In a statement yesterday, the union’s general council described as “unwarranted and unfounded,” Rowley’s personal attacks against Annisette.

“Mr Annisette is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, who is free to express his views on any matter relating to the governance of this country in keeping with the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression,” NATUC said.

“He is also one of the leaders of a large constituency, first as President General of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) and as General Secretary of NATUC.”

At the meeting, Deputy Mayor, Alderman Cagney Casimire stated “Issuing stop notices seem to be a challenge in the borough.” He added that buildings are being constructed with additions that have not been approved by the council and serving stop notices are important in taking action against owners. Building Inspector, Ian Murrell confirmed Casimire’s comments stating that residents and business owners are ignoring stop notice requests or simply refusing to come out to receive the notice.

Murrell stated that only four out of the 12 stop notices which were recommended to be issued were successfully delivered to the relevant parties.

Morris-Julian expressed her dissatisfaction with this figure, stating “Four out of 12 is unacceptable. It seems as if people are not taking these notices seriously.” She further stated that this called for the council to examine why the public thinks it is permissible to ignore an officer from the Arima Borough Corporation. “Accepting these notices are not optional, it is something that must be served,” she said.

Morris-Julian stated that she believes the corporation is being forced to pursue court action against lawbreakers in Arima. “We are ready to go to court. No one will get away,” she said.

She stated that both small home owners and big businessmen must be held accountable for their illegal actions. She said, “It seems if someone puts up a shed, we are there in the morning, but when it comes to big businesses there is a problem.” Casimire spoke of one particular business in the borough that has extended their wall onto the pavement. “On the side of Hearty Foods, there is a wall built straight to the end of the road, which allows patrons of the club upstairs to be received. The extension leaves no room for our burgesses, especially the students of neighbouring schools to use the pavements and on the opposite side there is a car park which is more dangerous for students,” he said. He called for a show cause notice to be issued to the business, as well as other businesses who are currently not upholding the building regulations of the borough.

Morris-Julian commended the Chief Executive Officer, Cheryl Sirju-Chong for her impeccable integrity and quick action which led to the arrests of two persons in a recent fraud matter. She stated, “The Arima Borough Corporation will not stand for corruption of any form, whether it is ten bags of cement or $100 000. It is not our money, it is the people’s money and we must treat it with respect.” She added that all arms of the corporation are working together to stamp out corruption.

The proceedings began with a performance of the national anthem, prompting spectators to raise their voices in unison and sang aloud with the lyrics, as the stands echoed with the lyrics. For his arrival, Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley was met with uproarious applause, shortly before 7 pm yesterday morning as he and members of his Cabinet made their way to the stands for the spectacle.

Officers of the various arms of the protective services showcased their discipline, skill and rythm for their marching out, as members of their accompanying marching bands belted out classic calypsoes to more contemporary soca hits.

Members of the TT Regiment, the Coast Guard Air Guard and Police service and Cadets made up the armed detachments or front half of the parade, while the fire service, prisons service, Ambulance Brigade and the Red Cross made up the rear part of unarmed detachments.

Members of the police service mechanised division were drew an overwhelming round of applause as they crossed the grand stand, as one officer of the police traffic branch, carefully balanced himself over two motorcycles along the stand.

Along the parade route throngs of onlookers struggled to catch a glimpse of the parade, as they packed the pavements along Frederick street and the Western Main Road in St James.

Service men kept the crowds on their toes with their antics as they made their way down Long Circular road to the Police Academy, where the parade ended.

Newsday spoke to avid spectator and retired police officer, Randolph Greene who said that he has attended the parade for over ten years,he was overwhelmed with the large turnout of spectators and supporters.

“It’s a really warming sight to see so many people come out today in unity for our country and our sevicemen.

I saw in the streets a lot of young children waving their flags so I’m glad to see that the tradition has not died.”

This motion was passed during the city corporation’s statutory meeting yesterday at the City Hall, Knox Street, Port-of-Spain.

