He traced the root of current ferry woes to a mysterious removal of an exit clause from the contract to hire the Warrior Spirit (known as a charter-party), so the Port Authority couldn’t terminate the contract for non-performance, despite the boat limping along on just one engine and taking 15 hours on the sea-bridge.

Alleging a failure of due diligence (proper research before contracting), he asked, “Why was the exit clause excised?” Annisette then contrasted two different stances on signing the charter- party. He bemoaned that no charter-party was ever signed for the Super Fast Galicia, saying such a contract would have prevented this ship from suddenly leaving TT.

By contrast, seemingly referring to the Ocean Flower II and/ or Cabo Star, Annisette lamented that a charter- party was signed even before the vessel( s) reached TT and had undergone sea-trials.

“That is unheard of.

I’d like that to be investigated,” he demanded.

Annisette concluded, “In my view this thing was calculated and designed to have this result. Nobody could change my mind. I and my executive spoke to Minister (Rohan) Sinanan and I warned him of the consequences of not signing a charter- party agreement.

He said ‘They could go! Nobody’s holding this Government to ransom.

They have vessels outside there’.” Blaming Sinanan, Annisette said, “If the vessel left under your watch you should be man enough to take responsibility for the chaos that the leaving of the Galicia caused.” Alluding Sinanan had erred, Annisette said six ships submitted for tender had all failed.

Annisette cryptically alleged that four months before the arrival in TT of the Atlantic Provider the union had known it was due.

So at the risk of being considered heartless, I am not amused that so much time, effort and resources are being expended to bring home the “foreign” nationals from hurricane-ravaged countries. I also speak for many who share this opinion but wish to remain silent.

Let me be clear. I have no problem with helping any citizen who is ordinarily resident in TT but who might have been away on vacation or on a shortterm work assignment and just happened to get caught in the storm.

My problem is with those who choose to live/work abroad and, at the first sign of trouble, beg to be brought “home.” Not all, but many of them (I know some) are quick to badtalk TT , wondering at the “stupidity” of those who choose to love TT no matter what.

The Government and others would do well to use their energies and resources to help those who live here and who are really “ketching their tail” to eke out a living.

Heaven knows, there are many patriotic citizens who need help.

Why waste resources on less patriotic ones?

A CHARLES Mt Hope

During a search of the marked PoS Division police vehicle, officers found three unlicensed firearms, a quantity of ammunition and several crocus bags filled with compressed marijuane. The two police officers remained in custody up to last night.

Sources said the officers left a police station in Port of Spain, telling seniors they were going out on enquiries. They drove all the way to Cedros. At 5 pm, South-Western Division officers on mobile patrol, became suspicious when they spotted the PoS police vehicle escorting another vehicle which contained men known to be from the underworld.

The officers called on the two police officers to pull their vehicle to the side of the road but instead the police vehicle sped off at high speed. The police officers who were giving chase, called for back-up and a roadblock was set up which eventually led to the PoS officers coming to a halt.

As the illegal items were found in the police vehicle, the two officers were ordered to surrender their sidearms and police ID cards. They were then arrested by Sgt Ali of the Southern Division Task Force. ACP (Crime) Irwin Hackshaw and Ag Snr Supt Ajith Persad were contacted and both went to South-Western Division last night to assist in the investigation.

The two policemen were at the Oropouche police station being interrogated. Acting Police Commissioner Harold Phillip is expected to receive an interim report on the arrest and seizures today.

According to reports the NLCB Lotto operator left her business place near Lopinot Junction around 2 pm with a bag containing $32,000 which represented sales from last week. The woman had intended to deposit the cash at a nearby bank when she was accosted by the suspect, who grabbed the bag and ran away. The frantic woman started shouting “thief!” “thief” which resulted in alert villagers responding with haste to the woman’s cry for help. A group of young villagers gave chase and detained the man who was slowed by the weight of the bag.

When cornered, the man began pleading to be freed saying he was sorry for his actions but the angry villagers said they took pride in keeping their community crime free and wanted to send a message to others that such actions would not be tolerated.

The man was given a sound beating before officers of the Arouca Police Station led by Sgt Almond were contacted.

The bag of cash was returned to the relieved operator who then had some choice words for the suspect.

The woman thanked the villagers for their quick response and said that she was heartened that people still looked out for each other. The suspect was taken to the Arouca police station and was expected to be placed on identification parades for other robberies.

Newsday understands that the Lotto operator promised to give a small reward to the villagers who responded to her distress call yesterday.

The issue of a lease operator allegedly swindling $80 million from state-owned Petrotrin by over-billing the company for oil it never provided to Petrotrin, was first raised by Persad- Bissessar at a UNC meeting on September 10. At the party’s Monday Night Forum at the Union Presbyterian Primary School in Claxton Bay, the fake oil scandal was again her main focus.

