The new President was bold. Some say he drifted a little into politics. But his inaugural speech yesterday gave comfort to those who wanted to see a bipartisan President, acting in the interest of all and not a puppet to be manipulated by the government.

President, His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, addressing a large audience on the President’s House Grounds, asserted his independence; spoke on the social issues of race, unemployment, poverty, education and attacked the “self-seekers of the present, employing the divide and rule tactics of the Imperial mind-benders of the past”. His Excellency, the only person at the VIP podium who was tapping his programme to his legs, as the Defence Force played “Trini to the Bone”, also showed himself completely in touch with the people, drawing relevant quotations from local composers and artists, such as Andre Tanker and David Rudder. The uninitiated in the audience however were a bit startled when he recited an excerpt from Derek Walcott’s “Schooner Flight”: “I’m just a red nigger who love the sea, I had a sound colonial education, I have Dutch, nigger and English in me, And either I’m nobody, or I’m a nation”.

His Excellency also signalled his intention to “get closer to the people in their communities and in their settlements”. President Richards, from the word “go”, seemed to be suggesting that that he would be his own man. “I give assurance and serve warning that I will allow nothing and no one to prevent me from bringing to the tasks before us qualities of independence, even-handedness, impartiality, objectivity, fairness and consideration for all,” he told the guests at yesterday’s inauguration, which was held at President’s House. Richards also opened his address by noting that his Presidency was begnning in the shadow of two years of political uncertainty “and under a threatening sky”. “Internationally there are very strong indications of imminent war, imaginings of terrorist attacks, while in our island retreat we are startled where we should feel safest — in our neighbourhood streets, in our homes, and in our schools,” he said. The President added he had too much faith in the strength and goodness of the people to think that “we are doomed. But I see that the price of progress is high. I see signs of a country forgetting itself, hurtling in a dark as if it had no past, speeding without vision into a future it does not seem to believe in,” he said.

The President, a former UWI principal, delved deeply into the area of education, saying that successive governments had not invested adequately in education and training. “What we are seeking would seem to suggest that we do not get value for such money as is spent,” he said. He said a President with a background in Engineering Science and Education could be expected “to welcome and to take a serious interest in the proposed University of Trinidad and Tobago”. He said the economic well-being of a society, peace, order and social harmony, the emotional stability of citizens, and the possibility of equal opportunity and the eradication of poverty all depend to a large extent on the provision of high quality and and humane education for all at every level.

The President, using a cricket analogy, praised all his predecessors, saying that each had his own style and each had in his repertoire the strengths required by the Presidential moment. “In each case the stars were so aligned that the hour and the man were in propitious sync,” he said. For his own part, Professor Richards committed the Office of the President to the Constitution and its preamble: “Whereas the People of Trinidad and Tobago respect the principles of social justice and therefore believe that the operation of the economic system should result in the material resources of the community being so distributed as to subserve the common good, that there should be adequate means of livelihood for all”.

INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the death of a Penal medical student who drowned Sunday while bathing with friends at a river in Salybia.

According to police reports, around 4.15 pm on Sunday Denny Rampersad, 21, a medical student who lived at Rochard Douglas Road, was liming with friends at the Matura River, Salybia. After diving into the water, Rampersad failed to resurface and his friends carried out a search for him. Others soon got involved in the search and they eventually retrieved Rampersad’s lifeless body . A report was made to the police and a team of officers led by Insp Anastacio visited the scene along with DMO Dr Maharaj, who viewed the body and ordered it removed to the Port-of-Spain Mortuary where an autopsy was supposed to have been done yesterday. PC Persad is continuing investigations.

UP TO late yesterday there was no ransom demand and no word on the whereabouts of nine-year-old Micha Bernard who was abducted on Don Miguel Road, San Juan last Saturday evening.

Officers of the Anti Kidnapping Squad (AKS) who are exploring all angles in the abduction of the boy have so far encountered several dead ends in their investigations. Micha, a Third Standard pupil of Barataria Anglican School who lives at Sixth Street, Barataria, was on his way home from a birthday party in company with a cousin when he was abducted by armed men in a heavily-tinted green vehicle. He is the son of Marlon Bernard, a Customs Clerk, and Marcia Bernard, a clerk at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. They are of the firm view that Bernard’s kidnapping was a case of mistaken identity.

Yesterday, Newsday went to the area where Micha was kidnapped near a relative’s house on Don Miguel Road. One resident said the green Accent had followed Micha and his cousin from the birthday party, while another said the occupants had changed the vehicle’s number plate after they got Micha. A neighbour said she heard screams but by the time she went to the front of her home, the abductors had already gone with Bernard.

