Trinidad Not A Normal Place

IMD founder calls for laws against false rape claims, citing devastating impact on accused:

Founder of International Men’s Day, Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, is urging the Government to introduce legislation that would penalise individuals who make false rape and sexual assault allegations, saying such claims can have devastating and long-term effects on those accused.

Teelucksingh referenced a recent case in which seven men charged with sexual assault were eventually freed after a lengthy legal process.

The UWI St Augustine history lecturer said accused persons often face severe emotional distress, loss of employment, reputational damage, and social isolation, even in cases where they are later cleared. He added that the psychological toll can, in some instances, be extreme.

He also raised concern about what he described as bias in both the justice system and public perception, arguing that accused individuals are often judged before cases are concluded, making it difficult for them to rebuild their lives.

Teelucksingh cited international examples, including actor Johnny Depp’s legal dispute with Amber Heard, to highlight the impact of “trial by public opinion.”

While calling for tougher penalties against proven false accusations as a deterrent, he also stressed the need for education programmes focused on respect, consent, and proper conduct in interpersonal relationships.

5 days ago | [YT] | 12

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

The court has ordered the office of the Commissioner of Police (CoP) to provide Rosanna Smith with documents related to the over four-year investigation into the suspicious death of her daughter, Maria Kathleen Smith.

Maria, 21, was found dead in October 2021 in a parked car at Spring Bridge, Blanchisseuse, with a hose connected to the car’s muffler and covered by a blanket.

Her death was classified as a suicide, but questions remained, particularly after her mother discovered WhatsApp messages suggesting an intimate relationship between Maria and a married TTPS officer who was a relative.

Despite repeated requests and a Freedom of Information application, Smith had been denied progress reports and investigative documents, with police citing an ongoing investigation as the reason.

Frustrated by the lack of transparency and apparent investigative inaction including uncertainty over whether DNA tests, fingerprint analysis, or witness interviews had been conducted Smith filed a judicial review in 2024.

Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams ruled that the CoP’s refusal was unreasonable, irrational, an abuse of power, and a breach of the Freedom of Information Act.

The court quashed the CoP’s decision and ordered the requested documents to be provided within 14 days, while also awarding Smith $38,925 in legal costs.

Her attorneys described the ruling as a significant affirmation of public rights to access information and accountability from law enforcement authorities.

5 days ago | [YT] | 20

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

CoP Guevarro defends FUL stricter vetting process, says guns were once “sharing like nuts” — Griffith demands names amid claims of 12-gun case

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has issued a firm warning to firearm user’s licence (FUL) applicants, insisting that no one is entitled to a gun simply by applying, as he defended the integrity of the vetting and background investigation process.

Speaking at the “Conversations with the Commissioner” forum hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce, Guevarro said the system is designed to ensure firearms are only issued to individuals who demonstrate genuine need, while maintaining strict security safeguards to reduce the risk of misuse.

He urged applicants to be patient as background checks, investigations, and supporting documentation reviews are completed, noting that processing times vary depending on how quickly applicants comply with requirements.

Guevarro stressed that while some applications may be completed in around seven months, others take significantly longer, particularly where additional verification is required. He added that delays should not be interpreted as inefficiency but rather as part of a necessary security-driven process.

He also referenced a recent case involving a farmer who applied for an FUL claiming the need to deal with pests on agricultural land. Guevarro said the application was rejected after investigators determined the property consisted mainly of bamboo, questioning the justification for a firearm in such circumstances.

The Commissioner further highlighted concerns about past practices within the system, suggesting that firearms were previously issued with insufficient oversight. He claimed audit findings pointed to cases where multiple weapons were granted without proper investigation, describing the situation as deeply flawed.

He also recounted an instance where an applicant allegedly received approval for 12 firearms over time without adequate scrutiny, questioning the rationale behind such approvals and stressing that every application must be properly justified and investigated.

Guevarro said even existing firearm holders are not exempt from review, noting that each new application triggers fresh background checks and assessments.

