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Lifeguards are saying they can no longer guarantee proper services on the beaches because of the many deficiencies they have to work with.

The lifeguards are saying they have no tools to work with, no ambulance service available in the event of trouble, and non-functional towers.

President of the Lifeguard Branch of the National Union of Government and Federated Workers, Augustus Sylvester, is blaming the Ministry of National Security.

Mr. Sylvester said at a news conference yesterday, so much is expected of lifeguards but the authorities are not helping.

He said the reality of COVID-19 has made things worse for the lifeguards.

The branch is asking for talks with the Prime Minister.

Seven more illegal immigrants have been found in Woodland.

The 7 were detained by police last Sunday and are to be repatriated

The group consists of 2 men, 2 women and 3 children.

They were found by a police cruiser, which was on patrol along Pluck Road, Woodland.

According to police during the patrol they saw a group of people getting out of a pirogue.

They say the vessel then sped off and the group was detained.

They are said to be from Tucupita, Venezuela.

Officers took them to the Siparia Health Facility where they were medically examined and swabbed for COVID-19.

A four-month-old baby is among the 16 Venezuelan nationals deported by the authorities here in Trinidad and Tobago.

The deportations came in spite of an emergency high court order last Sunday which said the group would be allowed to stay here pending the end of legal proceedings against the State.

Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams, who wanted to see the group during a follow up hearing yesterday afternoon, issued the order.

But by that time the 16 adults and children were put on private vessels in local waters, on their way home.

Senior Counsel for the State, Reginald Armour told the virtual hearing that the group was already back in Venezuela.

He said his clients did not breach any order of the court because the deportations had already taken place when the judge made it.

Justice Quinlan-Williams said she was disturbed by the lack of answers from agents of the State as to the location of the group.

She said she is disheartened to know that this is the situation the State is adopting when there is a line of communication between the military here and Venezuelan authorities.

The judge said because of the developments the Habeas Corpus Writs have fallen by the wayside because the group is no longer in this country.

And one of the attorneys for the Venezuelans, Nafeesa Mohammed told Newscenter 5 lamented the treatment being delivered to illegal immigrants.

She believes this situation provides an excellent learning opportunity for the powers that be.

There will be no public gatherings this Christmas, but The Parang Association says there will be a virtual seasonal celebration.

The association agrees that the current health regulations should be maintained and reminds members of the public that there are ways the season can still be celebrated.

On Saturday during the COVID media briefing both the Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said there are to be parties hosted by State bodies.

Yesterday association President Alicia Jaggesar said the words of advice from the authorities came as no surprise in light of the pandemic.

Speaking with Newscenter 5 Ms. Jagessar assured Parang would still be a part of the holidays.

Ms. Jaggessar also noted that plans are already on the way for the 50^th anniversary next year.

Ms. Jagessar also said there are persons who look forward to the Parang Season to go with the Christmas celebrations and they too must be considered in the decision making process.

The Police Commissioner responds to critics who accuse him of bias in the detention of the 250 attendees at the party.

The action by law enforcement was slammed by some, who took to social media alleging double standards, after video recordings of a 3-night wedding reception held in Valsayn, were shared online.

Yesterday Commissioner Gary Griffith again explained the differences in the 2 events.

The Commissioner made it clear that he is doing his job and it has nothing to do with race or economic status.

The top cop also reiterated that persons who are breaking the law do not want to be held accountable for their actions. 

Charges will be laid against the “Zesser Party” attendees by way of summons rather than by being kept in cells at police stations.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service this decision takes into consideration the personal safety of all involved, including the police officers, as it relates to COVID-19

However, head of the Central Division, Senior Supt Curt Simon, admits the process is expected to be an arduous one, which could take at least a week to complete.

In re-affirming officers’ action, Senior Supt Simon asserts that his division is very responsible when it comes to maintaining law and order and preventing and reducing disorder.

Several units of the TTPS, including SORT, and the Anti-Gang Unit, descended upon a warehouse in Kelly Village, Caroni, last Sunday morning, when 250 people were attending a “Zesser Party”.

One grouping of the United National Congress is against the position taken by its own MPs.

Vasant Bharath, who leads the Unity Is Strength team in the upcoming internal elections, yesterday said the position of the party in the Parliament exposes a frail administration.

Mr. Bharath and his team support the Bill and the proposed extension of the Sunset Clause.

At a news conference yesterday he again challenged the incumbent leader of his party, Kamla Persad Bissessar, to a debate.

Mr. Bharath said his team wants to rescue the party from the current leadership, and make it a force once again.

The UNC membership goes to the polls on December 6^th.

Opposition Members of Parliament are insisting they did no harm by rejecting the government’s bid in the parliament to extend the life of the Anti-Gang Law.

Yesterday, 2 days after the bill failed in the House of Representatives, the opposition told a news conference the government has to take responsibility.

MPs, Rodney Charles and David Lee, along with Opposition Senator, Jiyanthi Lutchmedial said the Bill has not collapsed, but the clause seeking 30 more months has been rejected.

Point-a-Pierre MP Mr. Lee said there are other parts of the Bill, which are workable.

According to Senator Lutchmedial it is not true to say the opposition’s rejection of the extension clause frees gangsters and gang members.

Naparima MP Mr. Charles also said the government’s guilt trip will not work.

The 3 MPs agree with the words attributed to the Director of Prosecutions, that cases against those charged under the Anti Gang Law would collapse.

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said it is unfortunate that the opposition has taken that stand against the Bill.

He said elections have consequences.

The Prime Minister said his government simply did not have the numbers required to have the bill passed in its present form.

Last Friday the government’s 20 MPs voted for the Bill while 19 members of the opposition bench abstained.

A man is shot dead at a bar in Morvant.

He has been identified as Rodney Victor and was also known as “Dado”.

Reports say the incident took place at Club Exclusive Bar located on the lady young road at around 8:30 last night.

Newscenter 5 understands Mr. Victor was in the establishment when an armed man entered the bar and started firing shots at him.

The assailant also used the gun butt and struck Mr. Victor on the head before running out.

Police were called to the scene.

Mr. Victor was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived at hospital.

Investigations are ongoing.

The Police Commissioner is giving the assurance that every attendee at a “Zesser Party” in central Trinidad will be charged.

They were held during the early hours of yesterday morning.

According to reports a total of 250 people attended the party.

Some of them are said to have hurt themselves trying to get away from the police officers that stormed the establishment.

A release from the police service says when officers went to a warehouse at river branch trace the event was in full swing.

Commissioner Gary Griffith yesterday said enough is enough, all partygoers will be charged.

Under current regulations of the public health ordinance, groups are prevented from gathering in excess of 10 people.

Failure to follow that regulation can lead to fines of up to $50,000 dollars.

The Commissioner also responded to reports that there was a wedding in Valsayn last Saturday night.

Scores of guests are said to have attended.

According to Commissioner Griffith there is difference between a wedding and a “Zesser Party”.

Speaking with Newscenter 5 yesterday morning head of the Police Social and Welfare Association Gideon Dickson said while he understands people may feel cooped up and want release, this is not the way to go.

Inspector Dickson also dismissed claims that these parties take place under the watch of officers.

Reports say several illegal items including guns were seized at the scene.