Newsday also visited the boy’s school where teachers and students were distraught over the abduction. Principal Claudette Grant-Gooding said no one could talk or work and it was an emotional time. Grant-Gooding said the entire staff, children, TTUTA representatives and others were in tears. “It’s a family school and I am trying to console the staff and children,” she said.  Micha’s classmates were counselled by a doctor yesterday and prayers were offered for his safe return.  TTUTA president Trevor Oliver appealed to the relevant authorities to formulate laws to “strongly deal” with “the menace of kidnapping”.  Relatives are appealing to the public to contact them if they have any information on Micha’s whereabouts. Investigations, spearheaded by Sr Supt Gilbert Reyes, head of the AKS, are continuing.

PRAISES for Karl Hudson Phillips, QC, followed by gruelling legal arguments characterised the Dhanraj Singh murder trial when hearing resumed in the San Fernando First Assize Court yesterday.

On Hudson-Phillip’s appointment, Justice Melville Baird jokingly remarked: “I hope it’s not a case of M’Lud referring to M’Lud.” Just back from the Netherlands where he was sworn in as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Hudson-Phillips who is defending Singh for murder, was formally welcomed by Sir Timothy Cassel, the British Queen’s Counsel who is prosecuting the former Local Government minister. Hudson-Phillips was described by Cassel as a man of renowned integrity and humanity. “I’m sure he will carry out his duties as such”. Echoing the sentiments of the lead prosecutor, Justice Baird said that Hudson-Phillips’ appointment was both pleasing to this country and the international community.

Before the court was convened yesterday morning, Cassel and Hudson-Phillips had engaged in a jovial exchange of words at the inner bar on the latter’s appointment to the ICC. “Glad to see you again Karl,” Cassel greeted Hudson-Phillips as the Queen’s Counsel walked into the courtroom. “So when do you actually start a case,” Cassel asked, to which Hudson-Phillips answered: “Probably in about a year’s time. A prosecutor is yet to be appointed.” To the amusement of defence and State attorneys in the outer bar, Cassel retorted: “Mr Rajcoomar (Ravi Rajcoomar) and I can prosecute for you.” The day’s proceedings began with the jury being ordered back into their room only minutes after they came into court. Justice Baird gave a ruling on a legal issue Hudson-Phillips’ had raised on Friday.

Arguments went on until the morning break at 11:45. When one issue was resolved and the judge gave his ruling, Hudson-Phillips raised another with the jury still out of court and hearing. The entire morning was taken up in legal submissions after which the luncheon break was taken. On resumption, Justice Baird gave a ruling on only one of the issues and as a result, the State was only able to call one witness yesterday – Kelvin Delicia. Among the witnesses expected to testify yesterday was the State’s main witness – Elliot Hypolite alias “Abdullah.” Hypolite was brought to court from his safe house under armed security to the San Fernando Police Station in the expectation that Cassel would have called him sometime yesterday. This was not to be due to Hudson-Phillips’ legal objections. Cassel told the judge that Hypolite will be brought back tomorrow. This morning when the trial resumes half an hour later than the usual 9 am scheduled time, Justice Baird will continue hearing legal arguments.

TWO armed men forced their way into a Tabaquite house on Sunday night and abducted a father of four, while his wife and other relatives looked on helplessly.

On their way out of the house, the abductors opened gunfire when a relative of the victim tried to put up a fight. Up to late yesterday, relatives had received no ransom demand for the safe release of Selwyn Simmons, 35, a labourer.  Police are working on the  theory that Simmons’ may have been abducted because he was an eyewitness to a crime.

At around 9 pm two men pulled up in a car outside Simmons’ Brothers Road, Tabaquite, home and asked for him. As a female relative went to look for Simmons, the armed men forced their way into the house. They broke down a bedroom door and confronted Simmons and his wife Marcia. Simmons was forced out of his bed while his terrified wife pleaded with the abductors. As the abductors were leaving the house, a male relative of Simmons tried to put up a fight, but had to run for cover as two gunshots were fired. Simmons was pushed into a car which sped off. A report was made to Southern Division police and members of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) were informed.

MALONEY resident Keon Williams, aka Keith Lewis, has succumbed to gunshot injuries, sustained on February 21 while liming at Building 12, Maloney.

