Rampersad, 41, was found on a bed in her Mafeking Village, Mayaro home yesterday by her husband who had returned home.

He found her with two plastic bags over her head. Police suspect she was suffocated to death but will await the results of an autopsy scheduled for today at the Forensic Science Centre in St James.

Rampersad is the third woman to be murdered within the past nine days. On Wednesday, Savitri Mohammed, 54, was found dead by her husband in their Bonne Adventure, Gasparillo home. A single chop wound almost decapitated her. And last week Wednesday, Tara Ramdeen was found with her throat slit at her Mayaro home. Her estranged companion Andrew Vasquez, 73, committed suicide after cutting her throat, by driving his car into the path of an oncoming truck.

According to police, at about 11 am, Rampersad’s husband Dave, 43, a grass cutter, returned to the family’s Chrysostom Road, Mafeking Village home and found her dead on their bed. He contacted the police.

There were no signs of forced entry and the house was not ransacked.

Police cordoned off the house yesterday as villagers gathered nearby to see what was going on.R ampersad’s brother-in-law Danesh Rampersad said news of her death had shocked him deeply.

“I awoke to the news that my sister-in-law was found dead.

This is not the news I expected to wake up to,” he said. He said Rampersad was a woman of God who regularly preached to anyone she met on the road.

“She was a Jehovah’s Witness and could always be seen with a book in her hand, preaching to people. They are speculating that she was killed or she took her own life, but I really don’t know what to say,” Danesh said. He said that his sister -in- law has always been a strong woman and her faith always kept her going.

“She did not strike me as suicidal at all. She was always smiling and of a happy disposition. I cannot see any reason why someone would want to harm her,” he said. In 2015 Rampersad was involved in a vehicular accident in Bristol Village, Mayaro which claimed the lives of four people.

Rampersad spent months recovering in the hospital.

Mayaro police including Inspector Mahabir, Sgt Ramsahai and PC Rampersad went to the scene and cordoned off the area. A district medical officer viewed the body and an initial test revealed Mohan may have died from suffocation. Neighbours said they did not hear any commotion and did not see any strange people in the area.

Police were told that Mohan and Rampersad, who lived in the ground-floor apartment of Rampersad’s parent’s home, had been in a common-law relationship for five years and had no children. For the same period last year, there were 180 murders.

The statement revealed that operating systems within Gov- NeTT were being reviewed by the system’s developer and partner company, Fujitsu for potentially vulnerable Windows systems operating in the network.

The review involves a bit-by-bit analysis of the system’s software and security capabilities which may help spread the malware, based on the findings obtained from these analyses, Fujitsu is prepared to execute emergency-change orders to the infected system to treat with any threats and repair flaws in the system which may occur. This attack comes just one week after it was revealed in the Lower House that Government had saved an estimated $2.5 million in negotiating a with software company Symantec, for improved End-point security software, ensuring greater protection for computers and software throughout the public service.

The Ministry of Public Utilities and Communications urges public servants and private citizens to be cautious on the internet, noting that cyber criminals are finding newer and more clever tactics of attacking corporate networks and private computer systems to obtain information

Retired Inspector Anthony “Bruiser” Charles told Newsday that the man identified as a criminal dressed in police garb is not his son and is not even a relative. Charles said information in a voice note which was also uploaded to social media is false. He said it was a mischievous act by a former colleague bent on tarnishing his (Charles) reputation and character.

The voice note states: “Batches, r.e that photo was posted with that gentleman with the tattoos, in the police uniform…

that is retired inspector Charles aka Bruiser, that is his son.

Southern Division, pest, real pest, robbery man…” Charles said he is angry that the former colleague who uploaded the voice note and photo took pains not only to identify him (Charles) by his given name but also the nickname he acquired while a member of the Police Service.

“That man in the photo on social media is not my son. I have identified the voice and it is that of (name called) who is a Constable.

I worked with him in Southern Division.

I will report him to the Professional Standards Bureau and I am also weighing my legal options because this is nonsense which has affected my personal life and also my family,” Charles said.

Persons have been calling him non-stop, he added.

Charles identified the man who is dressed in police uniform as being originally from Laventille but who now lives in South Western Trinidad and is wellknown to the police.

The Facebook post showing the man in police uniform is titled: “bandits in uniform, be on the lookout for this criminal, he is not a member if the TTPS share viral.” To date, it has been shared almost 10,000.