In an effort to strengthen transparency, he revealed that the FUL processing unit has been relocated away from the Police Administration Building to reduce perceptions of interference, adding that his involvement only occurs at the final stage of approvals.

However, his comments drew immediate pushback from former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith, who challenged Guevarro to publicly identify the individual allegedly granted 12 firearms, insisting that such claims require full disclosure.

Griffith argued that individuals in legitimate roles such as firearms instructors or business owners may legally possess multiple weapons, and cautioned against generalising isolated cases. He also defended the integrity of past systems, questioning the accuracy of the audit findings referenced by the current Commissioner.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 17

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Woman held in 2024 theft nabbed in Westmoorings daylight robbery — stolen gun recovered:

A woman previously held in a 2024 shoplifting incident is now among two suspects arrested in connection with a brazen daytime robbery in Westmoorings that left a victim injured and her licensed firearm stolen.

Stephanie Sampson, also known as “Ri Ri,” 33, of Cocorite Terrace, Cocorite, and Ashari Bisphan, 23, of Harpe Place, Port of Spain, were detained as police intensified investigations into the violent incident.

The attack unfolded around 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the SuperPharm Pharmacy compound, where a 60-year-old woman was seated in her white MG HS vehicle. Two men approached and forcibly took her handbag, with one suspect shoving her to the ground during the struggle before they escaped.

The bandits made off with a licensed Smith and Wesson .38 revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition, $5,000 in cash, personal documents, and a car key fob.

Within hours, officers from the Four Roads Criminal Investigations Department launched an intelligence-driven operation under Operation Steady G.U.A.R.D., conducting coordinated searches between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Acting on key information, police searched areas including Simeon Road, Petit Valley, where the victim’s handbag and personal items were recovered.

The operation later extended to Pitch Road, Laventille, where officers searched an abandoned house and successfully recovered the stolen .38 revolver along with matching ammunition. No arrests were made at that location.

Police confirmed that Sampson had previously been held in May 2024 in connection with a shoplifting incident at Massy Stores, where she was reportedly disguised in Muslim attire.

Both women remain in custody as investigations continue.

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 13

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

13 more nabbed in SOE dragnet: ‘Fat Joe’ and ‘Sunday’ among new detainees

Thirteen additional men are now being held under preventive detention after their orders were officially published in the Gazette on Thursday, April 16, as the State of Emergency (SOE) crackdown continues to intensify.

Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander identified two of the detainees—Kevon “Fat Joe” Franklyn and Akido “Sunday” Williams—as key drivers of organised crime, pointing to intelligence suggesting their central roles in ongoing and planned violent activity.

The detention orders, issued under the Emergency Powers Regulations, form part of an aggressive effort to disrupt gang networks and prevent what the Minister described as imminent acts of serious violence, including shootings and coordinated attacks in public spaces.

Franklyn, also known as “Fat Joe,” has been identified by intelligence as a leader within the Beetham faction of the Seven Gang. Minister Alexander stated that Franklyn has played a central role in planning and directing violent operations, including armed robberies, home invasions and retaliatory attacks against rival gangs.

According to Minister Alexander, intelligence reports indicate that Franklyn’s network had access to high-powered firearms and ammunition and was preparing to escalate violence in public areas. He described Franklyn as a key organiser within the gang’s structure, coordinating multiple individuals and operations. His detention, the Minister said, is aimed at preventing planned attacks and weakening the group’s operational strength.

Equally significant is the detention of Akido Williams, known as “Sunday,” whom Minister Alexander described as a senior figure within the Rasta City faction. Intelligence suggests that Williams has been heavily involved in narcotics trafficking, extortion and the coordination of violent gang activities across Port-of-Spain and surrounding communities.

Minister Alexander said “Sunday” has been instrumental in directing gang movements, including the distribution of illegal firearms and organising responses during internal gang conflicts. He warned that these disputes have significantly increased the risk of retaliatory shootings in public spaces.

