A 29-year-old man and his 23-year-old friend were robbed, abducted and forced to withdraw cash from an ATM machine at Maraval on Tuesday night. Reports revealed that around 8.45 pm on Tuesday, Kemal Mohammed, 29, of Valsayn and Nadia Aleong, 23, were standing outside the Parrot pub at Grand Bazaar, when they were confronted by two men armed with guns. The gunmen forced the two into a Galanat car belonging to Mohammed and drove away in the vehicle. Aleong was robbed of cash and other valuables. The bandits then drove to an ABM machine in Maraval where they forced Mohammed to withdraw $7,500 from his bank account. According to reports, the two victims were then taken to the Caroni Cremation Site where they were tied up and thrown out of the car. The two were rescued by a taxi-driver who took the victims to the Caroni police station. An All Points Bulletin was sent out to all police divisions to be on the lookout for the vehicle. Up until late yesterday, the car had not been recovered. The matter was referred to the St Joseph Police and investigations are continuing.
BRAVING gusty winds during Tuesday’s freak storm, a fireman fell some ten feet from the top of a house in Mayaro where he was trying to assist the occupants in placing a tarpaulin after the roof of the house was blown away. Fortunately Fireman Jonas Joseph of the Rio Claro Fire Station escaped with only bruises to his hip, right leg and arms. Joseph was among a party of fire fighters who responded to a distress call around 4.43 pm, after the roof of a house belonging to Johnson and Joan Ayoung, at Gold Street, Mayaro, was blown away by strong winds. Upon their arrival, the officers began putting up a tarpaulin as a makeshift covering until a new roof could be placed on the house. However, while on top of the house, Joseph slipped and fell through the beams which once held the roof. He fell ten feet and landed on the concrete floor inside the house. The Fire Services ambulance was summoned and Jonas was taken to Mayaro District Medical Centre where he was treated and transferred to the San Fernando General Hospital, for observation. Joseph was later discharged from hospital, and is said to be resting comfortably at home.
Two gunmen staged a daring daylight robbery at a jewel shop in Chaguanas, and escaped with 18 gold chains and an ID band valued $12,600. Reports revealed that around 2 pm, Sandra Mcdonald, an assistant manager of Lewellyn Jewellers located at Trial Street, Chaguanas, was at her businessplace standing behind the showcase, when two men entered the place and announced a robbery. They pointed a gun at Mcdonald and proceeded to rob her of one gold ID band valued $2,600 and 18 gold chains valued $10,000. They then ran away. Employees of the jewel shop ran behind the gunmen who fired shots at the employees. Inspector Gopiecharan, Sgt Dennis Housend and Ag Sgt Ajith Persad of the Chaguanas CID visited the scene along with fingerprint experts. Arrests are imminent.
IN SCENES reminiscent of last year’s General Elections campaign, the PNM bandwagon breezed into San Fernando on Monday night to the infectious rhythms of tassa, soca and Iwer George as the countdown to Local Government Election continues. From as early as 6 pm, party faithfuls converged on the Chancery Lane car park, arriving in every conceivable means of transportation, from yellow, red and green band maxi-taxis to buses and private cars. Some even made the journey on foot, with candidates for the PNM-controlled San Fernando City Corporation leading a multi-coloured sea of supporters across Harris Promenade before mingling with the thousands who were already waiting at the base of the ten-foot stage at the car park. Even the light drizzle that continued for most of the evening failed to dampen the spirits of the massive gathering of PNM supporters. Expecting political picong and bacchanal, the large crowd was not disappointed as speaker after speaker ripped into the Opposition UNC, with Local Government Minister Jarrette Narine predicting the party of the Rising Sun will be seeking a new leader after the July 14 elections.
Narine had the crowd in stitches when referring to the UNC/NAR electoral accommodation. He declared, “When the dead lead the dead, both end up more dead.” Continuing the onslaught was Arouca South MP Camille Robinson-Regis, who described the Opposition party as the “most pathetic” in the country’s history. “They say they want to save the country,” she said, “but they didn’t say from who. Tell Basdeo Panday that we already save the country from them.” But it was PM Patrick Manning who whipped the massive crowd into a frenzy as he launched into his famous “we shall beat them” anthem. With an added twist, Manning changed the word “beat” to “flog”. By the time the Prime Minister had ended his speech, shortly after 11 pm, the crowd left the car park convinced that another PNM victory was a mere formality.
