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An assurance that growing concerns about possible after effects linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine are being carefully monitored here in Trinidad and Tobago.

Last weekend, Director of the Epidemiology Division of the Ministry of Health Dr. Avery Hinds said the World Health Organisation is aware of the concerns.

Dr. Hinds said there is no proof that the side effects are linked to the vaccine.

Medical Chief of Staff at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Dr. Joanne Paul said the vaccine remains safe.

The Opposition, United National Congress is again criticizing the government for its handling of access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

It says the refusal of the Prime Minister to accept vaccines from India is proof of the government’s incompetence.

MP for Oropouche west Dave Tancoo says this country has fallen behind in terms of treating with the virus.

He was speaking at a media conference hosted by the UNC yesterday.

He said several other nations accessed vaccines from India.

Mr. Tancoo then trained his guns on Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh.

Ten new cases of COVID-19 are recorded.

The Health Ministry says the cases were recorded during the period March 8^th to March 10^th.

It says there are 90 active cases of the virus.

It says 328 persons are currently at State quarantine facilities.

Four are in step down facilities and 72 in home self-isolation

The death toll related to the virus stands at 140.

Two teenagers who robbed a mini-mart with a toy gun have been sentenced to 2 years in prison with hard labour.

Nineteen-year-old Tyrice Trim and 18-year-old Antoneil Hazette appeared before Senior Magistrate Adrian Darmanie in the Arima Court yesterday.

They both pleaded guilty to the offences, which took place at Cane Farm Road, Trincity on March 8th.

It is said the 2 young men entered the mini-mart and announced a hold up.

They brandished what appeared to be a gun and took from the cashier $38.

The 2 tried to flee the scene, 1 was successful but the cashier’s father detained the other.

Police later held the other suspect.

There are reports of another murder this time in Arouca.

The victim has been identified as Nicholas Mohit.

Mr. Mohit was gunned down while at his business place on the Eastern Main Road in Arouca around 6:45 last night.

Newscentre 5 understands Mr. Mohit was in his air conditioning shop when a gunman entered and opens fire hitting Mr. Mohit several times

Mr. Mohit was rushed to hospital where he was warded.

Mr. Mohit died at around 10 o’clock last night.

Investigations are ongoing.

Emile Elias is today refuting all claims of sexual assault made against him.

The contractor is now facing 2 counts of sexual crimes against a teenage girl.

In a statement yesterday the police service said the 84-year-old was charged late Wednesday night with sexual grooming and sexual penetration of a minor.

He was also granted bail in the sum of 100,000 dollars at the West End Police Station.

Mr. Elias is the owner of construction firm NH International.

He is expected to appear virtually before a Port of Spain Magistrate on March 24^th.

Yesterday Ample Advertising Agency said it notes the widespread media publication of a current legal matter involving its client Mr. Elias.

It said Mr. Elias completely refutes in the strongest possible terms the allegations made against him.

It said the contractor looks forward to establishing his innocence under the due process of law.

The team said given the fact that the matter is now before the courts and therefore sub judice, Mr. Elias is unable to make any further comments.

Trade Unions, which have been members of the government’s Tripartite Advisory Council, have pulled out.

They say the Council serves no useful purpose.

General Secretary of the National Trade Union Center, Michael Annisette told a news conference yesterday all members are withdrawing their participation.

Union leaders, Joseph Remy, Ancil Roget and Watson Duke said enough is enough.

The leaders of FITUN, NATUC and JTUM will meet tomorrow to devise other strategies in treating with what they see as government’s neglect of the issues affecting workers.