Describing Williams as a strategic operator, Minister Alexander said his influence extends to both planning and execution of criminal activity. He added that Williams’ continued freedom posed a serious and immediate threat to public safety, making his detention necessary.

Several other individuals were also detained under the orders, including Christon “Grimmy” Greaves, Kashif Weekes, Shane “Big Shane” Redhead, and Kerton Edwards, also known as “Throat.” Minister Alexander said these men have been linked to firearm trafficking, drug operations, intimidation and targeted acts of violence.

In separate actions, Shane Seetal and Joshua Francis were detained based on intelligence indicating involvement in the transportation of illegal firearms, ammunition and cannabis. Minister Alexander said there were concerns about potential violent activity connected to their movements.

Bevon “B-Man” Lezama was also detained, with Minister Alexander citing intelligence that links him to transnational criminal networks and alleging interference with police operations, including the removal of evidentiary material from official custody.

Meanwhile, Reace Ramoutar is accused of involvement in a recent firearm attack on police officers, which left one officer critically wounded. Minister Alexander said his detention is critical to preventing further violence and preserving evidence tied to the investigation.

Additional detainees named in the Gazette include Ola Nurse, Akeem Worrell also known as “Keem,” and Israel Julien Boodramsingh.

According to the published detention orders, all three men were identified through intelligence and investigative processes as active participants in organised criminal groups, with alleged involvement in firearm trafficking, narcotics distribution, and violent gang-related activities....

Alexander also cited concerns about their access to illegal weapons, participation in coordinated gang operations, and the potential to carry out retaliatory attacks in public spaces. Their detention, officials said, is aimed at disrupting criminal networks and preventing further threats to public safety.

Minister Alexander maintained that traditional policing methods were insufficient to address the scale and urgency of the threats identified. He said the use of preventive detention powers is intended to disrupt criminal operations before violence occurs.

The move signals a strong escalation in the State’s response to gang activity, with Minister Alexander warning that further action may follow as efforts continue to reduce violence and protect the public.

Skip the Carousel

1 2

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 10

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Friday, April 17th, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE

Five Held and Two Guns Seized in SWD and ED

Five persons were arrested and two firearms and quantities of ammunition seized, during separate anti-crime exercises conducted in the South Western and Eastern Divisions, yesterday.

In the first exercise, Task Force and Gang Unit officers conducted an exercise in the South Western Division around 1:50 pm, on Thursday 16th April, 2026, during which they proceeded to the Siparia district.

During the exercise, the home of a 26-year-old male suspect was searched, which resulted in the discovery of one pistol loaded with a magazine containing 13 rounds of ammunition in a bedroom.

The suspect and two others, who were in the house at the time of the search, were arrested in connection with the find.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Division, Task Force officers conducted exercises in the Sangre Grande and Valencia districts, between 4 am and 8 am, on Thursday 16th April, 2026.

During one exercise, two male suspects, ages 32 and 31, both of Sangre Grande, were arrested for possession of one pistol loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition.

The exercises were coordinated by Snr. Supt. Paponete, Supt. Beharry, ASP Russel and Insp. (Ag.) Harper.

Investigations are ongoing into the above matters.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 10

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

A High Court judge Westmin James has dismissed a legal challenge by Air Guard member Kwame Joefield over his discharge from the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.

Joefield had argued that his dismissal was unfair and unlawful, but the court found he was given multiple opportunities to respond to concerns about his performance through a proper review process. His requests for reinstatement, backpay and compensation were also denied.

The judge ruled there was no breach of his rights, noting his service record showed ongoing disciplinary issues, excessive sick leave and poor performance, and upheld the Defence Force’s authority to manage its personnel.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

MEDIA STATEMENT
SOE UPDATE-DAY 45

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) reports a significant operational milestone, as we reach Day 45 of the State of Emergency (SoE) 2026.

To date, 258 detention orders have been approved, with 170 executed. These figures have already surpassed those recorded at the conclusion of the previous State of Emergency, which stood at 205 approved and 153 executed.