RACE relations and constitutional reform were among several proposals disclosed by Prime Minister Patrick Manning during Tuesday night’s mass political rally at the Chancery Lane car-park, San Fernando in which the PNM presented its 126 candidates who will contest the July 14 Local Government polls. Manning teased the massive audience with the idea of an excutive President and an expanded Senate. He however slammed the former UNC administration for shelving the Centre For Ethnic Studies, saying the “cultural mix” of the local population warranted the Centre’s re-institution. He revealed that Dr Fitzroy A. Baptiste and UWI lecturer, Dr Brinsely Samaroo, would head the revived Centre. However, Dr Samaroo is still to be officially approached with the proposal. Manning also said that the round-table discussions involving a number of ethnically-based organisations would also be re-introduced in a bid to effect better race relations in society. Manning said the Emancipation Support Committee and the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha had agreed to take part in the round-table discussions. He also reaffirmed the ruling party’s position on constitutional reform saying the PNM was committed to reform via consultation with the population. “The PNM is committed to the reform of the country’s Constitution,” he said. He however warned that reform would not occur, “in any cabal, in any smokey room with any drink, discussing these matters with obstructionist politicians,” without regard for the population of the country.
He said the process, which would also include reform of the local government system, may last as long as five years. Manning also advanced the idea of an increase in Parliamentary seats with an expanded Senate, with a further 15 persons, including the THA chief secretary and Mayors from each borough corporation, being able to make contributions. “And just for the record, even though it doesn’t come directly under this, it is the view of the PNM that Trinidad and Tobago should have an executive President,” Manning said. He revealed that three youth development programmes, under the direction of the Defence Force, would also be introduced into the national curriculum.
A CEPEP foreman en route to his home, died instantly after losing control of his car which crashed into an electricity pole off the Solomon Hochoy Highway on Tuesday night. According to police reports, around 10.45 pm, Sheldon Edwards, 32, of Todds Station Street, Talparo was travelling north along the highway in his white Honda Civic. On reaching the vicinity of the Chase Village flyover, he lost control of the car which skidded off the highway and slammed head-on into the pole. Edwards died on the spot. Visiting the scene were Freeport police officers, including Sgts Duncan and Louis and WPC Beckles. Up to late yesterday efforts were being made for an autopsy to be done on Edwards’ body at the Port-of-Spain Mortuary. When Newsday contacted Edwards’ relatives yesterday his father Martin, with whom the deceased lived, was not at home.
However, another male relative said Edwards had visited his aunt in South Trinidad and was returning home when the fatal accident occurred. The relative said Edwards had no children and shared a common-law-relationship with Candice Spencer. According to the relative, Edwards who regularly visits his mother Carol Jack at her home in New York, was expected to spend six months in the United States. The relative told Newsday that Edwards’ mother was informed of her son’s death and was making preparations to visit Trinidad to attend the funeral. Investigations are continuing.
Crucial evidence was “misplaced” by police officers investigating a kidnapping charge, according to a police officer testifying yesterday in the Port-of-Spain Third Criminal Court. PC Natasha Narcis was giving evidence in the trial of Jairam Rampersad who is charged with the kidnapping of Melinda Lennard on September 24, 1999. Lennard, after the alleged kidnapping, went to the Chaguanas Health Centre and was examined by Dr. Indarjit Birjah in the presence of PC Narcis. Lennard, in her testimony, said that Rampersad had forced her to drink a liquid that made her dizzy and drousy. Narcis, who recently had joined the police service, was attached to the Chaguanas Police Station at the time of the incident. She was given Lennard’s blood sample and placed it in the refrigerator of the Chaguanas Police Station. In response to State prosecutor Nalini Singh, Narcis said she was awaiting instructions from her superiors on how to proceed with the blood sample. She said that she never received any instructions and that she did not know that the blood sample had to be taken to the Forensic lab. In cross-examination by defense attorney Larry Williams, Narcis revealed that she went to check on the sample two weeks later and “it had disappeared.” She added, “I believe the sample had been misplaced.”
Also giving evidence was Corporal Harricharan Cassie of the Chaguanas Police Station. Cassie claimed that on the night of he incident , he told PC Narcis to take the blood sample to the Forensics Department. Cassie also denied being given a swab and a sample of Rampersad’s blood by Dr. Birjah. Cassie said that he did certain interviews in connection with this incident. He said that these interviews were recorded in his pocket diary which was lost during a police chase. Lennard’s mother Sharda Durgasingh also testified yesterday. She admitted to having a quarrel with Rampersad on January 13 1999. Durgasingh said on that day, Rampersad “kicked and cuffed her.” The trial continues today before Justice Malcolm Holdip.
Local manufacturers ended day two of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) trade mission to Cuba with mixed reactions, after they were given a comprehensive overview of the process of conducting trade and investment with Cuba. While Elvira Castro, President of Conas, a Cuban firm which handles trade transactions in Cuba, tried to paint an optimistic picture of the business environment, TT businessmen found there were too many restrictions placed on them. Elvira Castro had cited the availability of skilled labour, electricity in 75 percent of the city and an expansive infrastructure. Paul Tiah, director of Trinidad Brushwire Ltd, felt his business would struggle in the Cuban market since he would have to compete with China. Cuba currently imports the bulk of its industrial cleaning supplies from China. “Our major competitor will be China and I suppose because both Cuba and China are communist countries the relation is strong, so there is no way we can compete, but we are still going to try,” said Tiah. Other manufacturers, like Hakim Juman, makers of Padz sanitary napkins and The House of Paper products, makers of Comfort Plus toilet paper, felt the mission was just the first stepping stone, and will serve as a medium for gathering information and assessing the situation in Cuba. Some were unaware of the lengthy registration periods and requirements needed to enter the Cuban market.
