Trinidad Not A Normal Place

*Social media news page owner to pay $.4M for defaming Principal*

The owner of a popular social media news page has been ordered to pay over $400,000 in compensation to a primary school principal for defamation. 

Delivering an oral judgment this week, High Court Judge Devindra Rampersad upheld the case brought by Spring Village Hindu School principal Susan Ragoonanan against Antonio Ranjitsingh, who operates Trini Crime News TT. 

Rampersad ruled that Ranjitsingh defamed Ragoonanan in a series of posts on different social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok between June and August last year. 

While the defamatory statements cannot be republished, the posts essentially attacked her professional integrity, character and fitness to hold the office. 

In her court filings obtained by Guardian Media, Ragoonanan’s lawyers Bernelle-Joy La-Foucade, Gabriel Glanville and Alisha Ponambalam pointed out that their client served as principal of the primary school for 17 years, after over two decades of a distinguished career as a teacher.

“The sting of the publications is of the gravest kind, imputing criminally adjacent and child-safety-related misconduct, and directly attacks the claimant’s professional fitness,” they said. 
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“These unfounded and sensationalised claims are malicious, misleading and demonstrably false,” they added. 

The lawyers claimed that the “false and malicious” posts, which were widely shared and commented on, caused Ragoonanan significant distress.

“The nature of the claimant’s position requires the highest degree of trust, confidence and respect in her ability to uphold and carry out her duties as a principal,” they said. 

“Any blemish to her good name and reputation puts her life’s work and distinguished career into disrepute and severe jeopardy,” they added. 

They claimed that after they threatened legal action over the posts, they (the posts) were briefly removed.

The posts were then republished with a caption criticising Ragoonanan’s decision to pursue legal action. 

Her lawyers claimed that he also sent voice notes to them, disregarding the legal claim. 

Ragoonanan’s lawyers obtained an interim injunction over the posts while the substantive case was being considered. 

In February, they successfully pursued contempt of court proceedings against Ranjitsingh after the posts were not removed and continued to be circulated. 

Ranjitsingh received a 14-day suspended prison sentence that would take effect if further defamatory posts against Ragoonanan are made. 

In upholding the substantive case, Justice Rampersad ordered Ranjitsingh to pay $360,000 in damages and $57,500 in legal costs. 

He also granted a permanent injunction restraining Ranjitsingh from republishing the defamatory statements. 

Justice Rampersad issued a 30-day stay of execution on the damages, giving Ranjitsingh a month to pay or appeal the ruling.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 17

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

AUTOPSY FINDS STACY'S HORRIFIC CAUSE OF DEATH:

A post-mortem examination has determined that Golconda mother Stacy Samaroo, whose body was discovered floating in a bay in Tobago with a rope around her neck, died by drowning, with strangulation identified as a contributing factor.

These were the findings as revealed by a senior police officer following the autopsy conducted on Tuesday.

The body was identified by Samaroo’s father and sister, who travelled to Tobago to witness the post-mortem examination.

Samaroo, 36, was found floating in Blenheim Bay, near the new Mount St George/ Goodwood electoral district office on Windward Road on March 3.

With the assistance of residents, the body was retrieved from the sea, and the scene was visited by Snr Supt Kirk, Supt Joseph, ASP Bacchus, Inspector Alfred, Sgt Yorke and a team of officers of the Scarborough Police Station, and Sgt Quashie-George and other officers of the Homicide Bureau and officers of the Criminal Investigation Department.

Police said the body, which was in the initial stages of decomposition, was nude, and a length of rope was wrapped around the neck.

She was identified by family members from Golconda, Trinidad, who identified her to the police through her tattoos.

Following the post-mortem result, the Express on Tuesday attempted to contact her mother, Lystra Samaroo, but calls and messages went unanswered.

When the Express spoke to her on March 5, she had said that she never thought she would have to bury her daughter, whom she described as generous and kind.

Samaroo's mother said her daughter gave ‘plenty talks’ and fought with her words, but described her as a harmless person.

The mother said Samaroo’s mantra was “One life to live”, and she did not know any reason for her daughter to be harmed.

Samaroo, a past student of ASJA Girls’ College in Barrackpore and St Kevin’s College in San Fernando, was a mother of one.

