^{Trinidad and Tobago! 2026} Missing ST Vincent VII crew safely rescued, Personal items found on beach search continues for persons missing from capsized pirogue, Valencia man in court for elderly man’s murder, Cannabis found in boat 2 fishermen held, Off-duty officer killed during attempted robbery one suspect also dead, 2 held with house-breaking tools ammo, Teen girls reported missing, Bail denied for man charged with Angelica Jogie’s death, Tobago man charged with attempted Plymouth ATM vault theft, Alyssa Phillip & her mother appear in court, TTPS still silent on arrest of Hadeeds, Agony over arrest of female member of another prominent business family, Pregnant woman stabbed 15 times by partner, $6 million bail for woman in court for multi-million dollar fraudulent cheque scheme, Police probe weekend crime spree in South Trinidad, Freeport trio jailed after admitting to wake killing, Failed robbery on small Caribbean island of Tobago spawns memes and Batman references, Failed robbery on small Caribbean island of Tobago spawns memes and Batman references, Christopher Samaroo falls ill in police custody, Fire leaves La Romaine family traumatised and displaced, Police in Trinidad and Tobago investigate after 56 bodies are found dumped at a cemetery, Homeland Security Minister says Govt not sitting idly by on crime, A 32-year-old woman is dead and two men are injured following a shooting at a home on Victoria Drive West, In a brazen and deeply disturbing incident an acting woman corporal Anusha Eversley attached to the San Fernando Municipal Police was found shot dead inside the station early this morning, PM: no need for curfew issues statement on municipal officer’s murder and Cumuto bodies, Relatives call for probe after fatal police shooting in Moruga, After abuse friends say woman withdrew before Ghany’s killing, Girl dies after collision at Pigeon Point, TTPS raids lead to multiple arrests over Easter weekend, Man killed pregnant woman among two shot in Wallerfield attack, 5 freed of couple’s murder after decade on remand, South Oropouche shooting leaves 39-year-old father dead, Sando businesses say street crime persists despite SoE, Woman to appear in court on larceny charge, Golconda woman identified as body found floating off Tobago beach, SoE yields 18 arrests 10 charges on 1st day, Trinidad and Tobago declares new state of emergency over persistent violent crime, One dead two wounded after east Port-of-Spain shooting, Triple murder in Laventille sparks calls for another SoE, Traumatised residents recount terror after Couva double murder, Court reserves judgment in Republic Bank break-in appeal, Signal Hill man shot dead Tobago’s first murder, Diego’s deadly dawn: Residents cry for hangman’s return, Teen killed two shot during J’Ouvert revelry

2026.8.5 2 held with house-breaking tools, ammo
Two men were held during an Operation R.E.S.O.L.U.T.E exercise early this morning.
Around 2:30am, officers responded to intelligence regarding a white Nissan AD Wagon with two different registration numbers.
The vehicle had crashed into a drain at Balchan Street, in Union Village, Couva and two masked men were reportedly seen fleeing.
Two men matching the descriptions were found and during a search of their person, police recovered keys for the vehicle, a balaclava, and a bandana.
A search of the vehicle also resulted in the discovery of seven rounds of ammunition and an assortment of house-breaking tools.
The overall exercise saw roving roadblocks and mobile patrols in the Area South district, including Carlsen Field, Orange Field Road, Brickfield, Railway Road, and Dow Village, California.
Coastal patrols were also carried out in Carli Bay, Brickfield Village, Orange Valley, and Claxton Bay.

2026.7.30 Teen girls reported missing
Two teenagers from the St. Jude’s Home for Girls have been reported missing.
16-year-old Jordan Subero and 14-year-old Arihanna Flament were last seen on July 29th 2026.
Jordan is brown in complexion, about five feet five inches tall, has a long braided hairstyle and was last seen wearing a neon green jersey, blue jeans and shoes.
Arihanna is brown in complexion, about five feet four inches tall, has a long curly braided hairstyle and was last seen wearing a purple jersey, blue jeans and shoes.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts can call the Belmont Police Station at 621-2514.

2026.7.29 Off-duty officer killed during attempted robbery, one suspect also dead
Last night’s murder of an off-duty police officer in Kelly Village is believed to have stemmed from an attempted robbery.
48-year-old PC Romell Kerry Douglas was sitting in his vehicle at the corner of Hydraulic Trace around 11:05pm, when a white Nissan Tiida pulled up alongside him.
The TTPS says the occupants of the car are believed to have attempted to rob PC Douglas, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
PC Douglas’ licensed firearm was allegedly taken during the incident and he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, a male suspect in the incident was taken to the Arima Health Facility for gunshot wounds, but subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
He has been identified as 19-year-old Adetola Ammon of Arima.
The suspects’ vehicle has also since been found and a manhunt is now underway for two additional male suspects.

2026.7.27 Cannabis found in boat, 2 fishermen held
Two fishermen are now in custody, after police recovered a quantity of cannabis in their boat.
On Sunday evening, officers intercepted a 20-foot vessel just off the coast of Erin.
In it, they found five bales containing 252 packets of cannabis.
The two occupants, a 20-year-old from Chatham Beach Road South and a 26-year-old from Erin Beach Road, were arrested on suspicion of Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Trafficking.
The TTPS says the vessel and suspects were escorted to Cedros Port, where the items were processed.

2026.7.24 Valencia man in court for elderly man’s murder
A Valencia man has appeared before a Master of the High Court charged with the murder of 81-year-old James Le Cadre.
The elderly man was found burnt to death in his Valencia home on June 27th 2026.
22-year-old Kendelle Michael Seales appeared before Master Raydon Dalrymple-Watts on July 21st, with the matter adjourned to October 10th 2026.

2026.7.23 Personal items found on beach, search continues for persons missing from capsized pirogue
The pirogue that capsized off the coast of Los Iros was leaving Trinidad and heading to Venezuela.
According to a female survivor, the boat left around 1pm on Wednesday, with several adults and children on board.
About 5 minutes into the journey, the vessel started to sink.
The woman told police that she was able to swim to shore with two of her children, ages 10 and 8.
Missing was her 6-year-old daughter, Brithanny Palacios, whose body was found along the shoreline on Thursday morning.
According to reports, another adult also died, while two other persons remain missing.
The Hunters Search and Rescue Team led by Vallence Rambharat continued search efforts today, along with the TTPS Coastal and Air Support Unit and the T&T Coast Guard.
A number of personal effects have been found along the beach, including clothing, toys and even a children’s toothbrush.