Additionally, TTPS operations have yielded the following results:
3,694 operations conducted
1,588 persons arrested
355 persons charged
90 firearms recovered
2,196 rounds of ammunition seized
3,146 kilograms of cocaine seized
337.040 kilograms of marijuana seized

These outcomes are not incidental. They are the result of deliberate, intelligence-led policing, coordinated national operations, and a sustained focus on priority offenders and organised criminal networks.

For the public, the message is clear: the TTPS is strategically targeting individuals and groups who pose the greatest threat to the safety and stability of our communities, and we are doing so with precision and purpose.

This, however, is not a point of conclusion. We are now entering a critical phase of the State of Emergency, where consistency, effective execution, and accountability will determine the overall impact of our efforts.

The TTPS remains fully committed to:
Disrupting criminal enterprises
Removing high-risk offenders from our communities
Restoring and maintaining public safety and order

Let me be clear—operations will continue with intensity, discipline, and zero tolerance for criminal activity.

We will not relent. We will not ease the pressure. We will continue to deliver results in the interest of national security.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 8

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

The six-year-old girl who suffered a near drowning last Friday during a family outing to a recreational facility in Gasparillo remains on a ventilator at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH).

Yesterday, sources confirned that Skylar Gabriel was taken off the ventilator on Tuesday, but was urgently returned to the machine when her breathing levels began dropping.

Hospital staff indicated a CT scan of the brain was conducted on Sunday. However, the results of the scan were not shared with the Express.

A second CT scan was expected to be conducted yesterday.

Though asleep, Skylar, who has been hospitalised since the incident, was making progress, improving from breathing at 30%-50% from last Saturday to up to 70% on Monday.

However, doctors have stated that only when she awakes will they be able to gauge the extent of the injury to her brain.

Last Friday, Skylar was found unresponsive while bathing in a pool at the Bumper Jumperz Fun Park in Gasparillo.

She was submerged in the water for several minutes.

CCTV footage of the incident viewed by the Express showed Skylar bathing unattended in a children’s pool at the site, without a flotation device or life vest.

She later leaves the pool and walks towards the stairs of the slide in the adult pool, sliding in, and never emerging from the water.

Within a minute, her parents, Desire Walters, a firefighter, and Sheldon Gabriel, a fire service officer, are seen searching for her.

She was removed from the pool by persons at the facility, and Emergency Health Services was contacted.

The child’s parents told the Express last Saturday they were dedicated to ensuring their daughter survived. They said they were not concerned by the social media reaction to the incident.

The mother confirmed Skylar has high-functioning autism and said the situation was a “slip-up”.

She noted there were no life jackets at the site and no lifeguards present.

According to the mother, Skylar was accustomed to going to other water parks where life jackets were distributed promptly on arrival.

Her father added that while he had notified the staff at the facility, the music continued playing, and neither staff members nor patrons joined in search efforts.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 9

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

More than 1,500 people have been arrested as the State of Emergency (SoE) enters its 45th day, according to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).

In a statement yesterday, the TTPS said 1,588 persons have been arrested and 355 charged during the period, as part of intensified operations targeting priority offenders and organised criminal networks.

Police also reported that 258 detention orders have been approved, with 170 executed, figures that have already surpassed those recorded at the end of the previous State of Emergency, when 205 were approved and 153 carried out.

The TTPS said its operations have included 3,694 exercises across the country, resulting in the seizure of 90 firearms and 2,196 rounds of ammunition.

Drug seizures were also significant, with 3,146 kilogrammes of cocaine and 337.040 kilogrammes of marijuana recovered.

Police described the results as the outcome of “deliberate, intelligence-led policing” and coordinated national efforts aimed at disrupting criminal enterprises.

For the public, the TTPS said the focus remains on targeting individuals and groups who pose the greatest threat to national security and public safety.

However, the police stressed that the current figures do not mark an endpoint.

“This is not a point of conclusion,” the statement said, noting that the SoE is now entering a critical phase where consistency, effective execution and accountability will be key.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 7