Persad-Bissessar also weighed heavily on the fact that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had publicly acknowledged that he was friends with the owner of the company at the centre of the scandal. She said that a telephone call by a senior member of government, to the owner of the lease firm, raises serious questions and to her, suggests that the government official is guilty of misconduct and misbehaviour in public office. She said that it was passing strange at the government official did not call Petrotrin’s line minister Franklin Khan or Petrotrin chairman. Instead, the official chose to call the owner of the lease company.

“This phone call raises some serious questions and the question arises as to whether the (name called) may be guilty of misconduct and misbehaviour in public office,” Persad- Bissessar said. “The question arises as to whether (name called) may be guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice,” she added.

Persad-Bissessar also condemned recent attacks on media by personnel associated with the company and wondered whether the “perpetrators felt emboldened because they have a friend in high office.” She also condemned a police raid on Monday at the television studio offices of crime watch host Ian Alleyne, saying the nation is witnessing Gestapo tactics by the government.

Sources said Seepersad was one of a number of judges asked to each relinquish ten cases to be assigned to newly appointed judges. One of the cases Seepersad chose was the Property Tax case.

The judge was assigned this case which was filed by former UNC minister Devant Maharaj in early May. It has now been reassigned to Justice Jacqueline Wilson who vacated the trial date of September 19 and 21. No new trial dates have been set. Questions were raised when Seepersad was also assigned to several other high-profile cases filed by the UNC, including a challenge of the appointment of two new judges and the demolition of illegal squatters in Valencia.

A statement from the Judiciary sought to set the record straight on how civil cases were assigned. According to the Judiciary, a computer programme randomly selected judges to new cases. In June, the appellate court overturned Seepersad’s ruling on whether the State could continue to accept Property Tax valuation forms from citizens. It, however, sent the issue back to trial before Seepersad.

Padarath top scored with 24, Sunil Sanasie made a valuable 21 and Nelson chipped in with 18 as Legends posted 106 for eight. Nicholas Boodoo (2/12) and Cuthbert McMayo (3/20) were the top bowlers.

Nelson snatched 3/11, Padarath took 2/4 and Sameer Ali grabbed 2/11 as For Ameuzment Only were limited to 78 all out.

For Ameuzment Only were led by Ariz Khan and Jubarry Toney, who scored 27 and 22 respectively.

SUMMAR I S E D SCOR ES: Legends 106/8 (Avinash Padarath 24, Sunil Sanasie 21, Lyndell Nelson 18; Nicholas Boodoo 2/12, Cuthbert McMayo 3/20) vs For Ameuzment Only 78 (Ariz Khan 27, Jubarry Toney 22; L Nelson 3/11, A Padarath 2/4, Sameer Ali 2/11). Legends won by 28 runs.

El Dorado 74/5 (Agustus Ali 29) vs Surrey One Stop 60/5 (Ricky Benjamin 22; Dave Ragbir 3/15, Ashmeer Dhanwarie 2/9).

El Dorado won by 14 runs.

Morefire 88/8 (Mikael Bharath 39, Ravi Khan 25; Dinesh Ragbir 2/10, Carlos Samlal 2/12, Junior Boodram 2/14) vs Hard Drive 47/6 (Nigel Sieunarine 16, Hyden Rampersad 11; Bobby Dookran 4/8). Morefire won by 41 runs.

4&G Xmen 105/4 (Colin Roberts 63; Floyd Coppin 3/18) vs A&W Combined 72 (Floyd Coppin 15, Steve Garib 15, Fitroy Jabba 13; Curt Smart 3/3, Carl Soloman 2/6). 4&G Xmen won by 33 runs.

90.5 Bamboo All Stars 57/6 (Ravindra Singh 14) vs Suicidal Crew 53/9 (Damian Peters 2/6, Rene Bedasie 2/12, Brandon Joseph 3/5, Roger Muttoo 2/10). Bamboo Allstars won by four runs.

Tigers 66/6 (Richie Wight 22, Rene Medina 14, Anthony Locario 11; Dexter Samuel 2/5) vs Acono Youths 67/3 (Dexter Samuel 20, Ryan Saroop 17, Anthony George 12).

Acono Youths won by seven wickets.

Rampage 41 (Roshan Hosein 11; Rick Cassie 3/10, Keshore Boodoo 2/10) vs Rampant Recruits 45/2 (Rick Cassie 20, Ryan Cassie 19; Rishi Bharathsingh 2/9).

Rampant Recruits won by eight wickets.

Culture 51/5 (Rohan Dalip 13, Newlin Paul 13; Fareed Karim 2/6) vs Gameover 52/1 (Johnathan Narine 24, Juan Carlos Narine 16).

Gameover won by nine wickets.

Lances Bar 45 (Niven Mahase 10, Avin Rampersad 2/2) vs Gunners 50/3 (Brandon Ramoutar 27, Sanjay Jawahir 13). Gunners won by seven wickets.