According to Akil Durham, Councillor for Belmont North and West, the funds will be financed by donations and contributions from the public and private sectors. He said the money will be authorised by the Council to be allocated to the fund.

In moving the motion, Durham explained some of the ways the funds will be used.

“The money under the fund will be utilised for charitable causes within the city, emergency relief due to a natural disaster, accidents and mishaps within the city, scholarships to needy students and members of the community within the city of Port-of-Spain.” He continued, “Promotion and hosting of national culture, artistic, religious celebrations and anniversaries as well as city receptions.” He said the decision of the motion will be sent to the Minister of Local Government for approval.

They say the facility, located along the Eastern Main Road, Aripo, continued to be affected by the absence of an air condition system, leaking roof, defective surveillance cameras and a faulty electronic gate, which, for the longest while, was being operated manually.

Further, they complained that the food given to the detainees lacked variety and was not even “fit for dogs.” Established by the Patrick Manning-led People’s National Movement Government in November 2009 to curb the problem of illegal immigrants in the country, the IDC shot to national prominence in January 2016 when workers complained about chronic overcrowding, unsuitable living conditions and fears of a potential health threat at that time.

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon visited the facility, one month later, to get a first-hand account of the situation and promised to look into the concerns of both workers and detainees, particularly overcrowding. And while there has been a marked reduction in the number of detainees at the IDC, sources said many of the other problems persist.

Newsday understands there are now 73 men and 18 women currently detained at the facility. They comprise mostly Jamaicans, Russians, Haitians, Vincentians, Venezuelans, Grenadians and Chinese nationals.

One source said the complaints of the workers and detainees appear to be falling on deaf ears.

“Dillon only paid lip service and management is not saying anything,” an irate source said.

He claimed the absence of an efficient air condition unit was causing serious discomfort to both staff and detainees.

“It has not been operational for about five years and this has caused many of workers to sick-out because they are uncomfortable.

Only the manager’s office has air condition,” one claimed, adding the manual fans were blowing hot air.

He said the problem was particularly acute in the visitors’ lounge.

“This is an international place and when people have to come and visit the detainees, they get soaking wet because of the heat,” he said.

He claimed the leaking roof also posed a major inconvenience as the detainees’ beds often had to be shifted during heavy rainfall.

Another source said the detainees’ diet left a lot to be desired.

“The food is poor, not even fit for dogs and the caterers are getting big money. On mornings they get two hops bread and either butter or cheese paste and for lunch, macaroni and chicken nuggets and a small Orchard drink. This is what they get everyday.” He claimed workers have dubbed the macaroni and chicken nuggets meal the “Road March Dinner” by virtue of the frequency with which the detainees receive it.

He claimed the detainees were poorly treated.

“They order slippers for them and there are no proper sizes.

You have people with big feet wearing small slippers.” He also claimed workers sometimes had to take money from their own pockets to assist detainees with trips to their native countries when they are released.

“I think the Government should consider giving some kind of pardon to the detainees and just send them back to where they come from. Some of them have been here (IDC) too long.” He claimed a Nigerian national, believed to be in his late 30s, is the longest-serving detainee at the IDC.

“He has been here for about five years and he speaks seven different languages and has seven different passports. But that is not our business. Send him back to his native country.” Sources are also calling on the authorities to address the disparity in salary between Special Reserve Police officers at the IDC and those working under the TT Police Service.

“An SRP usually get $7,000 a month but those at the IDC only get $5,000. So, something has to be wrong with that,” one said.

Seepersad-Bachan made this claim hours after Rowley said Le Hunte was a TT citizen and would be appointed once the “communication glitch” regarding his citizenship is clarified.

In a statement, Seepersad- Bachan said anyone taking a ministerial oath of office must be familiar with the provisions of the Constitution.

She claimed when Le Hunte was sworn in last Thursday, he did so, “despite knowing that he was in direct violation of Section 42(1) (of the Constitution).” She said it is “a serious disrespect to the citizenry” to have Le Hunte reappointed.