2026.7.22 Missing ST Vincent VII crew safely rescued
All six crew members aboard the fishing vessel ST Vincent VII have been found alive, almost one week after being reported missing off the coast of French Guiana.
The Ministry of Defence says the fishermen were rescued after the US-bound MV Marvel Kite spotted the vessel, approximately 349 nautical miles east of Galeota on Tuesday night.
The six men were identified as the missing crew and were reported to be in reasonably good health with no serious injuries.
The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard has arranged to transfer the men ashore.
Four of the men are said to be T&T nationals.

2026.6.27 Pregnant woman stabbed 15 times by partner
A pregnant woman was stabbed by her male companion during an argument at their apartment in Mt Lambert yesterday.
Police said around 8 am, neighbours claim they heard a commotion coming from their apartment at Mt Lambert Circular West.
A police officer residing in the apartment complex reported hearing a woman screaming for help and upon checking, he found the 31-year-old security officer repeatedly stabbing the victim about the body with a knife.
The suspect, it was claimed, is attached to the Customs and Excise Division at the Ministry of Finance.
As the police officer identified himself, the suspect reportedly pushed the victim out of the apartment before locking himself inside.
A party of officers from the Barataria Police Station arrived and took the victim to the nearby Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mt Hope, where she was treated and warded in a critical condition.
Officers at the scene later negotiated with the suspect and he eventually opened the door and surrendered peacefully before being taken into custody.
Officers of the Barataria Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Port-of-Spain Task Force visited the scene.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident at Wharf Trace, Maracas, St Joseph, around 11 pm on Thursday, a teenager was shot by an unknown gunman as he stood on the road near his home.
The 17-year-old was said to have been standing on the road, near Bobo Shop, when a single gunshot was heard.
Residents alerted the teenager’s parents and they rushed out to find him lying on the road. They later transported him to the EWMSC, where he was treated and warded in a critical condition.

2026.6.27 TTPS still silent on arrest of Hadeeds
Silence continues to surround the arrest of Dominic Hadeed, his wife Genevieve and a 69-year-old relative by law enforcement authorities, who are investigating the couple for reasons they have not made public.
For a second consecutive day since they were arrested on Wednesday, police officials yesterday refused to respond to questions by the media on what had led to the couple’s arrest after a search of their Westmoorings home and the family’s Blue Waters Limited business in Trincity.
Their relatives and friends also maintained their distance yesterday, with even their attorneys, Faris Al-Rawi and Gilbert Petersen, SC, refusing to answer calls.
Hadeed, who is the owner of Blue Waters Limited, along with his wife, were arrested on Wednesday, while the 69-year-old woman was detained on Thursday.
The three were detained by police from the Hadeeds’ residence at Shorelands, Westmoorings.
While several theories continue to swirl as to why they were under investigation, there has been no confirmation from the T&T Police Service (TTPS), about the reasons for their detentions, although no charges have been laid.
Repeated calls to Al-Rawi and Petersen, as well as messages to Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, went unanswered yesterday.
Guardian Media understands that officers from a specialist unit descended on the Hadeeds’ residence around 5 am, where they executed a search warrant and left with a quantity of electronic devices, including laptops and cellphones belonging to the couple.
Another search warrant was executed at the Blue Waters factory in Trincity later that morning.
Their arrest comes 13 days after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar endorsed a warning by Attorney General John Jeremie that no segment of society, including the so-called “one per cent,” was beyond the reach of the law.
Regarding the detention of the couple, the TTPS explained that the execution of a warrant was a standard investigative procedure and does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.
“All actions taken by officers were conducted strictly within the parameters of the law, under judicial authority, and with full regard for the rights and reputational interests of all persons involved,” the TTPS said.
The TTPS has also urged the public not to draw any conclusions regarding the status of any individual until investigations are completed and any evidence is properly assessed in accordance with due process.

2026.6.26 Agony over arrest of female member of another prominent business family
One day after the arrest of businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife Genevieve, following police searches of their Westmoorings home and the Trincity business complex of his Blue Waters Limited, concern is being raised at the almost three-month detention of a member of another prominent business family.
In April, Natalie Harford was detained by police under a preventative detention order (PDO).
Harford is the daughter of Mario’s Pizza founder Richard Harford, who died in 2024.
In the order, signed by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander on April 4, the Government stated, “The detainee, Natalie Harford, has been credibly identified as a financier of the Seven Gang, which is an Organised Crime Group (OCG). The OCG has confirmed access to a cache of high-powered firearms and ammunition and is currently engaged in disputes with rivals over territory.
“The detainee provides cash support to fund the operations of the OCG, which intends to imminently carry out reprisal attacks on rivals in public spaces using high-powered rifles. The detainee has also issued threats to direct known members of the OCG to attack her personal targets, including private citizens and police officers.
“Her detention is necessary to disrupt these planned acts of violence and to prevent the destabilisation of public order.”
In the order, Alexander directed that Harford “be detained at the Women’s Prison, Golden Grove, Arouca.” However, Guardian Media understands that Harford is currently being held at a facility in St Ann’s, under 24-hour police guard.
Yesterday, though, a source close to the family said there is little evidence to support the detention, adding the family has been exploring legal measures to secure her freedom.
The source said Harford, who takes medication for a mental health condition, had not taken her father’s passing last year well. The source also said while she had made public utterances which may have drawn attention to herself, there was little else that ought to have placed her on the radar of the T&T Police Service (TTPS).
The source said the family had initially expected Harford to be released within three days, but instead it has now been almost three months without any indication as to when she will be released.
A PDO is a legal order used under the powers of a State of Emergency to prevent conduct deemed a threat to public safety. It is not a criminal charge, nor does it mean a person has committed a crime. However, it is granted when sufficient evidence is presented to justify the person’s detention in order to prevent anticipated harmful or dangerous actions deemed to be detrimental to public safety.
Hadeed and his wife were detained on Wednesday but that was not done under a PDO.
Harford’s detention came almost two months before Attorney General John Jeremie linked the “one per cent” community to criminal activity during his contribution in Parliament.
The Harford family did not wish to make a public comment on her detention when contacted yesterday.
Efforts to reach Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro for comment on the issue were unsuccessful yesterday.