Her daughter resides with her father and his relatives, as she (Samaroo) often travelled between Trinidad and Tobago, and worked on the sister-isle, her family members said.

Samaroo suffered an injury to her left leg many years ago, and then about two years ago she suffered an injury to her left eye, her mother said, and she had made an appointment for April to visit a doctor for medical attention.

Samaroo’s mother had pleaded with anyone who had information on the events leading to her daughter’s death to forward the information to the police.

Anyone with information can contact the police at 555, 999, 911, or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477) or the Tobago Emergency Hotline at 631-4357 (631-HELP).

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 15

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

WASA well station vandalised for copper cable in Syne Village

A well station operated by the Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (WASA) was vandalised during the night in what officials believe was a theft of copper cables.

The incident occurred along Moora Dam Road in Syne Village, where unknown individuals reportedly broke into the facility and removed copper wiring from the station.

Preliminary information indicates that the damage was discovered earlier today when personnel visited the site and found that the cables had been stripped, leaving parts of the station inoperable.

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 20

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Sunday, March 15th, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

Major SOE Operation in Sangre Grande Leads to $750K Cannabis Seizure and Two Arrests
A coordinated State of Emergency (SOE) raid and search operation conducted in Sangre Grande on Sunday 15th March, 2026, led to the seizure of nearly $750,000 TTD worth of cannabis and the arrest of two suspects.

During the operation, officers executed a search warrant at an Ojoe Road, Sangre Grande residence and discovered a quantity of cannabis weighing approximately 25.5 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of $750,000 TTD.

Both suspects at the home were arrested for the offence of Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Trafficking and conveyed to the Sangre Grande Police Station, where they are expected to be formally charged.

The operation was coordinated by Snr. Supt. Paponette, Inspectors Ramdeen and Harper, supervised by Sgt. Rampersad, officers of the Eastern Division Task Force (EDTF), the National Operations Task Force (NOTF) and the K9 Unit.

Investigations into the matter are being continued by PC Mohammed.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 11

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Sunday, March 15th, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

10 Arrested in Early Morning DUI Crackdown in Port of Spain
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Port of Spain Division, conducted a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Operation along Park Street, Port of Spain, during the period 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Sunday 15th March, 2026.

The exercise resulted in ten (10) persons being arrested for the offence of Breath Alcohol Exceeding the Prescribed Limit.

The persons arrested are:

A 35-year-old, Salesman of O'Meara Road, Arima.

A 41-year-old, Leading Seaman, Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, of Upper Union Road, Four Roads, Diego Martin.

A 40-year-old, Director of COTT, of Buller Street, Woodbrook.

A 33-year-old, Cook, of Petit Bourg, San Juan.

A 37-year-old man of Upper Wharton Street, Laventille.

A 37-year-old man of Parryland Village, Guapo.

A 41-year-old Videographer, of La Florissante, D’Abadie.

A 60-year-old Mechanic, of Dinsley Village, Tacarigua.

A 34-year-old Contractor, of Upper Laventille Road, East Dry River, Port of Spain.

A 31-year-old, Janitor at the Port of Spain Corporation, of Ethel Street, St. James. Rahim was additionally arrested for Driving without a Driver’s Permit (never issued) and Driving without a Certificate of Insurance, along with Breath Alcohol Exceeding the Prescribed Limit.

During the operation, officers also stopped and searched thirty-nine vehicles and their occupants in an effort to detect illegal firearms and ammunition; however, no illegal items were found.

The exercise was spearheaded by Snr. Supt. Thom, Supt. Baird, Supt. Revanales and ASP Cadette, and was coordinated and directly supervised by ASP Cadette. Officers from the Capital City Patrol Unit, Besson Street Police Station, Central Police Station, Belmont Police Station and the Port of Spain Municipal Police participated in the operation.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service continues to urge motorists to refrain from drinking and driving and to obey all road traffic laws, as the safety of all road users remains a priority.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 14

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Sunday, March 15th, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

Central Division Anti-Crime Operation Nets Drug Arrests and Seizure of Three Firearms in Freeport
A targeted Anti-Crime Operation conducted by officers of the Central Division Task Force, Area North on Saturday 14th March, 2026, resulted in several drug-related arrests and the discovery of three firearms and ammunition in the Freeport district.