On this basis, Seepersad- Bachan said Le Hunte, “should be disqualified from holding any public office at this time.” She said transparency and accountability in public life demands that existing or prospective Cabinet ministers, respect the Constitution and the rule of law. Saying the issue of corruption in government should start at the top, Seepersad-Bachan said if Rowley is serious about solving the problem of corruption within his administration, “he should therefore lead by example.”

“There are vendors who have been registered already, those are the vendors who will be allowed to remain on Charlotte Street. All other vendors, we are asking you to remove yourself in an orderly fashion.” Mayor Martinez added , “We are going to ask our police service to assist us in ensuring that the areas are properly regulated.

Charlotte Street is the first street we have started the regularisation process, however we are moving to the other streets thereafter.

Once the process is completed on Charlotte Street we want to ensure that vending is properly regulated throughout the city.” Martinez said although vending occurs in all cities around the world, there are rules and process vendors have to follow to ensure the city remains a successful city.

“How it is done? It is regulated.

Vendors are allowed to vend in certain parts and ply their trade in a very decent manner.

They are young entrepreneurs, but at the same time they must be regulated.” He said discussion are being held with the police to further collaborate on new and innovative ways to enhance the safety and security of the burgesses and citizens of the city of Port-of-Spain.

“We must instill in our children that importance of obedience and giving of themselves, just as Ismail did, upon realizing the task that had been asked of his father. For it is only in this way that we can come together as one,” Hosein said in a message to mark Eid Ul-Adha, observed annually on September 1.

“We must promote the values of having a strong character in our younger generations and to all our fellowmen. Live above reproach and this way, we can progress together as a nation.” Hosein said Eid Ul-Adha reminded Muslims of the importance of obedience to the Almighty and one’s parents.

“This is a message that we can all draw from – that we have a duty to our younger generations to inculcate the ideals of sacrifice, hard work and devotion.” Hosein said Eid Ul-Adha commemorates Abraham’s unyielding commitment to his faith, such that he proved his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail.

“Almighty Allah recognised his devotion and intervened, letting a lamb take Ismail’s place.

It is the holiest Islamic observance,” he said. “Every year on Eid Ul-Adha, the Islamic community worldwide comes together to mark the end of the holy pilgrimage, Hajj, and to give honour to the spirit of sacrifice which marks this celebration.

“For Hajj, we leave behind our worldly possessions to make our pilgrimage to Mecca. We stand together, men and women, as equals before God. And in so doing, we recognise and honour the great sacrifice that our forefather, Prophet Abraham (Peace Be Unto Him), was willing to make; and are able to reflect on the many ways we as individuals and collectively, can make sacrifices in our daily lives to demonstrate our devotion and do good for humanity.” Hosein said during this holy observance, Muslims are called upon to make sacrifices to the Almighty by dividing meat into three portions: one for ourselves, another portion for family, and a third portion for those in need.

He said this sharing represents the key lessons of Eid Ul-Adha – sacrifice, equality and charity.

Police sources said the exercise was conducted between the hours of 4 pm and 6 pm.

The police received information which led them to upper Haig Street, Carenage, where they searched an abandoned house. As a result, police found a pistol and a magazine with nine rounds of 9mm ammunition.

No one was arrested in connection with the find.

The suspect is said to have gone on a shopping binge, buying tyres for his car as well as a friend. He then purchased an I.pone 6 S Plus at Trincity Mall valued $6000, fuel for his vehicle all of which he obtained using the card. He then went to West Mall B Mobile store and signed a contract to purchase a samsung S 8 valued $10,000, when employees became suspicious and called the Fraud Squad.

A team of officers led by Snr Supt Dookhie assisted by Insp Abbot and PC Woodroof went to the store and arrested the man and seized the fraudulent credit card. He was charged for six offences under the Electronic Transfer of Funds Act, namely five counts of obtaining properties by use of a fraudulent credit card, one count of possession of a fraudulent credit card.

He is expected to appear before a Port-of-Spain magistrate today.