2026.6.26 Freeport trio jailed after admitting to wake killing
Three Freeport men who admitted to killing a friend during a scuffle at a wake in 2019 are expected to be released from prison in less than nine years.
Clarence Frederick, Errol Cruickshank and Steven Singh were awaiting trial for murder before they were recently allowed to plead guilty to the lesser offence of unlawful act manslaughter under a plea agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The trio was sentenced this week by High Court Judge Nalini Singh.
In determining the appropriate sentences, Justice Singh accepted the 24-year starting point agreed to under the plea deal.
She then applied modest reductions for each man based on their previously clean criminal records and their efforts at rehabilitation while on remand.
After applying a one-third discount for their guilty pleas, Frederick was left with seven years and six months to serve before becoming eligible for release. Cruickshank and Singh were each left with remaining sentences of eight years and nine months.
The trio was accused of killing 41-year-old Bissram Ramkissoon on November 19, 2019.
The night before, Ramkissoon, his brother Jim Jones Narine and their friend Nicholas Roach were liming at a wake at John Persad Trace Extension, Uquire Road, Freeport, where they encountered the three men.
Roach claimed he saw the trio walk outside and approach Ramkissoon and Narine.
Singh reportedly drew a knife and handed it to Cruickshank, who grabbed Narine and held the knife to his throat before instructing him to leave. Narine complied.
A short while later, Frederick restrained Ramkissoon while Cruickshank stabbed him several times with the knife.
All three men then fled.
They were later arrested and charged after being identified by Roach and Narine during verification exercises.
During sentencing submissions, Assistant DPPs Dylan Martin, Josiah Soo Hon and Khi Cambridge presented victim impact statements from Narine and Ramkissoon’s daughter, Reena.
In his statement, Narine said he remained traumatised by his brother’s death.
“The pain I felt that day is something I will always remember and will be in me. Losing my brother is very hard for me and nothing can replace that,” Narine said.
Ramkissoon’s daughter also questioned the motive for the attack.
“I don’t know why these men killed my father because I know them. They used to lime home by us. My father never did them anything!” she said.
She said she and her siblings had to care for their mother after Ramkissoon, the family’s sole breadwinner, was killed.
She also said she and her brother were especially saddened that their father was not able to see his grandchildren grow up.
“We just sad. My father was the one to have everybody happy,” she said.
The trio was represented by attorneys Jeron Paul, Aixa Edwards and Laurina Ramkaran.

2026.6.25 Failed robbery on small Caribbean island of Tobago spawns memes and Batman references
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — Police in Trinidad and Tobago said Wednesday that they are searching for a group of robbers caught on camera who used a backhoe to try and steal a cash machine but bungled the movie-style heist so badly they ended up as memes.
Security camera footage shows at least four suspects fumbling around the crime scene. One of them bore a striking resemblance to Batman, wearing black clothing, a black ski mask and what looked like a black poncho that blew in the wind like the superhero’s cape. That person is seen tripping over debris and falling on the floor while attempting to direct the backhoe.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service said the suspects’ “efforts to remove the vault proved futile, after the arm of the backhoe sustained damage” during the incident early Wednesday.
The suspects were able to move the cash machine to the sidewalk with the backhoe, which police said they stole from a nearby beach. But after the backhoe’s arm stopped working – and their combined efforts to lift the cash machine onto a small truck also failed – the suspects gave up and sped off in what police said was a stolen vehicle.
The detached cash machine remained in the open, with authorities later responding to the scene in Tobago, the smaller of the twin-island nation. Based on the security video timestamp, the failed attempt lasted over 10 minutes all while a state of emergency remains in effect.
The video of the attempted robbery quickly went viral. Memes popped up on social media, callers on morning radio talk shows made fun of the failed robbers and a local newspaper headlined its story, “‘Batman’ and robbing.”
Trinidad and Tobago recently extended its state of emergency by three months, until September, as authorities struggle with violent crimes.

2026.6.25 $6 million bail for woman in court for multi-million dollar fraudulent cheque scheme
A woman has been granted $6 million in bail, after appearing in court in connection with a multi-million dollar fraudulent cheque scheme.
She has also been ordered to surrender her passport pending the outcome of court proceedings.
Jackqui Watson was charged following an investigation by the Fraud Squad and the Special Investigations Unit into the deposit of a purported TT$20 million government cheque into an account held by a company at a commercial bank.
The cheque, which appeared to have been issued by the Central Bank, was later determined to be fake.
Before the discrepancy was discovered, more than TT$18 million had reportedly been withdrawn or otherwise disposed of from the account.
Watson was subsequently charged with one count of Obtaining Money by False Pretence and one count of Money Laundering.
She appeared before Master Abraham on June 22nd, with a Status Hearing now set for November 5th, and a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for November 10th.

2026.6.23 Police probe weekend crime spree in South Trinidad
Police are investigating a series of crimes across South Trinidad, including an armed robbery at a New Grant barbecue outlet, a violent supermarket raid in Barrackpore and a storage room larceny in Moruga.
The owners of a New Grant barbecue food outlet were robbed by masked bandits during the early hours of Sunday morning.
The victims, ages 35 and 38, told police that around 1.15 am they were in the process of closing up their business at Champion Boys along Naparima Mayaro Road, New Grant, when they were approached by two masked men armed with a firearm and cutlass. The victims were robbed of $5,000, two cellphones and jewellery. Tableland police are investigating.
In a separate incident, four bandits stormed a supermarket in Barrackpore on Sunday night, beating a security officer before escaping with cash and other valuables.
Police said the 23-year-old security officer was on duty at Gourmet Palace Supermarket on Rochard Douglas Road around 8.55 pm on Sunday when the men, armed with a firearm and a cutlass, entered the business. The bandits repeatedly struck the officer with the cutlass and ordered employees to lie on the ground while they ransacked the cashier’s area.
They stole several cartons of cigarettes, two cash registers containing an undisclosed sum of money and a black-and-silver safe containing approximately $40,000.
The suspects escaped in a grey Honda City. Barrackpore police are continuing investigations.
Meanwhile, police are also investigating the theft of thousands of dollars’ worth of appliances and other items from a storage facility in Moruga.
The 39-year-old owner told police she had secured her storage room, which is fitted with burglar-proof windows, a front steel door and a rear steel exit door, both with deadbolts.
The facility contained a quantity of valuables. When she returned around 2.30 pm on Friday, she saw the rear door open, and a broken window with several items missing, including a Bluetooth box, a 600-foot rhino cord, a chrome sink, a blender, a deep fryer, five king size sheet sets, a cuisine knife set, a food steamer, three gas tanks, a quantity of clothing and a quantity of wares.
The total value of the items was not immediately disclosed. Enquiries are continuing.

