According to reports, at around 8.50 am, the victim of Carenage, was in the church with a female relative when a woman known to them entered the church compound, walked up to the victim and began pushing her against a wall. According to reports, the aggressor began shouting, “you see the colour of my skin, I am a white woman” and then proceeded to slap the victim four times in her face. While this was taking place, Fr Ashton Pierre who was preparing for Mass intervened and attempted to restrain the enraged woman from proceeding further with her assault. Fr Pierre reportedly told the suspect to desist from her actions or he would call the police. Newsday understands that the enraged woman told Fr Pierre she was not leaving then sat at the back of the church and participated in the mass.

At the end of the mass, the woman again attempted to attack the victim, but was again warned by Fr Pierre who then instructed that he was alerting security. At 10.45 am, the victim and her relative went to the St Clair Police Station and reported the matter. The police accompanied the victim to the victim to the home of the suspect in Maraval.

According to reports the suspect refused to open her door when the police arrived but was warned to desist from any further assault.

The victim was then advised to seek medical attention and went to St James Infirmary where she secured a medical report. Yesterday the victim who spoke with Newsday said that the incident has left her shaken up and embarrassed.

However, she has already instructed her attorney to proceed with action against the suspect.

Yesterday she told Newsday that she met with Fr Pierre and they spoke for about two hours about the entire incident and she advised Fr Pierre that the police will be seeking a statement from him and he indicated that he was willing to cooperate. The victim said that she had been a parishioner for many many years and she never expected that an assault would have taken place in the house of the Lord but she is ready to do what ever action is needed to prevent the suspect from causing her any further injury.“ I was in shock so I could not think”, but thank God I am a strong and praying woman, said the victim yesterday. Attempts to reach Father Pierre on the matter proved futile.

The walk commenced after a caller to Guevera’s radio show accused him of being a “talker”.

When Newsday reached Guevera, he was in Couva walking while clad in a red shirt, black pants and red sneakers and carrying a large National Flag on his shoulder.

Admitting the sun was brutal and that the walk had left him a bit shaky in the knees, the determined Guevera said he will complete the march in Ramkissoon’s memory but also as his own personal act to draw attention to the scourge of crime in this country.

He began his walk outside his workplace at Wack Radio 90.1 FM on Coffee Street, San Fernando at six o’clock yesterday morning.

The walk was to have ended at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port-of- Spain. “Someone called into my radio show on Saturday and said that we as media professionals don’t do anything more than just talk about the issues…and I had to agree with them,” said Guevera. “Because it is true. I decided that I, Mr T was not just going to talk about it.” Guevera said that of all the crimes that he has heard of in his life, he was most moved by the murder of Ramkissoon who was strangled last Friday and her body callously left in bushes. It was reported that Ramkissoon missed the usual bus to school after waking up late from a night of studying. Her body was found around 3 pm in a bushy area near Balata Trace, Arena.

In a video Guevera posted on Facebook prior to the march to inspire others to join him, he said, “This situation with Ms Ramkissoon is a serious thing.

Trinidad and Tobago, we have been sitting around watching and not really doing anything with regards to crime, especially when it involves young persons who have been murdered.

This latest incident touched me, it really touched me. I do not think we should wait until it reach home by us for us to take a stand. It is not a government issue, it is not a policing issue, it is an issue that involves all of us, because it is we who are not raising our children the right way.” Despite his call for others to join him, Guevera began his journey alone. He was joined briefly by co-worker Mukesh Seusingh while on the Couva-leg and continued his trek to Port-of-Spain alone.

Two Mondays ago, letters of termination (via forced retirement from the TT Police Service) were issued to Snr Supts Simbonath Rajkumar and John Trimm.

The letters invited both officers to make representation as to why they should not be forced to retire from the service.

Both officers were given until yesterday to provide their response to the Acting Commissioner.