“Something must be done about these young officers who continue to put out incriminating information on social media,” Charles said. Charles said the voice note has hurt his family, some of whom are members of the Police Service.

Contacted yesterday, a senior police source said once Charles makes a formal complaint, the matter will be fully investigated.

Speaking at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, Sinanan said, “This charter will be for a six month period.” Reiterating that one ferry will be drydocked in June and the other will be drydocked in September, Sinanan said the third vessel will ensure that there are always two passenger vessels operating on the seabridge.

He explained that because the TT Spirit and the TT Express have each not been drydocked for some time, this has contributed to recent operational problems each vessel has experienced. Sinanan said it was wrong for anyone to claim there was no maintenance system for the ferries.

“Maybe we need to revisit the system of maintenance that is taking place right now,” the minister suggested.

Stating this system was reorganised last year, Sinanan said this does not appear to be helping the operations of the ferries.

He said the Port Authority has suggested a technical team be brought in to look at the system.

On ongoing efforts to obtain a cargo vessel, Sinanan said the Authority has narrowed down those options from seven to two.

While stressing that no decision has been made as yet as to which vessel would be chosen, Sinanan said there have been challenges with the Atlantic Provider and the Trinity Transporter.

Both vessels were brought in to replace the Super Fast Galicia which was pulled from the seabridge in April.

Sinanan has said this matter is engaging his ministry’s lawyersas well as those of the Authority. He also said the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs is examining the arrangement under which the Galicia was brought in under the former People’s Partnership government.

Imbert said an allegation by Opposition Senator Wayne Sturge, that HSBC was going to purchase 20 percent of Republic Bank, “is preposterous, wrong and false.”

He told senators, “One must understand the shareholding of Republic Bank.” Imbert said 25 percent of the bank’s shares are held by the Clico Trust Corporation, “which is the collateral for the Clico Investment Fund (CIF), which trades on the Stock Exchange.” These are, “the units given to policyholders who sold their policies for years 11 to 20.”

Imbert said instead of receiving cash, these policyholders received units in the CIF, the bulk of which was financed by Republic Bank shares. “So in order to sell those Republic Bank shares, one would somehow have to pay all of these unit holders, somewhere in the vicinity of about $10 billion,” Imbert said, and money would have to be found, “in order to clear off all these units and monetise all of these units which are trading on the Stock Exchange.”

He added that Clico Investment Bank (CIB) is in the hands of a liquidator, the Deposit Insurance Corporation.Imbert said the 18 percent shares of Republic Bank held by CIB cannot be disposed of, “because there is a dispute as to the ownership of these shares which has to be settled by the court.”

He also said Clico itself owns seven per cent of Republic Bank, and “the ownership of these shares is tied up in a claim…a counter-claim coming from CIB.” The only entity which could sell any part of Republic Bank was CL Financial, which was not the Government of TT, he said, adding, “That is owned by the Duprey family and other shareholders of CL Financial.”

The shocking discovery was made at midday by Mohammed’s husband, self-employed businessman Sadiq Mohammed, 40, when he returned home from a visit to the bank. On seeing his wife almost decapitated, Mohammed is said to have collapsed and had to be rushed to the Gasparillo Health Centre for treatment.

Mohammed later told police he left home at 10 am to go to the bank.

Robbery has been ruled out as investigators reported nothing was stolen and the house was not ransacked. Weeping relatives gathered outside the scene while police were in the bedroom where Mohammed’s body was found on a bed. The couple, married for 14 years, had no children.

Savitri who worked for years in the cosmetic industry was well known for her flamboyant hair colours and heavy make up.

Her brother Glen Caran said the couple lived a lived a, “nice and quiet life” and looked out for each other. “They were a good couple who looked out for each other and supported each other,” he said.

“I always say every murder has a reason, but now that it has reached home to me I have a different view because I can’t find a reason why someone would kill my sister. I hope we get justice and that the police find the person who did this. She was such a warm and loving person,” Caran said. Older sister Evelyn Sookram, 61 said she and Savitri shared a close relationship and remains baffled as to why someone would want her dead. “It’s a gruesome murder and I still can’t understand why it happened,” said sister-in-law Farida Mohammed, adding she got the news while in church. Police said that neighbours indicated hearing no scream, or shout for help that could have alerted them to something taking place in Mohammed’s house.