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2026.4.19 PM: no need for curfew, issues statement on municipal officer’s murder and Cumuto bodies
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says there is no need for a curfew.
This came as she issued a statement addressing both the murder of a municipal police officer and the discovery of over 50 bodies at the Cumuto Cemetary.
Regarding the officer’s murder, she said it was not an attack on the TTPS or national state security services, but instead, an “internal betrayal” perpetrated against the Municipal Police Service.
62 guns and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition were stolen in that incident in San Fernando.
Regarding the bodies in Cumuto she said they were unclaimed bodies being disposed of improperly and not victims of homicide.
Her full statement is as follows:
I have been advised that the incident which occurred earlier today at the San Fernando City Corporation Municipal Police station on Kings Wharf was not an external attack on the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) or the National State security services.
It was an internal betrayal perpetrated against the Trinidad and Tobago Municipal Police Service (TTMPS) attached to the San Fernando City Corporation. It should be noted that The TTPS is a distinct entity from the TTMPS. TTPS officers were not involved in the incident. The Ministry of Homeland Security and the TTPS will provide full support to TTMPS, San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris and the San Fernando City Corporation to investigate and bring this matter to closure and recover the stolen items.
Secondly, I have also been advised that the corpses discovered at the Cumuto Cemetery were actually unclaimed bodies that were being improperly disposed off and NOT victims of Homicide. This matter will also be resolved in the coming days.
There is NO need for any curfew. Law enforcement continues to make progress to subdue our over two decades old crime crisis. Law abiding citizens are encouraged to go about their lawful business as usual.
I thank Commissioner of Police (CoP)
Guevarro and his TTPS officers for responding swiftly to the incidents at the San Fernando City Corporation Municipal Police Station and the Cumuto Cemetery.

2026.4.19 Police in Trinidad and Tobago investigate after 56 bodies are found dumped at a cemetery
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — Police in Trinidad and Tobago said they were investigating after 56 bodies — mainly of infants — were found dumped at one of the country’s cemeteries on Saturday.
The twin-island Caribbean nation has been struggling with surging crime, including deadly gang violence, which prompted authorities to extend an existing state of emergency last month.
The gruesome discovery was made at the cemetery in the town of Cumuto on Trinidad, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the capital, Port of Spain.
According to a police statement, 50 bodies were of infants while the remaining were of four men and two women. Police said five of the adults had toe tags, such as those found in morgues, and that a man’s and a woman’s body has signs of an autopsy. They did not immediately say if any of the bodies had been identified.
Police said they were working to determine the origin of the human remains and any associated breaches of law or procedure.
“Every cadaver must be handled with dignity and lawful care,” police commissioner Allister Guevarro said in a statement. “Any individual or institution found to have violated that duty will be held fully accountable.”

2026.4.19 Acting corporal found dead in station; 4000 rounds missing
In a brazen and deeply disturbing incident, an acting woman corporal Anusha Eversley attached to the San Fernando Municipal Police was found shot dead inside the station early this morning. The shocking discovery was made around 6 am by colleagues when they reported for duty.
Initial reports indicate that firearms and ammunition are also missing from the station’s armoury at Kìngs Wharf, raising serious security concerns.
The victim would have reported for last night’s shift.This story will be updated as more details are disclosed.
Missing are 52 glock pistols, six shotguns, four mpx, and 4000+ 9mm ammo.
Guardian Media understands Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro is on his way to the scene.

2026.4.18 Woman killed, 2 men injured in Edinburgh 500 shooting
A 32-year-old woman is dead and two men are injured following a shooting at a home on Victoria Drive West, Edinburgh 500, yesterday evening.
Police said the circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation and the motive has not yet been determined.
The deceased has been identified as Shanice Morris, a CSR at Progressive Credit Union.
Reports indicate Morris had been taking part in a night football league at the Edinburgh 500 Recreational Grounds when she received a call that her boyfriend had been shot.
She then went to his home, where she was later shot and killed.
Her boyfriend, a 34-year-old man, sustained gunshot injuries in the attack. Another injured victim is a 36-year-old Lance Corporal of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
All three victims were shot around 7.20 pm. Officers arrived at the scene at approximately 7.45 pm and found Morris lying on her back in a pool of blood. She was unresponsive. The two injured men were found on the porch.
Officers recovered 16 spent shell casings from the scene.
Investigators are also reviewing the possibility that Morris may not have been the intended target.
The incident comes one month after a 30-year-old soldier, Jaelani Garcia Williams, was killed on Le Clave Road, Edinburgh 500, after being shot multiple times. No arrests have been made in that case.