Last Thursday, attorney Gerald Ramdeen who is representing the interests of both senior officers sent a letter to Commissioner Williams describing his decision as unlawful, procedurally unfair, unconstitutional and in breach of the Police Act and the Constitution.

In his response, the Commissioner is said to have indicated that he is preparing a detailed response to Ramdeen’s letter and said response would be delivered to him (Ramdeen) sometime yesterday.

In the meantime, sources said, Williams is understood to have informed Ramdeen that he was extending the deadline given to the officers to provide reasons why they should not be retired from the Police Service at the insistence of the Office of the Commissioner of Police.

Contacted for comment, attorney Ramdeen yesterday declined saying he is awaiting the Commissioner’s response before deciding on his next move. Last week Monday, Williams met with President of the Police Social Welfare Association (PSWA) Inspector Michael Seales indicating his decision to retire some First Division officers who he believe are inefficient and non-functional.

After this meeting, both Trimm and Rajkumar were summoned to a meeting with the Commissioner where they were handed the letters.

Yesterday, both Rajkumar and Trimm were at their respective offices at the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) and Eastern Division, carrying out their responsibilities as head of their respective units.

When Newsday visited WASA’s headquarters, staff members were seen assembled in the car park where they were told to stay and await further instructions.

The fire was first detected in the Administrate Complex which houses the Records Management Department on the second floor – the same floor which was badly damaged by fire a year ago.

When contacted for comment, Corporate Communications Manager Daniel Plenty told Newsday there were no injuries as all personnel were evacuated safely, nor further damage to property caused by the minor fire.

In a press release, WASA stated that a minor fire ignited on the second floor of its Head Office Complex, Block B, Farm Road, St Joseph at about 1.30 pm, yesterday.

The release indicated that over the weekend, workers were engaged in clearing debris from the second floor area. The release further stated that, “Even though every precaution was taken, some combustible material was affected by heat from equipment being used during the clearing exercise and ignited today (yesterday).

The building’s fire alarm sounded and all persons were immediately and safely evacuated and the small fire which erupted was quickly put out using on site extinguishers.” WASA noted that the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service was contacted and responded to ensure the site was safe.

“I recall that she stated she had a dream of becoming a teacher. She never got that chance to realise her ambition.” Expressing confidence that her grandmother would have been a great teacher, Mrs Carmona continued, “Her husband fulfilled his personal ambition…she did not. She was forced to stifle her dreams and was unable to truly fulfil her personal aspirations because of her child marriage.” She further stated, “I do not want this to ever happen again to an innocent child of 13 years.” Mrs Carmona declared, “We must do what is right and what is fair to the innocent child. As adults, we live in boundless hope.

Why can’t we allow a 12-year-old to do likewise?” Stating the human spirit needs to have that capacity to evolve and grow, Mrs Carmona said this country’s parliamentarians can help, “by their guidance through affirmative legislative action.” Her statement came a day before debate resumes today in the Senate on the Miscellaneous Provisions (Marriage) Bill 2016.

The bill requires a three-fifths majority for passage in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the case of the Senate, the Government will need to get four votes from either the Opposition or Independent benches to add to its 15 votes to pass the legislation.

Newsday was told yesterday that the Senate may vote on the bill today.

When the bill was debated last Tuesday, temporary Opposition senator Dr Maulana Waffie Mohammed said there should be no changes to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Ordinance Chapter 45.02 because Muslims believe the marriageable age of a female begins with the onset of puberty.

The objective of the bill is to amend the Marriage Act, Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, Hindu Marriage Act; Orisa Marriage Act and the Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act. United National Congress (UNC) chairman David Lee has subsequently distanced the Opposition from Mohammed’s remarks, stating this did not reflect the Opposition’s official position. In the House, 25 votes are needed to pass the bill.

The Government has 23 MPs in the House and will therefore need two of the 18 Opposition MPs to support the bill.

Mrs Carmona, in her statement, further indicated, “I agree with the firm resolve of the United Nations that child marriage must be a feature of the past.

