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A 16-year old boy from Siparia South Trinidad is reported to have died, as a result of dengue fever.

This brings the total number of fatalities linked to, the virus to three.

There are also 303 lab confirmed cases.

Dengue fever is spread by the bite of an infected, Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

The Ministry of Health yesterday issued a media release, which disclosed the figures and provided an epidemiological update.

The first two recorded deaths are those of a 65-year-old man who resided in the community, of Barrackpore and a teenager from Fyzabad.

Following those deaths in the southern areas of the country, chairman of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation Gowtam Maharaj and residents of those communities, have been calling for help.

They want the Ministry of Health’s Insect Vector Control Division to assist in the fight against dengue, by engaging in regular spraying ­exercises.

Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh responded to the calls saying, everything is being done to address the growing numbers.

Last week technical director of epidemiology division Dr. Avery Hinds, noted the increase in cases.

He was speaking at a news conference called by his ministry.

A police officer suspected of sexually assaulting a female relative, is held by his colleagues.

The officer is attached to the Eastern Police Division.

He was taken into custody at a police station in the, Arima district.

The accused was handed over to officers of the, Sangre Grande station last Friday.

The child protection unit in the Northern Division got a report from the alleged victim, saying she was sexually assaulted several times, by the male relative.

The latest incident reportedly occurred during, the first week of this month.

A police report stated that, on July 11^th the alleged victim’s mother confronted the suspect about the allegations, and he allegedly admitted he committed the acts.

The report further stated, that the suspect indicated to the mother that he was not going to jail, and threatened to commit suicide.

Police were told that the suspect is the holder of a firearm user license, and owns a glock 19 with 50 rounds of nine-millimeter ammunition.

When officers went to check for him at his home, they were told that he packed several bags of his personal belongings including the firearm and ammunition, and left the area.

Efforts to boost Barbados’ dwindling population have been the focus of debate, in the lower house.

Among the possible solutions being considered, is importing skilled workers.

Prime minister Mia Amor Mottley says, managed migration is one of the recommendations to grow the population.

It is one of three measures outlined in the Barbados population policy 2023, which was debated in parliament yesterday.

Ms. Mottley said, giving citizenship to Barbadian descendants is another suggestion on the table, to increase the population.

The Prime Minister then referred to the old fashion option.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley addressing once again, the issue of population size in Barbados.

Vendor Meekel Cox, is one of the people shot and killed during a weekend of bloodshed, and violence in some parts of the country.

Thirty-six year old, Mr. Cox was killed while selling cigarettes and snacks at the corner of, Charlottee Street and South Quay last Sunday night.

Police say, Mr. Cox and a group of people were at the corner when a vehicle stopped, a man exited and with an assault rifle opened fire.

Mr. Cox and another man were hit.

The vendor died, at the scene of the shooting.

The wounded man was taken to hospital where he was up to yesterday, listed in a critical but stable condition.

Last Sunday night the police said, there were 14 murders between since the Friday.

However that number changed during yesterday, when there were reports of additional killings.

President Christine Kangaloo is again touting the pan yard model, as a solution to the crime situation in the country.

She feels, it is a model that can help the authorities deal with crime.

She was speaking at the launch of the weeklong President’s Pan Camp, which was held, at her official residence.

While the violence and killings have been talked about throughout the country, her Excellency said, all is not lost.

She referred to an editorial, which recently said Trinidad and Tobago is a society incapable of positive action.

The President hailed the hard work being done by many to make the camp a reality.

She said the pan yard model promotes discipline, structure, and composure

Since her inauguration more than a year ago, President Kangaloo has been advocating for the introduction of the pan yard model, in other areas.

Meanwhile, criminologist Randy Seepersad believes crime is a disease, and the factors feeding it must be dealt with immediately.  

Mr. Seepersad tells newscentre five, fighting crime is not just about enforcement.

Mr. Seepersad is of the view that, the suppressive units in this country need to be tightened up.

He says unfortunately, criminals are running rampant and unchecked.

Mr. Seepersad is calling on everyone, to treat crime and tells the powers that be, they must act affirmatively to plug the carnage.    

The police are reporting that there were 14 murders in the country over the past weekend.

That was up to early last evening.

Among the killings, three men shot in the car park of the Pizza Boys-Rituals outlet on the Southern Main Road in Cunupia.

The three deceased are 24-year-old Dave Lyons, 32-year-old Jahmally Goddard and 33-year-old Earl Peters.

Their killings occurred just before noon yesterday.

Both Mr. Lyons and Mr. Goddard were from sea trace in Diego Martin.

The three men had just left the outlet, after purchasing items when they were attacked.

It is said, the men had gotten into a silver Subaru Impreza and were reversing onto the Southern Main road, when the vehicle was slammed from behind by another car.

After the collision, two men from the other car got out and opened fire hitting the trio.

They all died on the spot.

The gunmen then fled the scene.

This incident brought the murder toll for the weekend to 14.

Up to last evening the total for the year was put at 319

In response to the weekend killings, Police Commissioner Erla Harewood Christopher confirmed, it was a challenging weekend for the police.

At a news conference, Commissioner Harewood Christopher said, the battle is far from over.

The killing of businesswoman Carissa Ramrattan, is being investigated.

Police believe the motive was robbery.

She was shot dead last Saturday morning, near Toyota Trinidad Limited at South Park in San Fernando.

During the attack the shooter took the woman’s handbag.

It is said; Mrs. Ramrattan was shot multiple times.

Three persons are now facing charges in connection with the, 2022 deaths of four divers.

They are officials from state-owned Paria Fuel Trading Company Ltd, as well as the head of Land and Marine and Construction Services, Kazim Ali Snr.

One of the deceased is Mr. Ali’s 36-year-old son, Kazim Ali Jr.

The two Paria officials and LMCS head, stood before a San Fernando magistrate on Wednesday.

Government’s two nominees to sit on the board of One Caribbean Media have been, rejected by the shareholders.

At yesterday’s annual general meeting, the majority of shareholders said no to insurance executive Dale Mcleod and head of government relations at Digicel, Shakka Subero.

The AGM started at 10 am, and the election of the nominees was high on the agenda.

Shareholders are said, to have expressed concerns about the two government nominees.

At the end of the voting process 23 million 997 thousand 642 votes went against Mr. McLeod’s election.

Twenty-three million 229 thousand 443 voted in favour for, Mr. Subero 28 million 684 thousand 368 said no, and 18 million 542 thousand 717 voted yes.

Last month, OCM was concerned about the possibility of Mr. Subero joining the board.

The company said among the concerns, is that Mr. Subero works with an organization that competes with one or more OCM businesses.

In addition his affiliation with the company’s competitor could challenge the desired and perceived independence, required as a director of one Caribbean Media Limited.

Despite the concerns, the shareholder refused to withdraw the nomination of Mr. Subero.

Chairman of the OCM attorney Faarees Hosein say, yesterday’s meeting was orderly and professional.