2026.4.12 Murder count hits 100. Homeland Security Minister says Govt not sitting idly by on crime
Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says the Government will not sit by and watch crime continue as the country reached the 100 murder mark yesterday.
He also says he will not grade his performance and will let the people do that for him as the Government’s one-year anniversary in office approaches.
Alexander spoke with the media at the graduation ceremony for some 52 budding hairdressers at the Roslyn Hall and Lounge, Auzonville Road, Tunapuna, yesterday.
“I am not prepared to grade myself. I will tell you what, that’s the question I should ask the young people here today, what grade they will give their MP?”
The murder count climbed to 100 after the murders of two men in Arima and Diego Martin.
Police reported that around 4 pm on Friday, Joel Plaza, 50 of Bypass Road, Maturita Trace Extension, Arima, was offloading items outside his home when he was killed. No motive was given for his killing.
The second incident took place just after midnight yesterday at River Estate, Diego Martin, near Dirk’s Mini Mart. Police reported that armed men exited a white vehicle and opened fire on McDonald Bailey, 52, of Blue Basin Road. Two other men were also injured in the shooting.
Asked about the Government’s plan to address violent crimes, Alexander said, “Let us be real about this. I’m saying to you, it’s a work in progress. You see how many things are happening at the Ministry of Homeland Security? You know why? Because I am a go-getter. This Government will not sit idly by and watch things continue. But again, it’s a work in progress.”
In a media release yesterday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service continues to implement “a multi-pronged, intelligence-driven approach” to address violent crime, adding that there is more work to be done.
“Central to this strategy is the targeting of underlying drivers, particularly gang-related activity. Through focused anti-gang initiatives and the strategic use of legislative powers available under the current State of Emergency (SoE), we are actively working to disrupt criminal enterprises and dismantle organised networks,” she said.
She added that effective policing requires public partnership, resulting in the TTPS expanding its community-led intervention programmes that are critical in reducing the risk of retaliatory violence and fostering cooperation between law enforcement and communities.
The Gold Commander for the SoE assured that the police remain steadfast in their commitment to protect and serve with pride.
“We will continue to leverage modern policing strategies, strengthened partnerships, and community collaboration to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety Alexander added that parents play a critical role in addressing crime in the country, adding that some murders are due to family disputes and other non-gang-related causes.
“If the police put out in the public domain the information that we have about murders, very few of it will be gang-related, eh. The behaviour of some citizens, the anger, the frustration, the hurt, and most of all, the control of property, is resulting in a lot of these things taking place,” he said, adding that “We have become a materialised society.”
During his presentation to graduates, Alexander took time out to comfort Iesha Kallicharan, whose mother, Tricia Maharaj, was gunned down when she went to view a car that her killers claimed was for sale. He said Kallicharan displayed strength by attending the graduation days after the murder.
“You, as participants, must stand with her and give her the courage to continue; it is not over.”
His encouragement came after telling the graduates to live by the words of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t stop till you get enough.”
He encouraged the graduates to “get your own money and build your own future to be less dependent on us” by “making your own money.”
Not wanting to leave out the men, he said there are plans to introduce courses in tailoring, welding and other skills.

2026.4.9 After abuse, friends say woman withdrew before Ghany’s killing
A woman held in connection with the fatal shooting of Steve Solomon Ghany Junior remained in police custody up to Thursday morning but had not yet given a formal statement to investigators.
Police sources said a recorded statement is expected after the completion of a post-mortem examination, which was scheduled to be conducted at the Forensic Science Centre.
Ghany Jr, 37, of Alexander Road, Vistabella, San Fernando, was shot and killed around 10 am on Wednesday after a confrontation with a female relative at his home. Police said the licensed firearm used in the incident was handed over to investigators.
Investigators were told the woman reported acting in self-defence after Ghany allegedly threatened to kill her and her two daughters, aged four and nine.
Multiple gunshots were heard during the incident, and Ghany sustained several wounds to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A close family friend told Guardian Media that the woman had endured years of abuse and had gradually withdrawn from her social circle over the past year.
“She started pulling away from everybody,” the friend said, describing a noticeable change in her behaviour.
The woman, a mother of two young daughters, is said to have become increasingly isolated, with those close to her expressing concern about her well-being in the months leading up to the incident.
An employee at the house reported hearing several gunshots at the time of the shooting.
Following the incident, the two children, now traumatised, were taken to stay with relatives.
Police also confirmed that several weapons were seized from the family’s home as part of the ongoing investigation.
Friends and relatives of the woman described Ghany as abusive and said the relationship had been marked by ongoing domestic problems.
Investigators are continuing to piece together the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter.
Just days before his death, Ghany had reportedly met with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander at a rifle range, where they engaged in recreational shooting.
The killing adds to a history of violence affecting the Ghany family.
In December 2024, his stepmother, Monica Ghany, was shot and killed while driving along Lady Hailes Avenue in San Fernando after visiting her ailing husband, Steve Ghany Snr.
Her son, Matthew, Ghany Jr’s stepbrother, was also injured in that attack but survived.
Police said the woman remains in custody as investigations continue.

