TAXI driver Roger “Skills” Marcellin was shot dead early yesterday morning in one of two murders that occurred in the Port-of-Spain area in less than four hours.
Marcellin’s killing, described by lawmen as an execution, has since been given a robbery motive because the grey Gallant car he was driving was stolen and had not been recovered up to late yesterday. The other fatal shooting that claimed the life of Kenrick Glasgow, 29, of 23rd Street, Hellyard, Beetham Estate, has been linked to gang warfare, police said. He was said by the police to be involved in several illegal activities including drugs and robberies. Police sources said Marcellin, 36, of Leon Hill, Belmont, was found dead around 5.45am by PC Neil “Darkie” James, a warrant officer of the Court and Process Branch. PC James is attached to the Besson Street Police Station. According to the police, residents of Bath Street, East Dry River, heard a single gunshot around 1am yesterday. When PC James went to put his garbage out at an empty plot of land, he stumbled upon Marcellin’s body lying face down.
Marcellin’s hands were tied to the front of his body with a piece of white plastic, which police said PC James had thrown out in the garbage Wednesday. This piece of observation led police to believe Marcellin was killed at the scene. Lawmen said Marcellin, also called Plaits, and father of a 13-year-old son who is abroad, was shot once in the mouth with the bullet exiting through the left side of his head. Police think that he may have picked up passengers who later robbed him of his car. No one was at Marcellin’s home when a Newsday team visited yesterday. However, his girlfriend, Prudence Abraham, was reached later. Abraham, who is expecting Marcellin’s second child in May, said she knew him for three years and during that time, never knew him to be involved in any illegal activities. She said she last saw Marcellin around lunchtime on Wednesday. She also described him as a “favourite driver”, who always kept to himself. In Glasgow’s killing, police said around 10.30 pm Wednesday, the victim was on 25th Street, Hellyard, Beetham Estate, when several gunshots rang out.
Glasgow’s body was later found, riddled with bullets on the western side of the road. Relatives were extremely hostile when the media visited his home yesterday. They offered no comment and chased the media away. In both shootings, a party of officers visited the scene. No arrests had been made up to late yesterday and Sgts Millette and Hudson of the Besson Street Criminal Investigations Department (CID) are continuing investigations into both killings.
CABINET yesterday agreed to move the seat of democracy — the Parliament — from its historic place, the Red House, and to put in a new, larger building which is to be constructed north of Knox Street (where the magistrates courts are currently located).
Minister of Public Administration Dr Lenny Saith made the announcement at a post-Cabinet briefing at Whitehall yesterday. Saith said an assessment done by his ministry showed that the Red House “ even when it is restored” would not be adequate for the needs of Parliament. He said Cabinet yesterday mandated UDECOTT to be the executing agency. It also agreed on a process for achieving the project. But Chief Justice Sat Sharma was breathing fire last night when contacted by Newsday. “It doesn’t make sense. We have waited too long for this accommodation for the magistrates and now they are doing this. People must be more sensitive. Not because you have so much power, but this is another arm of the State — the Judiciary.”
CJ Sharma was surprised at the announcement, saying common courtesy demanded consultation between the Judiciary and the Executive. The CJ said that millions of dollars were spent to upgrade the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court. He noted that because proper planning was not carried out, funding had to be found for building a new wing, whose opening date no one knows. “I thought we had a place of stability with this accommodation because of the sub-human conditions at NIPDEC House. This seems to be a collosal waste of funds if Government is planning to take this area for Parliament. Imagine, they will have to demolish these courts. This is a historical site, what a waste!” the CJ added. But according to the PNM, first, a committee of both Houses of Parliament will develop the User Brief; on the basis of this there would be a national design competition for local architects. Saith said yesterday that the process is expected to take about four years.
The Minister disagreed with the view that the lack of consultation with the national community on such an important decision was in any way arrogant or high-handed. “Why shouldn’t the national community support a proper building for the Parliament?” he said adding that the Parliament needed a building where there could be proper meeting rooms for caucuses, for MPs to meet the people and for the people to sit and observe meetings of the parliamentary committees. He said that the PNM had a concept of creating a city centre which placed all the organs of Government within that very block. Prime Minister Patrick Manning endorsed this position. He reminded the media that few of you supported the construction of the Brian Lara Promenade which has proven to be “one of the more creative things that had been done to bring the city back to life again.”
The block identified for the parliament would encompass Knox Street, St Vincent Street, Abercromby Street and Duke Street. Saith said UDECPOTT would begin immediately to acquire the four or five properties needed to take full control of the block. The Minister said he did not “visualize” the magistrates court staying in the building. Saith said Government was looking at several options now for the use of the Red House. Asked whether the long mooted plan of the Prime Ministrer moving the Office of the Prime Minister to the Red House was now taking shape, Saith conceded that this was one of the options to be looked at.
