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Calypsonian Sandra Des Vignes Millington also known as Singing Sandra has died.

The former Calypso Monarch passed away at her Chaguanas home this morning.

The cause of death is not yet known but Newscenter 5 understands she was ailing for sometime.

Mrs. Des Vignes Millington was 64-years-old.

Chairman of the National Carnival Commission and Calypsonian by profession, Winston Gypsy Peters is shocked and saddened by her passing.

He said earlier her contributions to the art form cannot be forgotten.

Among Singing Sandra’s classics are “Die With My Dignity” and “Voices From the Ghetto”.

The Elections and Boundaries Commission says it has received official requests for general recounts of the votes cast in 5 Electoral Districts, 4 in Tobago and 1 in Trinidad.

In Tobago, the Progressive Democratic Patriots has requested recounts in the Electoral Districts of Canaan/Bon Accord, Lambeau/ Signal Hill and Scarborough/Calder Hall.

The People’s National Movement has requested a recount in the Electoral District of Bethel/Mt. Irvine.

The EBC says in the Local Government Bye-Elections, the independent candidate Christopher Wright, who received 307 votes in the Electoral District of Hollywood, requested a recount.

It says that recount is completed with the same result.

Shot dead in the presence of his 3 children.

The latest victim of gun violence is Jerren Phillips.

His killing takes the murder toll to 15 so far this year.

Thirty-year-old Mr. Phillips was shot as his 3 children, aged 4, 2 and 8-years-old looked on.

Mr. Phillips was shot last Sunday evening.

He was at Mahabir Lane, D’abadie where a man wearing a mask and a black hoodie shot him.

Having witnessed the killing of their father, the children are said to have had trouble sleeping on Sunday night.

Relatives are shocked by the killing and said he was never involved in any crime or violent situations.

Mr. Phillips’ wife told reporters their 4-year-old daughter has been asking for her father and has asked why her mother was crying.

Relatives describe Mr. Phillips as a kind and loving man who avoided confrontations.

The Prison Officers Association takes issue with the condition of vehicles belonging to the service.

President Cerron Richards says too many vehicles are not working and the State has done nothing to address the problem.

Mr. Richards yesterday wondered if the State intends to privatise the service, hence the refusal to fix the vehicles.

Mr. Richards said these arrangements make one wonder about the plans of the government.

National Security Minister Stuart Young says the claims are without merit and must be dismissed.

But Mr. Richards insisted the fleet of vehicles owned by the Prison Service is not in good condition and even the Prisons Commissioner is driving a rental.

Minister Young is reported as saying he is disappointed with the approach taken by Cerron Richards, who has in the past been told to bring to his attention any concerns and they would be addressed.

The ASA Wright Nature Center has closed its doors and 49 people are now without jobs.

The center closed up operations because of the measures taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Trinidad and Tobago.

The employees were sent home last Friday.

Chairperson of the board Professor Judith Gobin says it was virtually impossible to maintain the monthly operating costs of approximately $450,000, which included salaries.

Professor Gobin is reported as saying it was a very difficult decision to make.

She said the not for profit trust remains functional and will continue managing its protected areas as a wildlife sanctuary.

The board chairperson also said ASA Wright is a foreign exchange earner but was not given a COVID-19 relief grant.

She said efforts to get assistance from the State failed, because the center did not qualify.

This may not be the best weekend to drive along the North Coast Road as the police service sends a warning to the public.

It says no overcrowding will be tolerated at beaches, as officers will be enforcing parking restrictions.

Superintendent of police Roger Alexander says only the car park facilities will be utilized by persons visiting Maracas and Las Cuevas Bay.

He says parking along the roadway would not be allowed in an effort to curb the number of persons visiting the beaches.

Superintendent Alexander also warns police officers would be out in their numbers along the North Coast Road to ensure persons follow the rules.

The action follows what was termed as a “beach party” at Tyrico last Sunday.

Videos circulating on social media showed hundreds of patrons dancing to loud music and drinking at the beach.

Officers of the Northeastern Division visited the scene and shut down the event.

On the Beyond the Tape program on Tuesday Superintendent Alexander said no one would be allowed to breach the COVID-19 protocols.