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President of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association Martin Lum Kin agrees with Independent Senator, Paul Richards that it is unethical for teachers to hold back on the curriculum, and charge a fee for extra lessons.

The matter came up during a sitting of a joint select committee yesterday.

The head of the National Parent Teachers Associations Walter Stewart brought up the matter.

Mr. Stewart is frowning on the teachers involved in such activity, and claiming it is extra lessons.

He said this must not be encouraged.

Association President Martin Lum Kin said all teachers cannot be painted with the same bad brush.

JSC Chair Paul Richards described the situation as obscene.

Mr. Lum Kin said, while they are not breaking any law if this is happening it is unethical.

The JSC was on social services and public administration.

The Privy Council has ruled against the Minister of Finance in the matter involving the auditor general.

Yesterday, the London based Privy Council agreed with Jaiwantie Randass in her case for judicial review.

The appeal by minister Colm Imbert and the cabinet was dismissed with costs

It is being reported that the costs imposed on the state could run into millions of dollars.

The law lords read submissions of both sides, and reached a judgment without the need to hear the respondent Ms. Ramdass.

She has been allowed to judicially review minister Imbert’s decision to establish a probe into the understatement of, 2.6 billion dollars in the national accounts.

The Privy Council had asked why, the terms of reference did not include an investigation of the minister’s behaviour.

It was suggested that the matter showed bias.

Meanwhile the cabinet will consider the judgment today.

There are reports now that this ruling could impact the candidacy of, Mr. Imbert, who is the Member of Parliament for Diego Martin North/East.

A retired TSTT worker reportedly shoots and kills his wife in Williamsville.

The suspect is also dead after shooting himself.

The victim is Sunita Ram.

The suspect is identified as Michael Ram.

Reports say, the incident took place at Piparo Junction, Hardbargin around 11 pm last night,

Newscentre five understands neighbors reported hearing shouting, coming from the couples home.

It is said a gunshot was then heard.

Neighbours went to the home and found Mrs. Ram bleeding from gunshot wounds.

It is said Mr. Ram attempted to shoot two other relatives, but they ran to safety.

One of them sustained injuries while fleeing.

He then turned the weapon on himself, firing one shot to his head.

He died at the scene.

Police were called to the scene.

Investigations are ongoing.

Three men are dead following a police involved shooting incident in, Cunupia.

The identities of the men have so far not been revealed.

Reports say, the incident took place along Ragoonanan Road near Longdenville, around 11 o’clock last night.

News centre five understands officers of the Cunupia CID were called to investigate a reported robbery, at a Chinese establishment in the area.

It is reported, officers went to the scene and were greeted with gunfire by five men.

Officers were fearful for their lives, and returned fire hitting three of the suspects.

Two of their accomplices escaped.

The three wounded men were taken to the Chaguanas Health Facility, where they were declared dead.

Investigations are continuing.

Relatives and friends of Sharida Ali demand justice after her killing during a police chase on the Beetham Highway.

Police, and now the complaints authority are both investigating the killing last Saturday evening, at Beetham Gardens.

36-year-old Ms. Ali was the mother of two.

Police Complaints Authority Director, David West is reported as saying an investigation into the woman’s killing is on going.

Friends and relatives of Ms. Ali say, she was not a target when officers fired shots at suspected car thieves in Beetham Gardens.

It is said, Ms. Ali and her sister Ayesha went to visit a friend at Nineteenth Street, Beetham Gardens, after finishing work. 

At around 6 pm, Ms. Ali had just finished having a meal with her friend, and her family when she went to the kitchen.

It was there a bullet struck her in the head.

She died instantly.

According to police reports, the shooting occurred as police officers were attempting to apprehend a group of men, who had reportedly stolen a Nissan note shortly before. 

No suspects were held.

Scores of people paid their last respects to veteran journalist Jones P. Madeira

Mr. Madiera was cremated yesterday after a funeral service at the Santa Rosa Roman Catholic Church in Arima, one week after he died at the Eric Williams medical sciences complex.

During the funeral service, Mr. Madiera was remembered as a man who was passionate about his job and one who stuck to the true tenets of the profession.

In delivering the eulogy, his son Justin Madeira told of his father’s love for music as well, and his sense of humour.

Also eulogizing the renowned journalist was one of his former colleague and friend Tony Fraser.

Mr. Fraser remembered Mr. Madeira as a stickler for independence

He said Mr. Madeira followed suit.

Mr. Madiera was ailing for some time.

He was 80 years old.

Well Services Ltd says, it has identified the location of missing rig worker Pete Phillip.

In a statement the company says, while the recovery process has caused frustration and concern among Mr. Phillip’s family, it shares in their distress and remains fully committed to the ongoing search-and-recovery efforts.

However, it says it is important to clarify the current phase involves a distinct set of challenges, that require a tailored approach.

It says, it was in the process of securing specialized equipment, inclusive of a heavy-lift barge and crane barges for the operation.

It confirms that it was developing a comprehensive safety plan, which would be submitted, to OSHA before it pursues further recovery activities.

The release also says, in discussions with the family, they have communicated that they believe they have identified the location of Mr. Pete Phillip.

However it says, to safely reach that location, it is imperative that the rig is first stabilized to mitigate any further risks.

The company says, while committed to swiftly conducting the recovery efforts, it is necessary to safeguard the recovery team and all personnel on-site, and it is also committed to moving forward as swiftly as these critical procedures allow.

A home invasion leads to the death of an attorney and her husband, in Cumuto.

The victims are identified a Kunari Baksh and Nasheed Baksh.

Reports say the incident took place at Guataparjo Road, Caratal Road around 7 o’clock last night.

Newscentre five understands, neighbors went to check on the couple after hearing screams from their home.

It is reported upon checking, they found the body of Ms Kunari’s body bound and gagged in the upper floor of the house.

It is said, her husband Nasheed was found also bound and gagged in the living room of the house.

Police were called to the scene.

Officers say, the house was ransacked and the TTEC meter to the house was missing.

It is the first double homicide for the year.

Investigations are continuing.