THE existing travel advisory issued by the United States Government mentions no terrorist activities in Trinidad and Tobago.
While the US Department of State is concerned mainly with crime, terrorist activities do not form part of the advisory issued last November 1. However, the US issued a world wide warning on terrorism on February 6. The British issued a travel advisory dated December 6, 2002 warning its nationals that TT could be one of the countries where there may be an increased terrorist threat. But in another advisory on Wednesday, the British pointed out that there is no recent history of terrorism in TT, apart from the attempted coup by the Jamaat Al Muslimeen in 1990.
US Ambassador to TT Dr Roy Austin said recently that the US information on TT was different to the British. He did not have evidence of terrorist activities in TT. According to the US advisory, Trinidad and Tobago is considered safe. “Non-violent demonstrations occur on occasion, but civil disorder is not considered a threat. As a common sense precaution, American citizens travelling to, or residing in Trinidad and Tobago should avoid large crowds and demonstrations.” The US Embassy advised visitors to exercise caution when travelling from Piarco International Airport, especially after dark, because of incidents involving armed robbers trailing arriving passengers from the airport and then accosting them outside the gates of their residences.
The US pointed out that there is increase in crime around Christmas and Carnival. “Violent crimes, including assault, kidnapping and murder, have involved foreign residents and tourists including US citizens. Since the beginning of 2002, there has been an increase in kidnappings and ransom. While US citizens have not been targeted, at least one American citizen has fallen victim to kidnappers. “Burglaries of private residences are common. Robbery is at risk, particularly in urban areas. In some cases, robberies of Americans have turned violent after the victims resisted handing over valuables.”
The US Embassy also urged its nationals to be wary of maxi taxis. “These have been linked to petty crime and serious traffic accidents. Taxis available at the major hotels or through pre-arranged pickups are generally safe and reliable. Motor vehicle occupants should keep all windows closed and car doors locked.” The US felt that the TT police are cooperative, but they are often hampered by lack of resources. With respect to traffic safety and road conditions, the US painted a gloomy picture. Safety of public transportation — poor; urban road conditions/maint-nance — poor; rural road conditions/maintenance — poor; availability of roadside assistance — poor. The US advisory said that Americans suspected of committing crimes may be jailed until the trial date, which can be months or even years after the arrest.
“Many of the US citizens incarcerated in Trinidad and Tobago were caught taking suitcases or packages containing drugs out of the country. Even if the package or suitcase is being carried for someone else, the traveller is liable for its contents.”
VETERAN bandleaders Ivan Kalicharan and his wife, Wendy, left the South Pre Dimanche Gras Extravaganza 2003 on Wednesday night with both the King and Queen of the Band titles.
Although Ivan Kalicharan did not masquerade his own costume for the King segment, his son, Aaron, managed to win the judges’ favour with his portrayal of “The Native Warrior”. Decorated in gold, bronze and black, Kalicharan’s costume also entailed the competitor wearing a large warrior mask. Coming in second was Leroy Preito, portraying “Temuchin – The Mighty Ruler and Warrior” from the band Fireworks Promotion. His red, green, blue, gold and purple costume bore the symbol of a dragon.
Third place winner, Owen Hinds Jr, portrayed “Katanaga – The Great Spirit” from the band “Miracles”.
Among the 11 competing queens, Wendy Kalicharan’s portrayal of “The Native Dancer”, proved to be the Queen of all. Her costume, decorated in orange, green, yellow, black and gold included three attached warrior heads and a display of fiery prowess from her dancing. Miguel Marchan’s band, “Carnival Forever, Forever Carnival,” landed second place for the white and silver costume titled “Carnival Goddess of Peace and Love” portrayed by Peola Marchan. Draped in angelic white, the costume carried symbols of peace and drawings of doves and hearts. The special effect was the release of a dove from the heart of the costume.
Kalicharan’s “Native Festival” also produced the third place winner from the Queen competition. Portraying “D’ Amazon Princess,” competitor Gloria Dallsingh carried a heavily plumed gold, red and white costume, complete with bubbles for the special effects.
These finalists go to Dimanche Gras on Sunday night to compete “on the big stage”.
THE BODY of known bandit Desmond “Snake” Mitchell, who was killed by a bullet believed to be from the gun of one of his own accomplices, was discovered yesterday in a New Grant canefield.
