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President Paula Mae Weekes breaks her silence on the recent killings of young women, saying she was present and hurting along with the nation.

She says she was just not ready to speak.

The Head of State yesterday responded to criticisms of her silence.

To mark International Women’s Day today, President Weekes yesterday noted that based on the communications to her office and public comments, citizens wanted their Head of State to comfort them and bring the nation together.

President Weekes said she recognised that the people also wanted her to use moral suasion to make the government and the Opposition find common ground.

This country’s borders will remain closed until proper vaccination programs are rolled out both here and in other populations.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley at a media conference in Tobago yesterday.

Dr. Rowley said the re-opening of Trinidad and Tobago’s borders rests soley on successful vaccination programs.

Dr. Rowley said he does not want to re-open borders prematurely and suffer dire consequences.

The country’s borders were closed almost 1 year ago in an aim to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The Police Commissioner gets top reviews in a public confidence poll.

According to Superintendent Wayne Mystar, Commissioner Gary Griffith got a 75% approval rating.

He says this is an improvement when compared to surveys taken to rate a Police Commissioner in previous years.

Speaking at today’s Police Media Briefing Supt. Mystar gave a further breakdown of the surveys done between 2018 and 2021.

Also speaking at the news conference was TTPS representative Keel Country.

She said this morning the majority of participants approving the Commissioner’s performance were over the age of 50.

She said 2 polls were conducted, one via social media and the other via phone.

Officer Country also noted that over 4000 persons participated.

There are reports of an early morning murder in Arouca.

The victim is Sydney Villaroel.

The incident occurred at Windy Hill.

His mother Patsy Mohammed told police she was awakened by loud voices outside her home at around 1am.

She said as she opened her front door 2 men armed with guns pushed their way past her.

Ms. Mohammed said the assailants ordered her eldest son to lie on the ground where he was beaten.

According to Ms. Mohammed the gunmen then went to the bedroom of the house and opened fire on her other son, Mr. Villaroel, before escaping.

He was hit in the head.

Mr. Villaroel died at the scene.

Officers of the Northern Division Task Force, Central and Region 2 Homicide officers visited the scene.

Police are yet to acsertain a motive for the killing.

A woman has been shot in the head during a home invasion in penal.

The 26-year-old woman was shot last Sunday evening at her Gonzales Trace, Sunrees Road home.

She has been identified as Dana Ramkhelewan.

It is reported Ms. Ramkhelewan survived the attack.

The bullet did not fracture her skull.

The woman was treated and discharged from hospital.

Senator Roberts lands in hot water for his conduct outside the Chamber.

In the Senate, Leader of Government Business Senator Franklyn Khan yesterday described a segment of a “talk show” hosted by Senator Roberts.

Senator Khan revealed that Senator Roberts made derogatory statements about the Upper House on 2 episodes of his show on social media.

Senator Khan also cited his opposition colleague’s behaviour in the House last week as disturbing.

He is of the view that Senator Roberts should be penalised on both counts.

Senate President Kangaloo replied saying the matters are now being considered by Vice President of the Senate Nigel De Freitas who will deliver a ruling in due course.  

A strict warning to Senators from President of the Upper House Christine Kangaloo.

She tells them to improve their conduct in the House.

Moments before the start of the senate yesterday President Kangaloo reminded Senators by way of Standing Order 2 Sub Section 5, the powers of the Presiding Officer.

President Kangaloo suggested that Senators acquaint themselves with rules of the House especially those that spell out their required conduct.     

The head of the Upper House said while she appreciates the passion that feeds debate, Senators must remember that their conduct must always be kept in check.

Further the Senate President added that legislators must ensure they are an example to every citizen.     

The statements by the Senate President come after an outburst by Senator Anil Roberts last Thursday.

Senator Roberts was asked to leave the chamber following conduct ruled by the Senate President to be unbecoming of the House.    

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley is to meet with all Assemblymen in Tobago this morning.

He will also hold another meeting with Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis and some of his predecessors.

The topic is the existing deadlock, which followed the January 25^th Tobago House of Assembly election.

Following that election the ruling Peoples National Movement and the Progressive Democratic Patriots each got six electoral districts.

Both sides have not been able to elect a Presiding Officer.

The PDP has said today’s meeting is a public relations stunt but its members will attend.

The Tobago House of Assembly Amendment Bill has been passed in the Senate.

However there was no support for it from the Opposition and the independent bench.

The Bill seeks to settle the deadlock in the Tobago House of Assembly

Late last night, after hours of debate the bill received the simple majority it needed.

The bill was passed in the lower house almost two weeks ago.

Once proclaimed, it would, among other things, allow for the establishment of 15 electoral districts in Tobago.

Earlier in the debate, President of the Senate, Christine Kangaloo ejected Wade Mark from the chamber.

His reported interjections while the Attorney General was winding up debate on the Bill got Mr. Mark in some trouble with the Senate President.

Senator Mark was later allowed to return to the sitting, which was at the time in the committee stage.