2026.4.9 Jet ski horror
Girl, 7, dies after collision at Pigeon Point; manhunt on for operator
A perfect day at the beach ended in horror yesterday, after a runaway jet ski ploughed into a vacationing Barrackpore family and killed seven-year-old Angelica Jogie at Pigeon Point, Tobago.
Scores of visitors, both local and foreign, were at the popular beach relaxing after the Easter weekend when tragedy struck.
According to reports, around 4.30 pm, Jogie was playing in the water with a large group of relatives, within the area designated for bathing only, when the jet ski suddenly motored past the barrier and slammed into Angelica, her parents and her uncle.
The jet ski operator never stopped and remained on the run from the police last night.
The incident caused massive panic as relatives pulled the bleeding and unconscious child to the shore. Lifeguards rushed to their assistance and administered CPR, but Angelica remained unresponsive.
Concerned onlookers found a doctor, a UK visitor vacationing on the island who was at the beach, who also tried in vain to resuscitate the girl.
Emergency responders then took her and the injured relatives to the Scarborough General Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Immediately after the incident, the Pigeon Point Heritage Park was locked down, with security barring all entry. The bars and other food outlets were also reportedly closed soon after.
In an interview with Guardian Media, Trinidadian couple Suzie and Anand, who went with their daughter to fish at Pigeon Point, expressed outrage.
“It supposed to be a safe space. It has barriers. To know the jet ski came in and broke the barriers, I don’t know what to say…Sometimes them jet skis does be wild,” Suzie said.
Her husband believes the industry is not properly regulated, noting that users and patrons are not insured if something goes wrong. It’s a risk you taking,” he said.
In an emergency media conference around 8.05 pm last night, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine expressed condolences and apologised to the family.
Augustine said the entire Buccoo Marine Park, including Pigeon Point, will be closed today to facilitate investigations. He said the police will be probing the incident, while the Tobago House of Assembly will also launch its own probe.
“We are investigating on our end to see if workers and operators, if they didn’t operate within the systems that they ought to follow,” Augustine said.
He said all stakeholders will be reminded about the regulations surrounding the park. He also confirmed the jet ski operator remained at large after fleeing the scene.
“The operator of the jet ski should not be hiding. You should really make yourself available for a conversation with the TTPS so we can know how the jet ski ended up in the zone designated for bathers,” Augustine said.
He revealed that the THA was found legally liable for a similar incident involving a jet ski in the past at Pigeon Point, and warned operators that tough legislation is coming to crack down on illegal activities.
“It just shows that when people don’t follow the rules, we end up in tragedy.”
At the Scarborough Hospital last night, a relative of Angelica, who did not want to be named, said she remained stunned by the incident.
“Is a whole group of us was bathing. How he could not see us? He did not even stop when we shout out. He just looked back and drive off,” she said.
She said her husband (Angelica’s uncle) received a gash to his head while Angelica’s mother was suffering from immense pain to her back. Angelica’s father was also seriously injured.
The incident comes less than one month after Augustine vowed to stamp out lawless behaviour at the Buccoo Marine Park during a plenary sitting.
Tourism Secretary Zorisha Hackett visited the family at the hospital last night to express her condolences.
Meanwhile, in a statement last evening, the Division of Tourism, Culture and Antiquities condemned unsafe or unauthorised operations of watercraft within designated bathing areas. The division noted that it issued an April 2 advisory which reinforced regulations governing the use of the marine park.
“That advisory clearly outlined operational requirements and safety protocols for all marine park users, including strict restrictions on unauthorised jet ski activity within the park.”
The THA has also promised to provide counselling to the victims.

2026.4.7 TTPS raids lead to multiple arrests over Easter weekend
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said multiple anti-crime operations conducted over the Easter weekend led to several arrests for ammunition-related offences in the South Western Division.
During an exercise in the Oropouche district around 1 am yesterday, officers searched a residence in Rousillac under the Emergency Powers Regulations.
Seven 12-gauge cartridges were found in a bedroom. A 52-year-old male labourer and a 29-year-old female were arrested on suspicion of possession of ammunition. Both remain in police custody.
In a separate intelligence-led operation in La Brea around 4.50 am on Sunday, officers searched a premises in Sobo Village and found five rounds of .45 ammunition. Four men, ages 21 to 23, were arrested.
Police said they are expected to be charged.
Additional exercises in Oropouche, Fyzabad, Penal and Siparia included searches, road traffic operations and stop-and-search activities. Officers also issued tickets for traffic violations.
Police also charged two suspects in connection with a firearm and ammunition discovery in Point Fortin on February 28. A 22-year-old male and a 17-year-old female are due to appear before the South Criminal Court on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old male also faces charges linked to a home invasion on February 22, including robbery with violence, possession of a firearm and ammunition, and shooting with intent.
The TTPS said it continues operations under the State of Emergency and urged the public to report suspicious activity.

2026.3.4 Woman to appear in court on larceny charge
A woman is expected to appear before the High Court on March 9th to answer to a charge stemming from an online vehicle sale.
On September 2nd 2024, a man responded to an online ad for the sale of a white Nissan Wingroad valued at $50,000.
The victim said he deposited a down-payment of $6,000 into a local bank account, however he never received the vehicle and attempts to recover his money were also unsuccessful.
On March 3rd 2026, officers of the Fraud Squad executed a search warrant at a residence in Sangre Grande, where they arrested Chinara Collingwood.
She was formally charged with Larceny of the sum of $6,000 and has since been granted $30,000 bail.
The TTPS is reminding persons to exercise caution when conducting online transactions and to verify the legitimacy of sellers before making advance payments.

2026.3.3 Trinidad and Tobago declares new state of emergency over persistent violent crime
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — Trinidad and Tobago declared a new state of emergency Tuesday, only about a month after the end of the previous one, as authorities in the Caribbean nation continue to grapple with high levels of violent crime.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar cited credible reports of attacks planned against law enforcement officers in reimposing the emergency, which grants the government additional powers, including to make arrests and conduct searches without warrants.
Trinidad and Tobago has spent roughly 10 of the last 14 months under an emergency, with the last one ending Jan. 31.
Bissessar said the country’s National Security Council has noted that ongoing crime has led to “multiple deaths due to mass shootings and that the continuance of reprisal shootings amongst criminal gangs, if left unchecked, would endanger public safety.”
The state of emergency has an initial duration of up to 15 days, but the government can extend it if needed. Government officials did not immediately announce any plans for a curfew.
The latest move to curb crime is expected to have a negative impact on tourism revenue.
“It really isn’t good for tourism,” said Reginald Mac Lean, president of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association.
With ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Mac Lean said the state of emergency comes “at a time when we should be capitalizing on what is happening in the rest of the world, to encourage people to come to our shores.”
The twin-island nation has already recorded 63 killings so far this year, just one killing shy of the count for the same period last year.
The country’s main opposition slammed the newest state of emergency, accusing the government of failing in its attempts to address the crime situation.
“This government has demonstrated time and again that it prefers authoritarian measures over sound, strategic crime management, and once again, it has chosen to restrict the freedoms of citizens rather than address the systemic problems of crime in Trinidad and Tobago,” opposition leader Pennelope Beckles said in a statement.