According to the Canadian Embassy business desk, “companies seeking to sell their products in Cuba cannot simply go there and set up a representative office as they might in other countries. Decree law 206 of 1996 authorises representative offices of foreign corporations, and establishes conditions of their registration.” Also, companies must have business records of at least five years and three years experience in sales to Cuba. Cuban officials warned manufacturers to follow the proper procedures to ensure a long lasting relationship between the islands. “Cuba is a normal country when doing business as long as you follow the rules,” said Juan Dominguez, senior officer at Ernst and Young. “If you really wish to do business go through the official channels, you cannot do this in one day, and Cuba has no interest on making bad investments.” TT manufacturers were also unaware of the specifics of the trade agreements between Cuba and Caricom. The agreements were signed in 2000 and has not been ratified by all the Caribbean countries, but has been ratified by Cuba. Anthony Hosang, president of the TTMA, said the trade agreement has not yet been ratified by Trinidad and Tobago Government. “Each member of the Caricom is required to have it passed in their Parliament,” he said, noting that the agreement is now in the hands of the Attorney General. He said once this agreement is passed the manufacturers will be able to meet Cuba’s trade requirements. Vishnu Danpaul, Vice-President of investment and trade at the Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO) was able to present Trinidad and Tobago as a highly lucrative investment for the Cubans. He urged Cuban businessmen to consider investing in TT’s Wallerfield Business Park, particularly in the areas of medical devices and software. Hosang said he hoped the Cuban businessmen will see the potential of investing in TT. Trinidad and Tobago boasts of quality products at competitive prices, he said, adding, products imported into Trinidad attract duties of about 20 percent. Under the bi-lateral agreement between Caricom and Cuba, “the products listed will be allowed to move freely, free of duties,” he said.
BIRK Hillman Consultants (BHC) and Calmaquip Engineering have been given 14 days to provide written responses to evidence given at the Commission of Inquiry into the Piarco airport development project. Both firms were summoned to appear before the inquiry yesterday and on Tuesday. BHC’s attorney is Bruce Procope, QC while Calmaquip is represented by attorneys Russell Martineau, SC and Avory Sinanan. Although the companies’ officials failed to appear in person, letters to the Commission from their attorneys indicated their willingness to respond to the evidence by written statements. Yesterday, dozens of letters exchanged between the companies, their attorneys and the Commission were read into evidence by Mercedes Gabriel, a paralegal with the Commission. BHC, in its June 24 faxed letter to the Commission, acknowledged receipt of the summons to question witnesses who implicated them, but pointed out that they are unable to come to Trinidad, but were willing to answer questions. BHC also said it may prepare a written statement in response to the transcripts of evidence from witnesses which they have received. Calmaquip too, through letters from Martineau dated June 23 and 24, informed the Commission that it did not want to question witnesses who implicated them in the inquiry, but it was not an acceptance of the allegations made.
Calmaquip said it would respond to the allegations in writing and wanted the Commission to give them a date by which time they should respond. Lead attorney for the Commission Theodore Guerra, SC advised the Commission that in fairness to the companies, they be given 14 days, that is, until July 8 to submit their written statements. The Commissioners agreed. Also yesterday Peter Cateau, the Ministry of Works and Transport client representative, was asked by the Commission to get information on who authorised a US$1.6 million claim by BHC for services done by Overseas Communications Investment Corporation (OCIC). Cateau said he heard about the payment, but it was before he was appointed. The inquiry will resume today, when Fidelity Finance and Maritime General Insurance are summoned to appear. Cateau will also be questioned by John Humphrey’s attorney Sean Cazabon.
President of the Police Second Division Ag Inspector Christopher Holder will meet today with police officers who are part of an existing Rapid Response Unit, to carry out round-the-clock patrols in Laventille and surrounding areas. Newsday learned that the police officers employed in that unit and who are based at the VMCOTT compound at Beetham Estate, met recently with the Police Second Divison and complained about their working hours and the compensatory time off given to them. Police officers in that unit work all day, all night and are then given one day and a night off. The Second Division Association met yesterday with Police Commissioner Hilton Guy to discuss manpower resources and work conditions for the additional officers, who are earmarked for a new Rapid Response Unit. Holder told Newsday that Commissioner Guy admitted that he has not been properly briefed on the new unit, so he could not give any information to the Second Division. Senior officers said they were watching closely to see where the additional officers will come from, since they face a serious problem of understaffing at all police stations in the country. They added that while the idea of having 400 police and army officers patrol hot spot crime areas is good, consideration must be given to the officers who are chosen to form that unit.