Williams, 25, was shot twice, in the left side of his chest and abdomen, after an argument with a man. He died Saturday night at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Mount Hope Medical Sciences Complex.
No arrests was made up to late yesterday and Sgt Godson Andrews of the Maloney Police Post is continuing investigations.

MUCH of yesterday’s sitting in the Dhanraj Singh murder trial was taken up with legal arguments being heard in the absence of the jury.

The evidence from only one witness was taken, before further hearing was adjourned to 9.30 am today. In addition, the court took an early adjournment at 12.50 pm to permit those invited to attend yesterday’s inauguration of President-elect, Prof Max Richards. More legal arguments are due this morning in the San Fernando First Criminal Court where the trial is being heard, so much so that Justice Melville Baird advised the jury they must return to the courtroom at 1.30 pm today.

When the hearing resumed yesterday lead Defence Counsel, Karl Hudson-Phillips QC was back in court following his swearing-in last week as a judge of the International Criminal Court at The Hague. After the brief congratulatory remarks — first by lead prosecuting counsel, Sir Timothy Cassel QC, followed by Justice Baird, and ‘thank you’ remarks by Hudson-Phillips, the trial judge sought to clear up the first point — whether he and Hudson-Phillips should each be calling each other ‘M’lud.’ But Hudson-Phillips was quick to point out that it would be sometime yet before he would acquire that title of ‘M’lud’.

Justice Baird having ruled on arguments submitted last Thursday, asked the jury to be out of court for a short while.
But that short while turned into a long while as more legal arguments continued between the prosecution and the defence.
The lunch break — 45 minutes — was subsequently taken.
When hearing resumed at 12.45 pm the prosecution called the lone witness, Kelvin Delicia, who told the court he lives at East Dry River, Port-of-Spain.

Questioned by Sir Timothy, Delicia said he had four children. The eldest was known as Stephen Cummings; also known as “Chen”.
CASSEL: Is he still alive? — No sir.
CASSEL: Are you able to tell us what date he died?
DELICIA: On October 8, 2000.
CASSEL; Now, you told us you are a Catholic? — Yes sir.
CASSEL; Was he a Catholic as well, or was he a member of a different religion.
DELICIA: He had a different religion.
CASSEL: What was his religion?
— DELICIA: (after deliberating for awhile) said his son was a Muslim.
CASSEL: Did he have a job? — He was employed at the URP as an Area Foreman.
CASSEL: Which area? — It was more than one area he worked for the URP.
CASSEL: Can you tell us which area he was a foreman ? — I really do not know all the areas he used to work.
CASSEL: Where did he live? — He lived at Upper Laventille.
Delicia was then cross-examined by Karl Hudson-Phillips for the defence.
HUDSON-PHILLIPS: Have you ever heard of the Jamaat al Muslimeen? — Yes.
HUDSON-PHILLIPS: Was your son a member of the organisation? — Yes sir.

There being no further questioning the witnes was released at 12.50 pm, following which Justice Baird ruled that further hearing will resume at 9.30 am today.

HEAVILY armed police officers cordoned off Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain, opposite Woodford Square during the busy midday period yesterday after being alerted by Republic Bank officials about three suspicious-looking men inside the bank.

However, after a 30-minute search, which included searches on the roof-tops of several businessplaces, the operation was called off and business returned to normal. Officers from Port-of-Spain CID, POS Task Force, Guard and Emergency Branch, Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) and North-Eastern Division Task Force under Ag Cpl Lawrence responding to the alarm around midday rushed to Frederick Street which was quickly cordoned off. Limers at Woodford Square were ordered to move towards the Red House side and taxi drivers on the St Anns and St James routes, as well as other motorists were forced to divert unto Prince Street. Armed with high-powered rifles and machine-guns and pistols, the officers went to the roof of the bank and adjoining buildings as they searched for the suspects. Police sources told Newsday they suspect the suspects escaped by blending into the large crowd which gathered outside the bank. Officials of the bank later confirmed that police were called out to “check out a report”, but no robbery took place and operations quickly returned to normal.

ISRAELI Ambassador to Caracas Arie Tenne, who is in Trinidad for the inauguration of President Max Richards, yesterday said Israel is more prepared for war than any other nation and that they would not be caught unawares as they were during the Gulf War in 1991.