Mitchell was left for dead after being shot while fleeing from a house he and two others robbed Wednesday night. By 7 am yesterday, Mitchell was discovered lying face up in a ditch a few hundred yards behind the victims’ house. His accomplices escaped with the loot. The deceased was identified by the Ramdial family as one of three armed bandits who stormed their house at Hindustan Road around 11.30 pm Thursday night and robbed them of cash and jewelry. Police said Mitchell had a history of criminal activity and was wanted in connection with several robberies in the area. He had several matters pending at the Princes Town Magistrates’ Court for similar offences and had been previously convicted. His last robbery occurred at the home of taxi driver Bachan Ramdial, 52.
Ramdial and his family were watching televison when they heard a loud banging at the back door and three men armed with a cutlass, a pistol and a shotgun, stormed into the house. The bandits ransacked the house and filled their bags with cash and jewelry. A female family member who began screaming for help was beaten with the flat side of a cutlass. Meanwhile, one of the bandits who went outside to stand guard noticed a neighbour peering into the house. Pointing his gun at the neighbour, the bandit ordered him back inside. Instead the neighbour returned with his 12 gauge shot gun and fired four shots into the air. Alerted by the gunfire, the two other bandits rushed out of the house, returning fire as they escaped over a back wall and ran into a canefield. Police recovered two spent shells from a nine millimetre gun and a 16 gauge shotgun at Ramdial’s home. They believe the nine millimetre bullet struck Mitchell from behind and punctured his heart.
Yesterday Homicide detectives led by Ag Inspector Fitzgerald George, Ag Sgt Rajkumar of the Tableland Police, and Superintendent Farrel, Insp Terry Khan and Sgt Singh of the Princes Town Police Station, visited the scene. The body was removed to the Forensics Sciences Centre when it was positively identified by the deceased’s mother, Janet Mitchell. The deceased, a father of one, was originally from Brickfield, Brother’s Road. He was living with his sister, Ira, and her husband at Petite Cafe.
The Court of Appeal yesterday warned that the Prisons Services was operating at its own peril when it further held on to a prisoner who was freed by the court a few hours before.
However, Senior State Prosecutor Trevor Ward said the Authority only did so in order to process the former prisoner Zainool Hosein, to ensure he had no other matters pending, or was serving a sentence for some other offence. The Appeal Court, comprising Justices Anthony Lucky (President) and Stanley John, made the point following complaints by Hosein’s attorney, Ian Stuart Brook, that prison officers had led his freed client through the prisoner’s entrance after the court had quashed his conviction and set aside his sentence.
After giving its decision, the court rose and the judges left the courtroom when the prison officers escorted Hosein back to the holding cells. It was at this point Brook started making very strong objections, noting that his client was freed by the court, and should not be further detained by the Prisons Services. Brook felt so strongly about the matter that he asked for the court to be reconvened to deal with the issue. Upon reconvening, Brook told their Lordships that he was very much alarmed that his client was led through “that particular door” since his sentence was quashed, and further expressed fear that Hosein might be taken back to prison. It was then that Ward explained that it was only an administrative procedure, which the prison authority had to go through before releasing Hosein.
Justice John, who had delivered the judgement earlier, enquired if they (Prisons Services) had to take him back for that. He observed that “ these administrative procedures” would seem as further imprisonment, and that the prison authority “is doing this at their own peril…The Court has made a ruling.” Hosein was sentenced to eight years hard labour on a conviction of robbery on September 20, 2001, by a Sangre Grande magistrate. He was charged with robbing 90-year-old Soomaria Baboolal Roopchand, of Cumuto, on July 31, 2000 of $5. Brook’s main ground was that there was no evidence to link Hosein with the robbery on that day.
John, in his judgement, agreed that there was insufficient evidence for the magistrate to make a finding that Hosein robbed Roopchand. He said, what was clear was that she did have some money, Hosein did come into her house; there was some sort of an altercation and sometime later she sustained injuries. But no evidence was led as to the last time Roopchand had seen the money in her bag.
An official of the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) has described the “chi chi” man (Jamaican slang for homosexual) issue as unfortunate, and said it had no place in TT society.
The popular song “More Gyul” by Antiguan Soca artiste Shawn Ryan, “Wanskie” has been heavily criticised for encouraging discrimination against homosexuals. Although the song has a line “we don’t want no chi chi man in ah de band for Carnival,” in his defence Wanskie has refuted that he is promoting violence against homosexuals. Speaking to Newsday on Monday, head of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) Special Programme on Sexually Transmitted Infections (SPSTI), Dr Bilai Camara said: “A musician is a leader, a calypsonian is a leader and they have to realise they have a skill in the society and a role to play in how we can live together in harmony. They can create war between us also and they have to understand. That is critical.”