The Skills Academy will be held here from June 17-19 before making stops at Waltham (Massachusetts) from June 25-26, Ashland (Massachusetts) from June 28-30, his hometown in Tacoma, Washington (July 5-7) and Vancouver (August 15-17) Bradley, 26 years old, is currently embroiled in heated battle with NBA champions LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals which tipped off last night at the TD Garden in Boston.

Bradley, born in Washington, is known as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and recently demonstrated his offensive prowess to help the Celtics beat the Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. The former Texas Longhorns player had a playoff career-high 29 points in Game 5 win which put them ahead 3-2. For the playoffs, Bradley is averaging 15.8 points after 13 games as he seeks to make a first ever appearane in the NBA Finals scheduled to begin June 1.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Ryan Alcantara, the man responsible for Bradley bringing his elite basketball camp to this country, explained how it was made possible.

“I have a relationship with Avery and he always wanted to do something here. Last year he went to Grenada with it and just through asking (him) and I was speaking to someone at Sport TT and they made it happen,” he said.

How did he befriend the Celtics defensive juggernauth? “I actually met Avery about five years ago in Grenada through his wife who is Grenadian and we became friends. He’s a real genuine and giving guy and always up for the kids and doing things (for them). He’s a real nice guy,” he said.

Alacantara is optimistic Bradley’s Skills Academy which targets young persons aged six to 16 will give a much needed boost to the sport here.

“Basketball is not a very popular sport in Trinidad and Tobago but I’m hoping it will do something for the game and bring some awareness to his brand and the Celtics brand and hopefully we could get a little more interest in basketball here. There are a lot of clubs and academies here that people don’t know much about and hopefully it could bring some awareness to them as well,” he added.

Alcantara, head of the local organising committee, explained that the participants for the Skills Academy will comprise mostly players from local clubs.

“Because it was on short notice the majority of kids will be chosen through the (local) academies and you can also register at his website,” he said.

What does he think of Bradley and the Celtics’ chances against the Cavaliers? “He’s a very great defender and they’re gonna be in a good frame of mind coming off the last two series (vs Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards) so I think it should be exciting and hopefully it doesn’t end how everyone thinks its gonna end,” he said.

For more information on the camp check http://www.nba.com/ celtics/news/pressrelease/avery- bradley-skills-academy-2017/.

“The persons deported are not criminals, but they should be deemed persons of interest in that they may have information pertaining to matters of national security, whether it is aiding and abetting known terrorists and as such there whereabouts should be known at all times within the boundaries of the law.

At the moment they are of no threat to our security but it would be important information to understand what their intentions were.” Griffith added that while it was difficult to prevent nationals from migrating and joining terrorist organisations, such persons once identified, should be red-flagged and barred from returning to Trinidad or face jail-time upon their arrival.

“It is virtually impossible to stop persons from leaving Trinidad to go to other countries and participate in terrorist activities, but what should be done is that once these persons are positively identified.” Griffith said that while the Ministry of National Security appeared to have the right ideas in the fight against terrorism, he lamented the absence of proper units within the Ministry to treat with the issue of domestic terrorism, adding that local law enforcement agencies were unprepared to tackle returning terrorist fighters and is concered that this may place authorities at a disadvantage to terror groups which may use Trinidad as a recruiting ground for fighters.

“In my tenure as the National Security Minister, I established the Special Operations Group and the Counter Terrorist Intelligence Unit (CTIU), which served to act in a way similar to the Central Intelligence Agency in the United States, to deal with the issue of international terrorism and I was disheartened to learn that the Special Branch of the police service handled the interrogation and information gathering of these individuals, when they do not have the proper training or resources to do so.

What I would urge is that the Minister play a more proactive role in the policy-making process and collaborate with the (Police) Commissioner in intelligence sharing.” Last year 12 Trinidadian nationals were detained by security forces in Turkey as they attempted to enter Syria and were suspected of being affiliates of terrorist group ISIS. In April, the group including two children were deported to Trinidad where they were questioned about their activities and later released.

With its revolutionary design of an infinity display with the most immersive edge-to-edge screen, latest security features of an iris scan and secure folders, long battery life, range of colours and 12MP rear and 8MP front cameras with voice control to capture life as it happens, the new 4G LTE-compatible Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 + smartphones were quite a hit with customers.