The exercise, which took place between 4:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., was led by Snr. Supt. Bhagwandeen, Supt. Glodon, ASP. Reyes and Insp Joseph, along with Sgt. Ali, supervised by Cpls. Samaroo and Charran, and officers attached to the Central Division Task Force Area North.

During the exercise, officers steered coordinated patrols, stop and search operations and strategic roadblocks in the Enterprise, Chaguanas, Carlsenfield, Freeport and Felicity districts. Particular attention was paid to vehicles suspected of being involved in narcotics distribution, firearm trafficking and the movement of priority offenders.

Acting on intelligence information, officers proceeded to Mahica Road, Freeport, to an open area and conducted a search.

During the search, officers discovered a black bag near a bridge which contained three black pistols with no visible serial numbers, along with fifteen rounds of 9mm ammunition and eight rounds of .380 ammunition. The items were seized by PC Sonny. No arrests have yet been made in relation to this discovery and investigations are ongoing.

Three suspects were also arrested during the exercise for drug related offences.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 11

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Sunday, March 15th, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

Operation Steadfast in Port of Spain Yields Ammunition and Cannabis Seizure
Officers of the Port of Spain Division successfully seized 210 grammes of cannabis and five rounds of 5.56 ammunition during Operation Steadfast, conducted on 14th and 15th March 2026.

The operation targeted several high-risk areas, including St. Barbs, Roget Place, St. Ann’s, Hutton Street, Aripita Road, and Rock City, and involved coordinated searches of five houses.

During the exercise, officers seized five rounds of 5.56 ammunition and 210 grammes of cannabis

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service continues to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting criminal activity and enhancing public safety throughout communities.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Sunday, March 15th, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

Homemade Shotgun Seized in St Joseph

Officers of the St Joseph Police Station seized a homemade shotgun and ammunition during an anti-crime exercise conducted in the district on Friday 14th March, 2026.

Acting on intelligence information, officers proceeded to an open, bushy area along Farm Road where a search was conducted and they discovered one homemade shotgun along with one round of 12-gauge ammunition. The items were seized and investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The exercise was spearheaded by ACP Singh, Senior Superintendent Gift, Superintendent and ASP Barath Jaikaran. The operation was coordinated by Inspector White and Sergeant Ramsumair and supervised by Corporal Dhill, along with officers attached to the St Joseph Charge Room, including PCs Roberts and Lewis.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 4

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

March 13th, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE

IATF Seizes Cannabis in Central Division

A State of Emergency operation conducted in the Central Division by officers of the Inter-Agency Task Force yesterday, resulted in the discovery and seizure of five kilogrammes of cannabis.

Officers conducted the exercise between 9 am and 2 pm, on Thursday 12th March, 2026, during which they proceeded to the Felicity district, where they conducted an extensive search of a bushy area, with the assistance of the Canine Unit.

The search resulted in the discovery of 10 packages containing a total of five kilogrammes of cannabis.

The exercise was sanctioned by DCP Suzette Martin, directed by ACP Hazel, spearheaded by Snr. Supt. Ramnarine, Supt. Ramsook and ASP Singh, and included personnel of the National Operations Task Force.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 9

Trinidad Not A Normal Place

Friday, March 13th, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE

Three Held, Rifle and Ammunition Seized in CD

Three persons were arrested and one rifle and quantities of ammunition seized, during ongoing State of Emergency Operations, conducted in the Central Division, overnight.

Reports indicate that Task Force officers of Areas North and South, conducted an Operation Steady Guard exercise in the Cunupia district, between 4 pm and 10 pm, on Thursday 12th March, 2026.

During the exercise, the officers conducted a search of a house at Munroe Road, where one rifle and an assortment of ammunition were found and seized.

Three suspects; a 33-year-old man of Cunupia and a 30-year-old man and 24-year-old woman, both of Longdenville, were arrested in connection with the find.

The operation was coordinated by Snr. Supt. Bhagwandeen, Supt. Frank, Supt. Glodon, ASP Reyes and Insp. Joseph.

Investigations are ongoing into the above matter.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 12