Saying the victim, businesswoman Haniffa ‘Miss Lucky’ Bedassie was like a mother to him, McLean begged Bedassie’s son Torrance to accept his apology after McLean’s brother Leon Jordan was seen fleeing Bedassie’s shop when her body was discovered. Jordan was subsequently cornered and killed in a shoot-out with police.

Tears streaming down his face, Mc Lean embraced Bedassie, the younger son of Haniffa, 55, who was a mother of two, at the murder scene in St Thomas Village, Chaguanas.

McLean’s brother Leon, 29, was shot dead at the nearby Connector Road. McLean is the eldest of five boys. “I came to apologise for what my brother did. Ms Lucky was like a mother to us. She was my mother too. We are brothers,” Mclean told Bedassie. “Leon was a police officer so he supposed to know better. My mother did not bring us up so,” McLean cried. The weeping man journeyed all the way from his home in Carenage on learning that Bedassie was found dead.

Speaking later with Newsday, Mc- Lean said his mother is in England and as the eldest sibling he felt it was his duty to visit the Bedassie family and apologise for his brother’s action. He said his mother used to rent from Bedassie when they were growing up and he and his four siblings grew up with Torrance and his older brother Terrance.

“We were very close. We lived like family. My mother and Ms Lucky were very close as well. These boys (points at Torrance and Terrence) mother come like my own mother.

If he (Jordan) could kill Ms Lucky, then he could kill his own mother too,” McLean sobbed. He said his brother’s actions had brought shame to the family and their mother is taking it very hard.

A close friend of the Bedassie family, Barbara Duncan Harris and Bedassie’s son Torrance were the ones who discovered her body shortly after 11 am, in a bedroom of her home at the back of her businessplace, Lucky’s Mini Mart. The woman’s hands were tied behind her back and she was gagged. There were clear marks of violence to her face and neck. Police believe she may have been beaten to death, but are awaiting the results of an autopsy to be done today at the Forensic Science Centre.

Police said that at the time of the discovery, Jordan was still inside the mini mart and fled when he heard Harris’ screams. Jordan jumped over a fence into the yard of the nearby Redemption Worship Centre.

Police who were on patrol, were alerted and gave chase after Jordan who was killed in a shoot-out with the police. “This is the worst thing I have ever experienced in my life,” Torrance said as he was hugged by Harris. As undertakers removed his mother’s body, Torrance shouted out, “Ma, ma, ma” before fainting.

As news of the murder of their beloved shopkeeper spread, residents of St Thomas Village lined the roadway, many in tears, as they recounted what a kind and friendly person she was.

Bedassie’s younger brother Hosein Ali said he did not know how to tell his 94-year-old mother, who lives with him, that her daughter was murdered. Sgt John, WPC Charles and Cpl Bobb are investigating.

Al-Rawi made this point as he concluded debate on the Indictable Offences (Pre-Trial Publicity) Bill 2017.

Referring to statements made by Chief Justice Ivor Archie at the 2017- 2018 ceremonial opening of the law term on Monday, Al-Rawi said Government supported Archie when he went to Nigeria and received computer software from the Nigerian government.

He said this software is being used in the Family and Children’s Division of the High Court and, “has been bettered by the Government of Spain.” Al-Rawi said this country has been able to shift from spending millions of dollars in software management and other expenses to, “ a glorious US$5,000 full stop for the year.” He also said under the People’s National Movement (PNM), a computer system is now being applied to the Magistracy, “for the first time ever in the history of TT.” Al-Rawi also said efforts are being made to improve transcription services in the court and it underscores Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s approach that, “ the position of readiness for us is a matter of getting the minutia dealt with.” Al-Rawi said there is regular dialogue with the DPP about filling critical positions in his office. Saying no such conversation took place under the former People’s Partnership (PP) government, Al-Rawi said the PNM acknowledges the independence of the DPP and the importance of the DPP in having an input regarding the individuals who fill these positions. Saying his permanent secretary writes and calls the DPP “every single Monday morning” on this, Al-Rawi said, “I can only do my part.” He rejected claims that Section 22 of the bill was the “new Section 34.” Referring to the 2011 legislation which contained the infamous clause, Al-Rawi reminded senators that Section 34 indicated that matters shall be discharged after a particular period of time. In contrast, he said Section 22 in the current bill used the word “may” regarding the discharge of matters.

“How on earth could shall and may be the same?” Al-Rawi asked.

He recalled that Section 34, “came alive by virtue of a Cabinet decision on August 9, 2012.” Al-Rawi said that decision was confirmed on August 16, 2012 and both decisions were signed off by then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

He identified Winston Dookeran, Prakash Ramadhar, Jack Warner, Dr Roodal Moonilal , Dr Tim Gopeesingh and Dr Bhoe Tewarie as some of the other former Cabinet ministers who agreed to the proclamation of Section 34.

If they don’t believe it’s true or they are not involved in any underhand dealings, they should not get hot under the collar, but wait until the findings of any investigation into the matter is completed before pulling their hair out.

GA MARQUES via email