Leonardo Silva, product specialist, Samsung Electronics Latin America, was at the store for the launch and said, “bmobile has a great 4G mobile LTE network and we know that customers want to be on the fastest network, with the fastest device in the market today, so this makes bmobile a very strong strategic partner for Samsung. We love coming here because Trinidad and Tobago, which has a lot of Samsung lovers, is one of our favourite markets, and we look forward to continuing to work with bmobile to add to the high levels of customer satisfaction they already provide.” Chevon Wilson, TSTT’s VP of Mobile Services thanked bmobile’s customers for their continued support over the years and said, “We are very excited to give our customers first access to the advanced innovative features of the Galaxy S8 and S8+. Supported by the only mobile 4G LTE network in Trinidad and Tobago, our ultrafast speeds will empower the full features of the phones to deliver a fantastic user experience which captures life as it happens. bmobile is committed to the rollout of communications solutions and services that will enrich the lives of citizens and businesses. As we say, ‘Life Is On’ and we are thrilled to partner with Samsung to support our customers’ always-on lifestyle.” Silva explained that the Galaxy S8 with its 5.8- inch display and the S8+ with 6.2 inches, supported by Quad HD+, provide the largest, immersive, crystal clear, edge-to-edge display. “That’s very important because customers now have more work space to watch videos or multi-task using multi-windows. But we are really taking it to a new level because they may sound like large devices, but when you hold them in your hand you see how compact they are.” Silva added that besides the wow factor, the focus of the Galaxy S8/S8+ is on increasing the functionality and productivity of the phones for both professional and personal use, with the large storage size, new security, snap window and Samsung DeX features.

Snap window allows users to literally crop a piece of an application and pin it up at the top of the screen to watch while they keep working at the lower part of the screen, while Samsung DeX lets them connect their Galaxy S8/S8+ to a monitor, keyboard and mouse for a desktop experience powered by their phone to turn any place into a workplace. The 64GB phone storage provides the space needed for high definition pictures and documents, and the 256GB microSD slot provides even more storage to enjoy the music libraries that people carry around on phones.

Cliff Ross, Jonathon Sirjoo and Steve Edwards were among the visitors who shared in the day’s excitement. Sirjoo was most impressed with the combined speed of the S8 phone and bmobile’s 4G LTE network.

“I have an android phone, and it’s a good phone, but it’s now slowing down. This is where other phones tend to fall short. The S8 is sleek and light.

In addition, the speed of the S8 backed with the speed of the bmobile’s 4G LTE service are impressive and are going to make a big difference in how a person will maximize what he gets out of the phone. A phone can only do so much but when you add the bmobile’s 4G LTE service, you now have a phone that can really take you to the limits.” Ross liked the clarity of the S8’s screen while Edwards liked the S8’s sleek design, edge-to-edge screen and quick response time. “It’s a very beautiful phone, especially the full screen option where I can remove the home button to achieve a larger full screen.”

Accepting letters of credence from Bangladesh’s newly accredited non-resident High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago Mizanur Rahman on Tuesday, at the Office of the President in St Ann’s, Carmona said Bangladesh has sent through the United Nations, peacekeeping troops worldwide to help restore order where there was international disorder or natural disasters.

Rahman, who has been a public servant for 30 years, is based in Canada.

Thanking Bangladesh for the peacekeeping role it has played in the Caribbean region by sending troops to Haiti, Carmona said, they have helped in restoring democracy and the rule of law in the country and by extension the region.

Bangladesh, formerly a part of Pakistan and known as East Pakistan, came into being in 1971, after a split and bitter war with Pakistan.

It was important, Carmona said, to stress the importance of being a global villager in a world of globalisation when the concept of globalisation was beginning to shift and where unilateralism was engaging the major countries of the world. Using the experience of the United Kingdom exiting the European Union, he said, “You see what is happening in the United States of America.” He continued, “Sometimes you wonder if we are reverting to the law of the jungle. Each man to himself. But I hope not, because as a global villager, you have a responsibility to be concerned with the business of other countries.” He commended the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the key role of women in the governance of their society. He noted that Bangladesh has been governed by women prime ministers with the current woman prime minister serving a third term.

That country’s governance structure, which allows for 70 women at the minimum to hold seats in the country’s 300-seat parliament, he said, should be emulated in TT and the wider Caribbean. Both Carmona and Rahman said that Bangladesh and TT have much to offer each other in many fields, but particularly in energy, sports, culture and the arts.