CALL US AT:

The Head of the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago says eating health is difficult for some people due to the high cost of food.

The association makes the statement even while acknowledging that local estimates of cases are a cause for concern.

President Andrew Dhanoo says healthier options are harder on the pockets of those trying to reach them.

He is suggesting a collaborative approach to the diabetes epidemic, involving producers of healthy food options.

He is also cautioning persons referencing current data on cases of the disease in this country and other Regional States.

Mr. Dhanoo says there is a need for updated research. 

Mr. Dhanoo is encouraging members of the public to take advantage of the resources readily available to them to treat with diabetes.

He stresses education on the disease will lead to better control of blood sugar levels and ultimately better outcomes.

Valencia is the scene of a murder.

According to reports the victim has been identified as Deeno Babolal.

Details are sketchy but police say Mr. Baboolal was killed on Emon Lane in Valencia shortly after 10pm last night.

Investigations are continuing.

The Opposition Leader slams the Prime Minister on what she describes as impaired reality.

During her Monday night forum last evening, UNC leader Kamla Persad Bissessar said it is clear Dr. Rowley and his PNM party is out of touch.

Making reference to Dr. Rowley playing a game golf over the weekend.

Mrs. Persad-Bissessar expressed disgust of what she described as the Prime Minster’s first line of business after recovering from COVID.

Prime Minister Rowley posted the cricket comment on his Facebook page over the weekend.

Earlier in the week he posted a picture of himself and Sir Vivian Richards on a golf course.  

One man is dead and 3 others arrested following a confrontation with police in Barataria

Officers say the men were caught red handed during a home invasion attempt in Barataria on Sunday night.

Police confirmed that the deceased is yet to be identified but those arrested are Dean Collins, Joshua Williams and Keston Paul.

A TTPS statement says the suspects are, 28, 20 and 38.

Two are from San Juan and one from Laventille.

It is said during a bid to escape, the men pointed guns at the officers who then, in accordance with the use of force policy open fire killing one, wounding one and the arrest of two.

Police say a gun; ammunition, a screwdriver and several housebreaking implements were recovered from the scene.

A legal challenge to the upcoming elections within the ruling Peoples National Movement is being dismissed by the women’s arm.

The mover of the challenge is former Minister of Finance Karen Nunez Teshiera.

Ken Butcher and Vishop Victor Phillip are backing her in the challenge.

Mrs. Nunez Teshier is contesting the position of Political Leader in the November 26^th, 27^th and December 4^th election.

Mrs. Nunez Teshiera has filed a lawsuit in the High Court seeking an order that the Internal Elections be postponed for 21 days.

And the leader of the women’s arm of the party, Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis has described the lawsuit as absolute nonsense.

She was speaking during the PNM Leaders in Service Women’s meeting at the University of the Southern Caribbean in Maracas Valley, St. Joseph, last night.

Mrs. Robinson-Regis said the PNM’s women’s arm would stand behind Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley for this legal challenge.

She dismissed the lawsuit, labeling those who oppose the leaders in service slate as “mocking pretenders to the throne.”

Immigrant Rights Activist Yesenia Gonzales says she has all confidence justice will be served in the death of Venezuelan baby Ya-Elvis Santoyo Sa-Rabia.

On February 6^th, baby Ya-Elvis died in his mother’s arms as the vessel in which they were travelling was intercepted by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard.

It is said the boat captain attempted to turn around, but coast guard officers started shooting at the engine.

The 1-year-old infant was shot in the head and died instantly.

On Friday in the Lower House, Naparima MP Rodney Charles asked National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds to give an update on the investigation.

He responded saying the probe continues.

Minister Hinds also stated that the police service has completed its probe into the matter and is awaiting direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

But over the weekend activist Yesenia Gonzales told Newscenter 5 she is confident all will go in the favour of the parents of the deceased child.

She said the incident has put Trinidad and Tobago in a bad internationally light.

Last Friday, Minister Hinds told the House of Representatives the police are now seeking advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard S.C. on the way forward. 

A manhunt is mounted in Tobago following the murder of Special Reserve Police Officer Kyle Lashley.

He was hit in a drive-by shooting in Les Coteaux on Saturday night.

He later died at the Scarborough General Hospital.

It is the island’s 10^th murder for the year.

Acting Police Commissioner Mcdonald Jacob is saddened by the Special Reserve Police Officer’s killing.

He says a search for the killer was immediately launched.

Yesterday more officers from the Inter-Agency Task Force joined the search.

This is Tobago’s 10^th murder for the year the Acting Commissioner is concerned.

Police believe gangs in Trinidad fighting for turf in Tobago may have led to the officer’s violent death.

Tobago recorded 7 murders in 2021.

And even while police investigate this latest killing, Ezra Sylvester was shot in Scarborough on Saturday night.

He was taken to hospital for treatment.

Tobago police are investigating.

And Acting Commissioner of Police Mcdonald Jacob strongly condemns the killing of the SRP describing it as brazen and heinous.

State witness in the killing of PC Gilkes is gunned down in Morvant.

Jelano Romney was shot and killed in Morvant last evening.

Details are sketchy but we are told he was in the company of a female when he was shot at around 10pm.

The woman was also shot and wounded.

Several months ago Jelano Romney was on the run after the death of Officer Gilkes.

The officer was killed in the line of duty in Diego Martin.

PC Gilkes was 44-years-old and was attached to the Western Division Task Force.

After an autopsy and further investigations it was confirmed a police weapon shot PC Gilkes.

The Acting Police Commissioner tells the country in the last 5 years there have been 108 cases of legal firearms used in crime.

While some have questioned the claim Mr. Jacob stands behind the statistics given on Tuesday in the Senate by National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds.

Yesterday, Mr. Jacob insisted this information does not mean the police service is against the issuance of firearm users licenses.

He said there are other realities which could see legally acquired guns being used in violent and criminal situations.

But his predecessor Gary Griffith accuses the Acting Commissioner and the National Security Minister of misleading the country on the issue of the use of legal guns in crime.

In the Senate it was also revealed that there are 4 murders committed with the use of legal guns.

Mr. Griffith says none happened under his watch.

Mr. Griffith says persons must be able to defend themselves and the State does not seem to want that.

National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds says evidence shows a link between the increase in the issuance of Firearms Users Licenses and the rise in violent crime.

Mr. Hinds was speaking yesterday to a Joint Select Committee on national security examining factors that contribute to the prevalence of illegal firearms and gun violence in Trinidad and Tobago.

He responded to a question posed by committee member Nigel De Freitas.

He said the records he has at hand show an exponential increase in the issuance of FUL’s and in the context of what the law calls variations.

The National Security Minister said some license holders might have taken advantage of this part of the law.

Minister Hinds supported his point by making reference to the recent murder suicide in San Fernando in which the perpetrator was the holder of legal firearms.