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Police were up to last evening searching for businesswoman Mary Ali.

She was snatched while walking through the car park of the Cost Cutters Supermarket on George Street in Sangre Grande on Wednesday morning.

The 67-year-old Ms. Ali is from Juteram Street, Sangre Grande.

It is reported that while walking with 2 security guards at around 7:30am, 2 masked men with guns approached.

They grabbed Ms. Ali and threw her into a vehicle parked nearby.

The grey Mitsubishi Ceda sped off and the security officers called for help.

CCTV footage from the supermarket and nearby buildings have been reviewed.

Up to late last evening she was still missing.

President, Paula-Mae Weekes says the Republican Constitution created new and important offices including that of President, Director of Public Prosecutions and Ombudsman.

She says the country became autonomous in every way, but for the final court of appeal which remains the Privy Council.

President Weekes says these accomplishments cemented Trinidad and Tobago’s identity as a sovereign, adult nation.

As the country celebrates 44 years as a Republic citizens are told there is much to be proud of.

National Security Minister, Stuart Young says he is proud of the work done in this country.

The Minister boasts of a free press and great democracy.

Mr. Young also said this country’s democracy is thriving.

And Energy Minister, Franklyn Khan said this country’s Energy Sector has come a long way.

He said the industry is now very transparent.

Mr. Khan also said he was saddened that citizens are unable to celebrate due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

They were speaking at the weekly Post Cabinet news briefing on Wednesday.

One woman and 2 men have been charged for with kidnapping 9-month-old Sophia Rivas.

The child was taken from her parents’ Chaguanas home 1 week ago.

A 19-year-old of Longdenville Old Road, Chaguanas, a 58-year-old and a 24-year-old both of Mcinroy Street, Curepe, were jointly charged with kidnapping for ransom based on advice received from Director of Public Prosecutions.

One of the men was also charged with negotiating a ransom.

Two other suspects were released following investigations.

On the morning of the incident, a report was received from the child’s mother, a Venezuelan national, that while at her home on Longdenville Old Road, Longdenville, Chaguanas, the child was taken by a woman without her permission.

Sometime later, she received a telephone call from the suspect demanding $20,000TT in cash for the safe release of her daughter.

Later at around 10:50 pm, acting on intelligence, officers proceeded to Mcinroy Street, Curepe, where they found and safely extracted the baby.

Don’t blame us for COVID-19 infections…that is the position of Barkeepers and Operators Association.

The association, which represents them, says the labeling is hurting an already strained industry.

Yesterday interim President Theron Mohan said most of the operators have been adhering to the guidelines set out by the authorities.

He said very few are in breach so to tag bars, as a main source is unfair and damaging.

Last weekend Head of the Epidemiological Unit at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Avery Hinds said there was a spike in cases after the announced closure of beaches and rivers last month.

On the Morning Show on i95.5fm yesterday, Mr. Mohan said on that particular weekend, bars were empty and the beaches and rivers were packed.

He said there is no way many of these bars can survive another lockdown.

Mr. Mohan said the government has to begin a discussion with the operators and barkeepers to ensure that the industry does not collapse.

The Prison Officers Association says every step is being taken to protect officers and inmates from contracting the coronavirus.

But the association is not surprised to learn that 254 officers are in quarantine.

The association’s General Secretary, Lester Walcott said yesterday it was only a matter of time.

Mr. Walcott said strategies established are in effect.

Commissioner Pulchan also said on Sunday 5 inmates contracted the virus.