2026.2.28 Triple murder in Laventille sparks calls for another SoE
Even as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed serious concern over yesterday’s triple murder in Laventille, at least one resident is again calling for a State of Emergency (SoE), saying the country’s crime situation is out of control.
Declining to give her name, the young woman, who is the companion of one of the murdered men, said, “Yes! I think a lot of people would welcome another SoE in the country.”
Speaking from the community of McShine Lands, Laventille, she said the killings left several children fatherless, forcing mothers to take on the role of breadwinners overnight.
The victims, who were shot around 1 am, were identified as Jesse Nelson, Keon Alexander, and Dwayne Alexander. All three lived just a short distance from where the shooting occurred.
While many residents in the immediate area declined to speak with Guardian Media, one woman quietly commented, “They were like brothers to me. They were good men,” before flicking her cigarette butt into a nearby drain. Standing in her doorway, she confirmed sending her children to school while anxiously awaiting their return.
A man sitting nearby, near a pile of empty puncheon bottles, said, “This is the third time they shoot up my house.” Both residents recalled the men laughing and talking just minutes before gunfire erupted.
According to reports, the victims were liming on a stairwell outside one of the homes when three gunmen ran up and opened fire before fleeing south toward Straker Village, Laventille.
Yesterday, the area remained quiet except for barking dogs, with residents keeping behind locked doors.
Dian Nelson, the mother of 33-year-old Jesse Nelson, broke down as she described her son as a loving father who was well respected in the community. She confirmed that Nelson, a fabricator, had survived a similar shooting in 2023, during which he was shot more than 20 times, but maintained he had never been involved in criminal activity.
A close female friend of Nelson said, “He was a loving person, well-known in the community, always willing to help. He respected the elderly and was a great father.” She noted that the three victims were close friends who often cooked and hung out together, saying, “They used to cook together, hang out together. As they say, buss a pot and lime together as friends.”
Referring to the fear and quiet in the area, she said, “This community has lost many lives. I moved away years ago because of the crime, but even being back here is traumatising because of the bloodshed.” She called for long-term security measures to restore law and order, adding, “The government needs to do something about the crime situation because it is getting out of hand.”
Asked if she would support another SoE, she replied, “Yeah, I think an SoE or something similar should be put in place to deal with crime because it is literally getting out of hand. How many children have to be fatherless? How many mothers have to become breadwinners in these hard times?”
A shopkeeper living on the hillside opposite the shooting site echoed the concern, saying, “They are starting to kill one another inside now. It is complete madness.”
Government response
Responding to a question from Port-of-Spain South MP Keith Scotland in the House of Representatives about immediate and long-term security measures following the triple murder and the broader upsurge in homicides, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander said the situation had effectively placed him in “a Zone of Special Operation.”
He said an early-morning meeting with the T&T Police Service executive had been held to implement strategies aimed at making the area safer. While he declined to provide specifics, Alexander said measures would include “targeted operations, assistance from teams outside, both air and other operations, and continued investigations of gangs after the SoE, which will form an integral part of ongoing investigations.”
Alexander assured that the area would be treated “in a particular way … almost like a zone.”
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro declined to comment on the killings or whether another SoE was being considered.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said she had “very serious concerns” and intends to convene another meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss strategies. She described it as “regrettable” that President’s Senators and Opposition Senators did not support the ZOSO Bill, noting she had met with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who praised the legislation.
Persad-Bissessar added, “There are other things we can do, and when the NSC meets, we will have that discussion.” She is expected to convene the meeting “very soon.”

2026.2.23 Court reserves judgment in Republic Bank break-in appeal
Justices of Appeal Mark Mohammed, Maria Wilson and Ricky Rahim have reserved judgment in an expedited appeal brought by Republic Bank Limited (RBL), which is challenging a High Court ruling ordering it to compensate a former employee following a 2022 break-in at its Couva branch.
The panel heard submissions from Senior Counsel Kerwyn Garcia, who appeared for the bank, and attorney Kiel Taklalsingh, who represented former employee Curtis Mathura.
In October 2024, Justice Carol Gobin ruled in favour of Mathura, finding that the bank’s security systems fell below the required standard of care after he lost approximately $300,000 in jewellery and foreign currency stored in his safety deposit box.
Mathura, who worked with RBL for nearly 31 years before retiring, had maintained a safety deposit box at the Couva branch since 2013. He stored jewellery, including irreplaceable family heirlooms from his parents and grandparents, as well as foreign currency.
Between May 29 and 30, 2022, intruders drilled a hole through a wall of the bank and accessed several safety deposit boxes, including Mathura’s. No one has been charged in connection with the incident. Mathura filed suit after the bank denied liability and refused compensation.
In his appeal submissions, Garcia argued that Gobin was “manifestly wrong” in her findings. He contended that the extraordinary nature of the break-in was not the proper test for determining whether the bank exercised ordinary care.
Garcia submitted that RBL had implemented multiple layers of security, including motion sensors and CCTV systems, thereby meeting the contractual obligation to provide a secure environment.
Addressing evidence that a plastic bag had been placed over a surveillance camera for more than 24 hours without detection, Garcia said continuous live monitoring was not contractually promised. He argued that CCTV footage was reviewed after an alarm was triggered and, since no alarm was activated, this did not establish that the system was flawed.
He further submitted that the installation of additional cameras after the heist did not amount to an admission that the prior system was inadequate, but rather reflected enhanced precautionary measures.
Taklalsingh, however, maintained that the length of time the intruders operated undetected demonstrated a failure to meet the standard of ordinary care and due diligence.
He argued that the thieves were able to cover a camera, use high-powered tools to bore through concrete, access the vault, and exit the premises—all over a period of roughly 28 hours—without detection.
Responding to questions from the bench, Taklalsingh said the $200 annual security fee paid for the safety deposit box created a reasonable expectation that the bank was providing security for customers’ belongings. He added that insurance coverage was merely suggested, not contractually required.
While acknowledging that employees activated the bank’s security system, including motion sensors, Taklalsingh said that was insufficient if intruders were able to remain inside the building from about 1 am on Sunday until 5 am the following day without being detected.
The judges indicated that the matter is significant and said a written judgment would be delivered as soon as possible.
Mathura is also represented by attorneys Stefan Ramkissoon, Rajiv Sochan and Matthew Allahar. Garcia was assisted by attorneys Tonya Rowley and Hillary Muddeen on behalf of RBL.

2026.2.19 One dead, two wounded after east Port-of-Spain shooting
A shooting in east Port-of-Spain today ended with the death of one man and the wounding of two others, police said.
Sources and residents confirmed the shooting took place at 10:45 am near the Mango Rose Housing Complex in east Port-of-Spain.
One man identified as Dwayne Simon was killed, while two others were wounded.
The wounded men were taken to hospital where they remained up to 11:30 am today.
Officers of the Inter-Agency Task Force who were in the area on a school visit went to the scene and were later joined by officers of the Besson Street Police Station and the Port of Spain Task Force.
One man who was struck by bullet fragments from the attack said he was throwing away garbage at a nearby dumpster before going to work when he heard gunfire.
Investigations continue.

