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National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds says there will be some changes to the prison infrastructure, following the escape of 5 inmates at Golden Grove.

Minister Hinds visited the prison facility in Arouca yesterday.

He vowed that there would be no repeat of what took place last Sunday night, when the men lifted a galvanize sheeting on one of the dorms, and made their escape.

One of the 5 escapees remains at large.

He is Anthony Seepersad.

Yesterday Minister Hinds said he intends to approach senior officials in government with recommendations made by Acting Prison’s Commissioner Deopersad Ramoutar.

President Paula-Mae Weekes calls on citizens to make concerted efforts to erase the stain of racial discrimination from Trinidad and Tobago as she marked International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination, which is observed today.

In her message, her Excellency says 62 years ago in Sharpeville, South Africa, 69 peaceful protesters were massacred at an anti-apartheid demonstration.

And…six years later, the United Nations proclaimed March 21^st  as the International Day For The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination, in memory of the victims and as an impetus for countries around the world to redouble their efforts to end all forms of racial inequality.

President Weekes noted that the horror of that day is a stark reminder to all that deep-seated prejudice and hatred easily erupts into needless violence, dispossessing others of the peace, security and human rights to which they are entitled.

She says we in Trinidad and Tobago are no strangers to the spectre of racial intolerance, as racism often rears its ugly head during political discourse and even everyday discussions.

The President notes that social media has become a haven for people to spew vitriol, hiding comfortably behind their keyboards with little to no consequences for their unfounded and often bigoted statements.

Her Excellency notes the theme of the observance is “Voices For Action Against Racism” and says it encourages people to strengthen their voices against racism, mobilise against all forms of racial discrimination and injustice, and ensure a safe environment for those who speak up.

The President challenged people to use their voices, positions and actions to overcome racial injustice wherever they encounter it, whether at home, the workplaces, among friends, or in online forums.

The Movement for Social Justice says the planned retrenchment at Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago is an outrage.

It says the country is experiencing a crisis of unemployment.

The Communication Workers Union last Friday estimated that 573 TSTT employees are likely to be cut.

Yesterday Chairperson of the MSJ Gregory Fernandes condemned the proposed restructuring at the State owned company.

Mr. Fernandes said what was happening was an outrage.

He was speaking at a virtual news conference of the MSJ yesterday.

The search is on for 4 prisoners who escaped from the golden grove prison in Arouca.

The time of the escape was put at around 11o’clock last night.

The identities of the men on the run have been given as, Theon Thomas , Shaquille Drayton aka Jabari Williams, Kurian Douglas, Anthony Seepersad aka Rajesh or Rakesh Sandokee.

Eliakim Joseph also escaped, but he was recaptured.

The men at large are listed as being dangerous.

According to a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service Facebook page a 5^th man identified as Eliakim Joseph who escaped on Saturday was recaptured later that day.

The prison service is calling on members of the public to contact the nearest police station if they have information on any of the fugitives.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley pays tribute to Political Scientist and Pollster, Professor Selwyn Ryan.

The funeral service took place at St Finbar’s Roman Catholic Church, in Diego Martin at 9 o’clock this morning.

Professor Ryan died at his home last Saturday night.

He had been away from public life for the past three years and in the care of his wife and medi­cal professionals as his health deteriora­ted due to Parkinson’s disease and restricted eyesight

At the service this morning Dr. Rowley said Professor Ryan will be remembered as one of the brightest lights in every sphere in the region.

He said Professor Ryan exhibited nothing short of bravery and confidence, as he was not afraid to talk on many issues facing the country including race and religion.

Professor Ryan was the author of 26 books, which focused on the modern history of Trinidad and Tobago.

He was also Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission and retired as Director of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine.

He was also a former columnist with the Sunday Express

A statement from his family says he was an avid carnival masquerader and lover of steel band music. Professor Ryan will be cremated following the service.

The Commissioner of Police assures the deaths of murder suspects Andrew Morris and Joel Belcon are being actively pursued.

Members of the Special Operations Response Team in connection with the abduction and murder of 23-year-old law clerk, Andrea Bharatt, detained Mr. Morris and Mr. Belcon.

Both men died from injuries reportedly sustained while they were in police custody.

Quizzed on the status of the investigations, Acting Police Commissioner McDonald Jacob revealed that the probe has extended to more than just individual officers.

Officers of SORT detained Mr. Morris, who has been described as a known drug dealer from Tumpuna, Arima, on January 31^st 2021.

He died on February 1^st at the hospital.

Mr. Balcon, described as the mastermind of Ms. Bharatt’s kidnapping had an extensive police record for sexual offences, drugs, firearms, robbery and larceny.

Police claimed he tried to escape custody and was subdued.

Mr. Belcon was hospitalised with severe injuries to his head and body and died on February 8^th 2021.

Autopsies on both men revealed they died from blunt force trauma.

Asked about prevention strategies to avoid a reoccurrence within the new National Operational Task Force, the acting top cop pointed to new standard procedures.

Andrea Bharatt’s body was discovered in Aripo a few weeks after she was taken. 

A progressive downward trend is how one health official describes the state of COVID-19 infections in the country.

Dr. Avery Hinds says the trend is a good sign.

The Epidemiologist also revealed yesterday that the virus remains unpredictable and this would not be a good time to become careless.

Not for the first time, he warned of the death rate among the elderly and unvaccinated.

Dr. Hinds further suggested that persons with lifestyle diseases be aware of their status and exercise a healthy lifestyle.