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Police are probing the circumstances surrounding the deadly accident on the Uriah Butler Highway.

Three people died at the scene yesterday morning.

The dead are 28-year-old Crystal Baboolal of Cane Farm, Arouca; 20-year-old Michael Walters of Laventille Road, Laventille; and 36-year-old Michael Ashton of Santa Cruz.

Reports are that at about 5:00 am yesterday a silver Nissan Tiida driven by Michael Ashton was proceeding north along the Uriah Butler Highway in the vicinity Massy Tracmac, when he lost control of the vehicle and ran into the back of a dump truck.

The 3 died at the scene of the accident.

Crystal Baboolal’s father Harold Baboolal told reporters how he learnt about is only child’s death.

The driver of the dump truck, who has been identified as PC Isahak reportedly attached to the St Clair Police is said to be unharmed.

Fire appliances from the nearby Chaguanas Fire Station responded to the accident, along with a party of police officers.

The accident caused a major traffic jam and vehicles were redirected through Biljah Road onto the Caroni Savannah Road, where they accessed the highway’s northbound lane to continue to their respective destinations.

And the head of Arrive Alive Sharon Inglefield said yesterday her heart broke when she heard the news.

Ms. Inglefield said the car was mangled by the crash.

It is being reported that the driver of the car may have fallen asleep behind the wheel. 

President of the union representing public servants Watson Duke is taking the Prime Minister to task for claims he made during a news conference.

Last Saturday Dr. Keith Rowley said the weak management of the public service has led to an abuse of the system.

He warned that persons absenting themselves will be penalized.

However Mr. Duke believes the government has ulterior motives.

According to Mr. Duke withholding pay is not so easy.

Mr. Duke was speaking during a virtual news conference yesterday.

50 marijuana trees are found at the home of a 35-year-old bank teller in Penal.

He was arrested for the find during a police exercise.

Reports say officers conducted the exercise between the hours of 12:15am and 5:00am yesterday during which they executed a search warrant for firearms and ammunition at the Clarke Road residence.

The search resulted in officers finding 50 marijuana trees being grown in two rooms in the house.

The man, a teller with a commercial bank in Siparia, was arrested in connection with the finds. 

Snr. Supt. Yusuf Gaffar, Supt Nobee, Supt. Doodai, Asp Mohammed and Insp. Teeluck, all of the Southern Division, coordinated the exercise.

Investigations are ongoing.

A reminder to the population of COVID-19 after effects and the suffering associated with the virus

Yesterday Dr. Andre Earle gave a chilling reminder of the after effects during the COVID-19 briefing.

The young medical professional called on people to maintain safety practices like washing of hands and wearing masks.

For those who are not inclined to heed the warnings, Dr. Earle had some frightening reminders.

Dr. Earle painted a gruesome but realistic picture.

And he had a stern warning to young persons who believe that they are not at risk.

Farmers are told of a tax-free and more incentivised agricultural sector in the new fiscal year but they are not convinced.

President of the Farmers Union Shiraz Khan says the government has nice words but it is only a “mamaguy”.

Speaking at the AMCHAM post budget forum yesterday Trade Minister Paula Gopee Scoon said there are plans to expand on education and biotechnology in the industry.

Noting also that farmers will not suffer the burden of paying taxes on items.

However Mr. Khan told Newscenter 5 its all smoke and mirrors.

The Minister also spoke about the Agri Processing Farm in Moruga, boasting that 2 tenants are already operating at the site.

However yesterday the union president said accessing the processing plant is not as easy at it sounds.

Mr. Khan also questioned the government’s announcement of increased penalties for theft. According to him the Praedial Larceny Squad is still under staffed, ill equipped and under resourced.

Police have shot and killed 3 men in separate situations.

The incidents all occurred yesterday.

One of the dead men is former soldier Joel Ramsundar.

He was shot dead in Chaguanas and so too another man whose name has not been given.

It is believed he was a Venezuelan national.

The 2 killings took place yesterday afternoon.

The 3^rd police shooting occurred in the morning period.

The dead man is Shaquille Morris.

He was shot by police at a house in Santa Cruz after he reportedly opened fire on officers who went there to issue a warrant.

Concerns from Trinidad and Tobago’s Chief Justice Ivor Archie about the criminal justice system, which he says could collapse if some fixing is not done.

Justice Archie insisted the Judiciary cannot be blamed for what is happening.

While the new law term began some weeks ago, Chief Justice Archie yesterday delivered his address, without the usual pomp and ceremony.

He said while the judicial arm of the State has been effectively carrying out its role and function in clearing the backlog of cases, other issues are causing challenges.

The Chief Justice suggested that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has proved to be difficult in performing its duties.

Meanwhile the Chief Justice hails government’s decision to stop all in person hearings in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Justice Ivor Archie yesterday over 15,000 virtual hearings have been held for persons in custody.

Justice Archie said many new measures have been introduced due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

He reminded all that the Judiciary is not many things and its focus must not be lost.

He also said efforts have been made to make electronic payment methods an option to avoid in person activities.