He said the song may have gained popularity because people with deep-seated feelings against homosexuals have used the opportunity to express themselves. Camara said culture has a powerful influence on human sexuality and this power must be understood and handled in an appropriate manner. “We have to understand what we say and what we express is important.” He said the lyrics of many songs for the Carnival season are about sex and women, “and certainly enhance our sexual drive and our behaviours in terms of sex.”
Camara said to some extent religion and culture cannot be separated. “People who are naturally homosexual are getting married and becoming bisexual. They are playing a role in this epidemic.” He said this is a critical element impacting on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Camara stressed the importance of culture, especially the role music plays in educating society to handle sex and sexuality. Using the music of David Rudder as an example, he said there are certain things which will not be heard in his music. He commended the tune “Trini to the Bone,” for its theme of unity and humanity. “He’s talking about this beautiful country and those are things which artistes should learn to really use and express as much as possible.”
The School Feeding Programme will begin supplying meals to St Ann’s Hospital from today after the kitchen at the mental institution was ordered closed by the County Medical Officer of Health last Wednesday.
Although deemed to be in an unsanitary state, the kitchen was still used to prepare meals yesterday because alternative arrangements had not yet been finalised. The North West Regional Health Authority which is responsible for St Ann’s is looking at the option of removing cooking equipment to the EWMSC so meals could be cooked at Mt Hope. A costing for both arrangements is being worked out to determine which is more cost effective. St Ann’s received a new van from EWMSC to transport meals to wards around the sprawling acreage since its vans were condemned because of the presence of bacteria.
No time frame has been set for refurbishment of the kitchen since the NWRHA must get new quotations for the work. The original tender for renovations at St Ann’s included the kitchen, however this had to be cancelled so work on the kitchen could be expedited. In addition, the cost for all the repairs was also in excess of the $1.2 million budget allocated to the facility.
ALI KHAN, General Manager of the Hilton Trinidad, said he was hopeful that travel advisories warning foreigners against visiting Trinidad and Tobago because of alleged terrorist links will continue to be “toned down”.
Khan made the comment after the British government, which had issued a December 6 advisory warning their nationals against visiting Trinidad and Tobago, released an updated travel advisory this week which stated that “there had been no recent history of terrorism” in this country. Khan said he was optimistic that as time went by advisories from around the world would tone down and tourism would once again “be on heights”. He said while the Hilton Trinidad wasn’t yet sold out for Carnival, this year was a strong one and occupancy levels were actually better than last year. Corporate Communications Specialist at the Port Authority, Betty Gibbons said everything was “more or less back on stream”. President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, David O’Brien said the Chamber’s focus remained on the safety of citizens, not public relations. He said the decision to tone down the UK advisory was a good move. President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), Gregory Aboud said despite the toned down advisory, which he said was “still reasonably negative”, there was “no reason to rejoice yet”. He said it was “simplistic for us to believe that the new advisory would act as a boost to attract visitors.” Stuart Dalgliesh, President of the TT Manufacturing Association (TTMA) would only say that he “was sure it would help”.
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) yesterday approved a motion to begin a massive drive to fight HIV/Aids with a treatment facility to begin operating on April 15 and an injection of $14 million in this financial year to fight the disease.
The motion received the full support of both sides of the House after it was introduced by THA Secretary for Health and Social Services, Cynthia Alfred at the monthly plenary sitting of the House in Scarborough. “We are going to wage a war on HI/Aids and I’m talking within the next few weeks. We are taking the fight to every community in Tobago. We are not waiting for people to come forward. We are going to every community and we are going to wage a war,” Alfred said. The THA will follow a report by the Health and Economy Unit of the University of the West Indies that outlined nine positions that should be followed. The consultant to the entire programme is Dr Raymond Noel, a citizen of this country who resides in Atlanta Georgia. He has successfully conducted programmes that tackle the virus in the US and across the world.
The first proposal in the report is for evidence based planning led by intensive surveillance and research. Alfred explained that in this regard, Dr Noel was given a bursary to study abroad and to gather fresh information to assist in the fight of HIV/Aids. The report proposed enhanced political leadership. Alfred pointed out that the Executive Council of the THA had approved the programme and that Prime Minister Patrick Manning had also given his full support. She noted that the Government had already pledged in the 2002/2003 Budget, $500 million to fight HIV/Aids. Thirdly, the report recommended the development of strong leadership. The THA will establish a Commission on HIV/Aids and Substance Abuse within three weeks to take the programme forward. It shall involve persons living with HIV/Aids, the Tobago Regional Health Authority, the THA Divisions of Youth, Legal Affairs, Health, Planning and Finance, Education, trade unions, the business sector, the media, non-governmental organisations and community based groups. Training shall be given to several persons to conduct testing and to serve as counsellors, support units and psychiatrists.