The desire through advocacy to correct the wrongs of the past by way of necessary legislative amendment in the Parliament of the Republic of TT, is a just, compassionate and honourable fight.” She also said girls should be provided with the same opportunities as boys to go to school and pursue a career and excel in whatever field they desire.

Police told Newsday that Nicholas Simeon, 18, of John Street in Enterprise was walking along Crown Trace the road holding hands with his 13-year-old girlfriend at 5.30 pm, when the gunman rode up on his bicycle to the couple, drew a firearm from his pants waist and shot the two teens.

Simeon was shot in the head and chest and collapsed on the road where he died on the spot. His girlfriend was shot in the shoulder and she too, slumped to the ground. Shocked onlookers later told police that the gunman placed his weapon in his pants pocket and with his companion, they rode off along Crown Trace.

Police offices who heard the shots and responded, gave chase after the two men who abandoned their bicycles and ran off in different directions.

Central Division officers responded within minutes, cordoning off all roads leading into Crown Trace and mounting a door to door search for the killer. Up to press time, the gunman and his accomplice remained at large.

His girlfriend was taken to an undisclosed medical centre for treatment.

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At half past eight last night, police were alerted to a shooting at Aboud Circular, Dibe in West Trinidad where they found the bullet-riddled body of Atiba TRomain, 22, along a track.

Up to press time, detectives were still at the scene of the killing.

This brings to 22, the number of persons murdered within the first 16 days of 2017.

The tests were done to determine the health status of the employees after the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited informed the Office of the President of the presence of asbestos material at President’s House and its environs. The employees, were transported yesterday by and an Office of the President vehicle.

Communication Advisor to the President Theron Boodhan told Newsday yesterday that once all the staff are tested, it is expected that President Anthony Carmona, his wife Reema and their children will undergo similar tests. He said that the Occupational Safety and Health Agency were informed of the presence of asbestos material at President’s House and its environs, and were due to visit the precincts.

Asbestos, once employed as a fire retardant in building materials, has been linked to cancer. However, Udecott (Urban Development Corporation) yesterday in a press release denounced reports that lives were put at risk at President’s House following the disturbance of tiles containing asbestos on the property. The corporation yesterday stated that it, “categorically denies that tiles containing asbestos confined to a small storage room at President’s House were disturbed at the time of this official media release today at 6.21 pm.” “Furthermore,” Udecott added, “there is no asbestos at the Office of the President, no asbestos at the President’s Cottage, no asbestos at Ancillary Office which service the Office of the President and are daily traversed by its staff.” “The restoration of the President’s House is currently at the design stage in preparation for the tender process, and to ensure proper planning for the start of works, Udecott by letter dated November, 22, 2016, informed its client, that it is in the process of obtaining a Contractor for the removal of asbestos containing materials within President’s House which is to be refurbished,” the release stated.

In an apparent reference to an article published in another newspaper yesterday, Udecott said, “A staffer at Udecott in e-mail correspondence to questions asked, emanating from the Office of the President, was simply relaying the importance of putting arrangements in place to ensure that staff were properly relocated, in line with global best practice, for the start of construction works.”

Rowley, addressing supporters at the Cyd Gray Stadium, Roxborough, Tobago, referred to political leader of the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP), Watson Duke, who is accused of rape.

The PDP is one of three political parties challenging the ruling PNM for control of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in next Monday’s election. Rowley issued a stern warning to Tobagonians who are supporting the PDP in the election.

“Any or all of you in Tobago who will vote for one of us, a Tobagonian, who is on a rape charge, you is somebody to watch,” he stressed, adding that those people will have to justify their actions.

Duke, president of the Public Services Association (PSA), is on five charges relating to an allegation of rape and indecent assault made by a young woman last year.

On Sunday, Rowley devoted much of his address to Duke’s suitability as a candidate in the THA election. He said the fact that Duke has been charged disqualifies him from getting a vote in Tobago “as a person who want to represent you.” “And, if you don’t see that, then clearly you are subscribing to principles unknown to Tobagonians,” he said. Rowley again warned Tobagonians.

