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As the country continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Minister and the Opposition go head to head on the issue of vaccines and management of the virus.

Yesterday’s Ministry of Health update told of 9 deaths and 348 new infections.

In the Senate the Health Minister clashed with Opposition Legislator Wade Mark who was questioning the government’s handling of the vaccine rollout.

Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said the Opposition should stop making the fight against COVID even more difficult.

Minister Deyalsingh said without such a challenge, herd immunity can be achieved.

At her party’s Monday night forum leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad Bissessar cast doubt on the numbers and information being delivered by the Minister and the Chief Medical Officer.

She did not leave out the Prime Minister.

Mrs. Persad Bissessar said the government has been failing in the effective handling of the virus.

COVID-19 claims the life of 2 more lives.

The Ministry of Health said the elderly patients are women with comorbidities.

The number of COVID related deaths are now 163.

The Ministry also said there has been 223 new positive cases.

It said the number of reported cases reflects samples taken during period April 25^th to April 27^th.

The Ministry said 12 persons have been discharged from public health facilities and there have been 58 recovered community cases.

There are 150 patients at hospitals across the country.

Charges of trafficking in persons and false imprisonment for 2 Venezuelan nationals.

The TTPS names the suspects as 19-year-old Geraldine Abreu, and 30-year-old Clement Aleong.

Via a statement yesterday the TTPS said Mr. Aleong was also charged with kidnapping.

The charges were laid after a report was made that 2 Venezuelan women were kidnapped.

According to the TTPS on April 23^rd, 2021, officers proceeded to Southern Main Road, Cunupia where 2 Venezuelan women were found and rescued.

Four suspects, including Ms. Abreu and Mr. Aleong, were also arrested.

A silver Toyota Aqua was also seized for evidential purposes.

Both were charged after advice was received from the office of the DPP.

The other 2 suspects were released pending further enquiries as investigations continue.

A High Court judge temporarily restricts the publication of the evidence of a State latest witness in the Sean Luke trial.

The judge presiding over the trial of 2 men accused of murdering 6-year-old Sean Luke made the decision yesterday.

Justice Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds informed media personnel that she was exercising her judicial discretion to restrict reports on evidence and cross-examination for the latest witness.

Justice Ramsumair-Hinds noted the importance of an open hearing, especially in the context of the public interest in the Sean Luke’s case, but stated the temporary gag order was necessary.

She did not elaborate further.

The latest witness is the 16^th to testify since the trial commenced last month.

Thirteen of the witnesses, including Sean’s mother Pauline Bharath, who completed her evidence on Monday, have testified in person from virtual court facilities at the San Fernando High Court.

Sean Luke went missing in 2006 and his body was found 2 days later in an abandoned sugarcane field, which bounds his community.

An autopsy revealed he died from internal injuries arising out of being sodomised with a cane stalk.

The trial is expected to resume tomorrow.

The police service says it can only do its work if people cooperate so that there can be benefits for all.

Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith says the information received by officers in connection to guns and drugs only helps reduce crime.

He notes that people only speak when police kill suspects but go mum when other crimes occur.

The Commissioner of Police maintains that while some may disagree, his position stands when it comes to criminals firing at police officers.

He says the TTPS must defend itself with precision and within the confines of the law.

He also slams persons who believe that the pandemic will reduce crime.

He says the TTPS needs the support of the population because there is a lot to be accomplished.

Some tough talk from the new Head of the Special Operations Response Team, Superintendent Roger Alexander.

On the Beyond The Tape program on TV6 last evening, Supt. Alexander warned criminals.

Hours earlier Commissioner Gary Griffith announced the appointment of Roger Alexander to the post.

He also said police officers have very little choice but to protect themselves when faced with real threats.

He said SORT needs a strong leader.

Superintendent Alexander replaces Mark Hernandez who has been charged in connection with the deaths of 2 suspects in the Andrea Bharatt kidnapping and murder.

Mr. Hernandez is on suspension.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Faris Al Rawi is now in isolation.

A release from the Ministry says he was informed that he is a primary contact of a recent COVID-19 positive case.

The release says in accordance with COVID-19 protocols, the Attorney General proceeded to be tested for COVID-19 via a PCR test on Monday, as recommended by the Ministry of Health.

The Attorney General received a negative COVID-19 test result.

However the release says out of abundance of caution and in compliance with COVID-19 protocols, Mr. Al Rawi commenced isolation for 14 days, on Monday.

It says he shall execute his roles and responsibilities remotely via virtual platforms and other relevant forms of communication.