2026.1.10 Signal Hill man shot dead, Tobago’s first murder
Police are investigating the murder of a man who was shot dead at Signal Hill, Tobago, on January 9.
The victim has been identified as Jamaille Fraser, 25, also known as “Stumpy,” of Cornal Rock Avenue, Signal Hill.
Police said Fraser’s murder is the first for the year in Tobago.
According to a police report, around 10.34 pm on January 9, a resident returning home from work found a man lying motionless on the ground with what appeared to be head injuries.
The victim was wearing a white vest and short pants.
Police were called in, and the victim was identified.
First responders observed what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the victim’s head.
Fraser’s body was taken to the Scarborough Regional Hospital Mortuary, pending an autopsy.
Investigations are ongoing.

2026.1.8 Diego’s deadly dawn: Residents cry for hangman’s return

DESPITE TT closing 2025 with its lowest murder rate in a decade, the dawn of 2026 has brought little comfort to the residents of Diego Martin. A bloody start to the year has left the community reeling, with three of the nation’s 11 murders occurring in their boundaries. As grief turns to frustration, the cry for the return of the hangman is echoing through the area.

The latest victim to be added to the grim national list is 33-year-old Elijah Williams of Blue Basin. Williams was shot and killed on January 7, marking the second murder in that specific enclave in less than 24 hours.

When Newsday visited the borough on January 8 to speak with residents, the atmosphere was a mix of sombre resignation and simmering anger.

Sitting in the shade on Beausejour Road, accompanied by two men, Larry Duprey did not mince words. To him, the current state of “lawlessness” requires a return to the ultimate penalty.

“Crime comes from the top,” Duprey said, nursing a strong drink. “But what can probably stop it is to bring back hanging. When criminals realise there is a life-or-death consequence for their actions, they will reconsider their actions more seriously.”

While Duprey supports capital punishment, he also pointed to the “empty pockets” driving young men towards criminal activity. He cited chronic unemployment in Diego Martin as a major contributing factor pushing youths toward criminality.

“To get young people away from crime, you have to give them jobs. Give them hope. Lack of both is a serious problem,” he lamented. “When a man doesn’t have a dollar in his pocket, that will worry anybody. Everybody needs to earn an honest dollar. Everybody has commitments: everybody needs to survive, right?”

Further up the road at the Patna Recreational Ground, Zachary Looney, popularly known by his sobriquet “DJ Versatile,” was spending quality time with his young son. For him, the issue is not merely political but spiritual and structural. He argued a change of government alone would not solve the scourge of violence.

“Governments come and go, but the problem still isn’t solved,” Looney said.

“You can have programmes from now until kingdom come, but everybody has free will. Everybody has a choice. Having a police presence does not guarantee safety in these communities. You can do all kinds of things, but men have free choice, and sometimes they choose to go down the wrong road.”

Looney clarified that his comments were not a judgement on Williams, whom he did not know personally. Instead, he noted while some murders are the result of “criminal elements” choosing a life of crime, many others involve innocent victims caught in the crossfire.

Looney offered an alternative to the now defunct social employment programmes like the cepep and URP projects. He proposed the state should utilise young offenders sentenced to hard labour for community upkeep under heavy police supervision.

“If the jails are being overrun and there is no space, let them do hard time. If you get rid of the programmes, let the prisoners do the work of Cepep/URP. Let them clean the communities and upkeep the savannahs,” Looney argued.

He suggested this would alleviate the issue of “ghost contractors”, a point of contention in Parliament. Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen, speaking in the House on November 26, said a significant portion of the URP workforce existed only “on paper”. Of the 928 workers listed, many could not be found, and some were not even residing in the country.

“It solves two problems in one,” Looney said. “It saves taxpayer money and actually gets the work done in the community where it is needed.”

Not everyone in the borough believes the gallows are the answer. Amanda Francis argued the focus should remain on socio-economic empowerment and judicial efficiency.

“We have to find ways to make sure the most vulnerable in society are able to have their needs met with dignity,” Francis told Newsday.

“Empower them to take care of themselves and show them there are better options. The government can use better marketing to make sure citizens actually know about the social programmes that are in place to help.”

Francis does not support the call for resuming hangings, arguing it is an ineffective way to reduce crime in a system where the “big fish” rarely face the rope.

“We need to focus on improving our detection rate and the processing times in the courts. We also need to make rehabilitation the main focus of the prison system. So far, our approach has just been to punish, and that hasn’t really given the results we want.”

At the Bagatelle Junction, a resident identified only as Ms Judy waited for a bus. For her, the rot starts in the home.

“It starts at home with good family values and things like the family sitting down together.”

She insists the first thing is God, and he is the foundation thought she acknowledges at times: “You try to guide them (young people) in the right path, but sometimes they still go out and think differently because of the friends they keep.”

As she spoke, a police van filled with officers patrolled past the junction. Judy, who has lived in the borough for 43 years, nodded toward the vehicle.

“We are glad when we see them. We are glad for the presence of the police up and down. We welcome that, but they need to beef it up.”

The political pendulum

The conversation surrounding the death penalty is not a new one, but it has regained momentum following the 2025 General Election cycle. During the campaign, then-opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar promised to resume hangings if her party was returned to political power.

Now serving as Prime Minister, Persad-Bissessar said during a post-Cabinet press conference at the Red House on May 15 she has instructed her legal and security team to investigate the resumption of the deathy penalty.

Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander, Minister of Justice Devesh Maharaj and Attorney General John Jeremie have been tasked with updating the Cabinet.

Despite the Prime Minister’s previous campaign promises, the government has yet to provide a definitive timeline for when, or if, the state will pull the lever.

Newsday reached out to Persad-Bissessar via WhatsApp for comment on the Diego Martin community’s call for the return of the hangman and for an update on the government’s current stance. As of press time, no response was received.