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Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith says he is aware that assassins have been hired to take him out.

He says those hired are foreign assassins.

The Commissioner was speaking with frontline officers at an event hosted by the ‘I Support Our Services’ initiative on Saturday last.

The Commissioner referred to the recent protests and demonstrations staged against the killings of 3 men in Morvant on June 27^th.

He again defended his officers from the criticisms, which have come from some quarters.

During the event, several officers spoke of being traumatised by recent demonstrations and the impact of criticisms.

The Director of the Police Complaints Authority David West there was no error in the decision to call for the suspension of the officers involved in the Morvant shootings.

Mr. West says the PCA acted within its powers under Section 21-D.

Police Commissioner, Gary Griffith, has been critical of the missive from the PCA regarding the deadly shootings.

Mr. West and the PCA made public its recommendation, and that too was criticised by the Commissioner.

Despite the apparent tensions Mr. West tells Newscenter 5, investigations into the shootings are ongoing and there has been cooperation from the police.

The officers whose guns were discharged have been sent on administrative leave.

The incident took place at 2^nd Caledonia on June 27^th.

Noel Diamond, Joel Jacobs and Israel Clinton were killed by police officers

Aaron Mc Lean is nursing gunshot wounds after being attacked in Pleasantville.

Police are now engaged in an active investigation but are yet to ascertain a motive for incident

The 24-year-old was said to be at Pleasantville Avenue at around 9:30 Wednesday night.

Residents told police they heard several explosions and went to investigate.

They later found Mr. Mc Lean seated in his Nissan motorcar bleeding from gunshot wounds.

He was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Investigators say 40 shells and a magazine were recovered at the scene.

This was the second shooting incident in the area in recent days.

Enquiries are continuing.

Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad Bissessar has acknowledged the Prime Minister’s bid to get election observers here for the August 10^th poll.

But she is concerned about the timeliness of the invitation sent to the Commonwealth and CARICOM.

At a virtual meeting last evening, Mrs. Persad Bissessar questioned the number of exemptions being granted by the Minister of National Security.

She said the party is concerned that measures are not in place to ensure citizens abroad are able to exercise their franchise.

The UNC leader also responded to the Prime Minister’s claim that she is planning to go to court no matter the outcome of the election.

Prime Minister Rowley has sent the letters of invitations to the Secretary Generals of CARICOM and the Commonwealth.

The National Trade Union Center has called an emergency executive committee meeting for today to discuss the government’s failure to settle outstanding wage negotiations.

NATUC describes the government’s treatment of the issue as cold and calculated indifference.

General Secretary of the labour body, Michael Annisette said yesterday, the government is showing no regard for the working class.

Speaking with Newscenter 5 Mr. Annisette said the government has a responsibility to the people, including workers.

The labour leader said there must be resolution and the government has to be fair to workers.

An assurance from the Minister of Health that his government wants to bring every national back home, but the process has to be carefully carried out.

Yesterday the Minister Terrence Deyalsingh was told of more nationals in several countries complaining about not being allowed to return.

They say many have applied for exemptions and they are yet to get any word from the Ministry of National Security.

Minister Deyalsingh insisted the Minister of National Security is working on the requests and there is no deliberate plan to keep people out.

His colleague Minister of Communications Donna Cox also assured her government is willing but there is need for some patience.

Many nationals have been stranded in foreign states after the government here took the decision in March to close the borders.

This weekend will see the arrival of another group of nationals, stranded in foreign parts since the COVID triggered closure of the country’s borders.

Yesterday the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshan Parasram said notice of the pending arrival came from the Ministry of National Security.

Dr. Parasram said when the nationals arrive they will be quarantined.

The number expected is being put at just over 100.

Earlier this week 290 nationals who were in quarantine for about 3 weeks were allowed to go home.

The 290 were crewmembers from The Enchantment of the Seas ship.

Twelve from the group tested positive for the Coronavirus.

More rumblings from within the labour movement.

The Amalgamated Workers Union sends a stern warning to the Keith Rowley government to settle negotiations or else.

President Michael Prentice says an election has been called but collective bargaining agreements are outstanding.

Speaking on i95.5fm yesterday, Mr. Prentice said the workers feel disrespected by those they elected into office.

Mr. Prentice said the working class has had enough of the unfair treatment.

The union leader warned that failure to present an offer will not be accepted.

But economist Dr. Roger Hosein feels job security is better than increased salaries at this time.

Dr. Hosein tells Newscenter 5 unions should exercise patience.

Further, Dr. Hosein pointed out yesterday that workers across the globe are facing the same issues and it would make no sense if demands are made and people are sent home.

On Tuesday several unions called on government to settle outstanding negotiations.

Associations representing police, fire and prison officers said members are 7 years behind.