As to whether Israel supported or condemned a war against Iraq, Tenne replied: “It is not our war and we are not involved in it,” adding however that Israel “supported the international community to disarm Saddam Hussein.” He also said Israel’s position was the same as everybody else’s, as he questioned what the world wanted from Saddam Hussien. Tenne was expressing his country’s views at a press briefing at the Hilton on the likelihood of war between the US and Iraq. He said it was not only the US, UK and Spain that wanted Saddam disarmed but also the French and the Russians and the Arabs. “We want the same thing, as we realise he is a threat to everybody,” he stated. Tenne revealed that every man, woman and child in Israel now possessed a gas mask and in addition to Defence arrangements there were public shelters and homes.

He said every apartment now contained a sealed room where people could be safe in the event of chemical and biological weapons. “We know what we can expect, unfortunately, from Saddam Hussein.” Tenne said that despite their non-involvement in the Gulf War, they were one of the first nations to be attacked by Saddam Hussien. “We are not involved now in any way, neither on the diplomatic nor the military front, we are out of it” said Tenne. However, he added “We expect that if Saddam Hussein can attack us he will, just as he did in 1991.” Listing Hussien’s championing of the Palestinian cause as one reason he might attack Israel, Tenne said they were in no doubt that he would attack once he possessed weapons of mass destruction. Referring to Saddam’s claim that he would counter-attack all over the world if Iraq was attacked, Tenne questioned what exactly this meant. “We know we are always on his list of favourite targets,” Tenne claimed.

Questioned as to whether Israel thought Saddam should be given more time to comply with the UN’s orders for disarming nuclear weapons, Tenne once again said it was not Israel’s call to make. Does Israel support the UN or the US? “We have not taken a stand on that” Tenne emphatically stated. He revealed that Israel had decided not to be part of the Security Council, the Diplomatic efforts, or the Military efforts as they had no wish to be deliberately involved in what he again termed was “not our war.” He reiterated that Saddam Hussein was “one of the most reckless and most ruthless despots in history.”

Tenne acknowledged that the crux of the issue was whether or not Hussein had destroyed the weapons of mass destruction he possessed, as he (Saddam) could continue to discover weapons when the pressure was on from the UN, for the next 50 years. Does he believe that this could be the beginning of World War III? “I don’t know, to have a world war, you have to have enemies” stated Tenne, and questioned who would be fighting whom. He added that one had to be sure of the parties involved. Regarding diplomatic relations between TT and the US at this point, he stated that they were “very good” and that they had always seen “eye to eye with the US.” Tenne said he last spoke to Minister of Tertiary Education Danny Montano, who believed that education might be a common ground, as well as the agriculture, and oil and gas industries.

FORMER Airports Authority Chairman Tyrone Gopee yesterday failed to appear at the Commission of Inquiry into the Piarco International Airport Project and the appearance of his new attorney caused many of the assembled witnesses to question his non-appearance. Gopee’s new attorney, Carol Gobin, also asked the Commission why her client was a subject of the Inquiry. As the hearing continued at the Caribbean Court of Justice yesterday,  Gobin informed the Commission that she was replacing Nyree Alfonso as Gopee’s legal counsel. When Gopee appeared before the Commission last Wednesday for the first time, Alfonso said she had not received all of the transcripts and Gopee was trying to hire Fyard Hosein as his attorney.

Gobin revealed that attempts to hire Hosein failed and having only been assigned last Friday as the former AA chairman’s lawyer, she was in no position to cross-examine any of the witnesses present at yesterday’s sitting. The attorney added that she had several other cases pending which required her attention. Commission chairman, retired Chief Justice Clinton Bernard, noted that Alfonso was on record of having represented Gopee before the Commission since September 2002. Asked by Bernard if she would be ready to proceed in ten days time, Gobin responded affirmatively. Bernard then apologised to the assembled witnesses for any inconvenience caused to them by Gopee’s absence and Gobin’s inability to proceed and indicated that Gobin would begin her cross-examination on March 27. Among those present were former Works Minister Jearlean John, former Works Ministry representative Peter Cateau, NIPDEC general manager Margaret Thompson and NIPDEC consultant Kenneth Crichlow.

Gobin asked how her client “should participate in the proceedings”. Bernard replied: “ We will not be drawn into that. I made pronouncements about that before. He was told to come and take part.”  Continued arguments from Gobin, resulted in Bernard informing her “there is a place where you can take that if you question it, take it elsewhere”. Bernard indicated that John would be cross-examined by NIPDEC’s attorney Jonathon Walker and Peter Cateau’s attorney, Keith Scotland when the hearing resumes today at 9.30 am. John, Thompson, Cateau and Crichlow all told the Commission they would be present. As yesterday’s hearing was adjourned, several of the witnesses debated possible theories for Gopee’s no-show and his new attorney.