frederick Street which left 14 persons injured and the other on George Street.

Police involved in intelligence gathering are blaming members of a Port-of-Spain gang for the bombings but said they are yet to find out who planted the bombs or where the bombs were constructed.

Snr Supt Leon Anthony, Head of the Port-of-Spain Division is spearheading the inquiry into the two bombings. He said he was keeping an open mind in the investigations which he assured was ongoing.

Some disgruntled officers told Newsday the Police Service had two senior officers in charge of crime and three intelligence units at their disposal — Special Branch, the Criminal Intelligence Unit and the Anti-Crime Unit.

The officers said they felt that with these resources and manpower available, a breakthrough should have been made in the bombings.