“I am saying to you here in Roxborough where Watson is running for a seat, you have a responsibility to subscribe to the higher standards of Tobago decency and to say to Watson Duke, ‘No thanks.’” He said if Duke is convicted on the charges, “it will

It is the first time in 18 years that Supersad did not make it past the preliminary round and he is demanding answers from promoter George Singh as to why his song did not qualify.

“My song is original in lyrics and melody while the others use Bollywood melodies to create tunes for this competition,” Supersad said, adding that he is in the process of contacting his lawyers for advice.

Last week Supersad and a handful of other disgruntled singers criticised the selection of songs by the organisers of the competition at a news conference outside Singh’s office.

The group called for only original chutney songs and not remakes of Bollywood songs to be considered by the judging panel and lamented that Bollywood remakes end up winning the one million dollar prize money almost every year.

Singh is said to be out of the country at this time and did not answer his phone.

Former monarchs, Rikki Jai, Ravi B and Rooplal Girdharie have been selected for the semi-finals which will be held on January 28 at the LIV Nightclub, South Trunk Road, Gulf View, La Romaine.

Earlier this month Singh outlined that just as the annual Soca Monarch, the CSM has grown into one of the most anticipated shows for Carnival.

He also said artistes will have to wait for the announcements of prize money from the Ministry of Culture.

In 2017 nine contestants will be selected to compete against reigning monarch, KI at the grand final scheduled for February 11 at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

The names of the 33 semi finalists are: Shivan R & Slammer Cutter, Rawythee Ramroop, Jason Peru, Heeralal Rampartap, Vishan Mohammed, Anthony Batson, Amit Sooknanan, O’Neil Bhajman, Veekash Sahadeo, Michael Ramroop, Xavier Pouchet, Jesh Ramnanan, Hemlatha Dindial, Reshma Ramlal, Drupatee Ramgoonai-Persad, Asha Kamachee, Jadel, Robin Jagdip, Imran Beharry, Aaron Duncan, Nishard Mayrhoo, Lalchan Babwah, Neval Bissambhar, Adesh Samaroo, Ravi B, Orlando Octave, Rick Ramoutar, Saleem Beharry, Rikki Jai, Rooplal G, Omadath Maharaj, Aaron Jewansingh and Sally Sagram.

Marie Toby, manager of the RBC Redemption Sound Setters, said yesterday the band was in the process of despatching a letter to their sponsors, RBC, informing them of the decision.

Asked what was the reason for pulling out Toby, in a telephone interview said: “The players are not coming out as they should. I don’t know if the controversy (with Pan Trinbago) that is going on have anything to do with it, but they decided that they are not coming out…they are not getting the vibes and what have you.” However Toby said that their players each got their $1,000 remittance, for the 2016 competition, last week, but stated: “In all the preparation, you got to have the vibes and the energy to go into competition.

We will normally start to practice in October but we didn’t start until November. I also did a survey as chairman of the region for all the other bands and the cry is that players are not coming out.” In defence of the decision to forego the 2017 competition Toby said: “Everybody manages differently. I am not going to see something staring me in my face and go into it hoping that two weeks away from a competition that the players will come out.” With respect to Solo Harmonites, captain Shelford Lawrence told Newsday: “The band just changed management and went down to a low, and the sponsor pulled out because of that. We are now working on building back up the band but we will be on the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday from j’ouvert. After all we are four time champions (1968, 1971, 1972, 1974), but our junior band will be going to the Junior Panorama competition.

Meanwhile a number of single pan bands, especially in the Eastern Region, whose members are yet to receive their remittances, have indicated that they will not be ready for any competition next week, January 22 and 23, when judges will be visiting their pan yards.

The Tobago Single Pan preliminary will take place on Thursday, South/Central on January 20 and 21, East on January 22 and 23 and North on January 24, 25 and 26.