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The bail amendment bill 2024 passes in the senate, unopposed.

The purpose of this bill makes provision for the restriction of bail, to persons charged with serious offences.

It required a three-fifths majority, but it received unanimous support.

Earlier, the Attorney General, in a bid to secure the vote of the opposition, presented data, which spoke to a high rate of recidivism.

Reginald Armour SC argued that the bail bill was in the best interest of the public, due to the increase in crime involving repeat offenders.

He pointed to data provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, to the law reform commission.  

The titular head of the bar said, things got worse in 2022 and 2023.

Attorney General Armour, then presented this challenge to the opposition bench.

Four Venezuelan teenagers are reported missing.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is seeking the urgent assistance of the public, in locating 14-year-old Sharoll Cedeno and 16 year olds Leoriannys Estanga, Daniela Rivero, Lindavua De Oliveria.

A TTPS release says the teenagers, of Diego Martin main road, Diego Martin, were last seen on Wednesday when they were reported missing to the Woodbrook Police Station.

The release says, Sharoll is of Spanish descent, slim built, with brown complexion and long black hair, while Leoriannys is of Spanish descent, slim built, with light brown complexion, and long black hair.

It says, Daniela is also of Spanish descent, medium built, with brown complexion, long black hair, braces on teeth and tattoos on the center of her chest and Lindavua is of Spanish descent, with fair complexion, slim built, black hair, brown eyes and tattoos on the center of chest.

The teens were all last seen dressed in, green short sleeve jerseys and black long pants.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the girls is asked to, contact the Woodbrook police station at 628 -9171, 800-tips or any Police Station.

Police are continuing their investigations into three murders in, St. Ann’s, California and Port of Spain respectively.

The Fondes Amandes, St. Anns victim is identified as Che Mendez.

Mr. Mendez was cigarette salesman, employed at Massy.

He was killed during a robbery at around 11.30 am yesterday.

Reports say, Mr. Mendez and his security officer, were delivering cigarettes at a shop in the area when they were ambushed.

Reports say, they were approached by an armed man who opened fire. 

Mr. Mendez was hit in the head and upper body, while the security officer who is yet to be identified, was grazed by a bullet on the head.

Mr. Mendez died at the scene.

Police were called to the scene.

Couva North, MP Ravi Ratiram, wants government to consider increasing the fuel subsidies for fisher folk.

The Prime Minister assures changes are coming.

MP Ratiram, raised the issue during questions to the Prime Minister in the parliament yesterday.

MP Ratiram lamented, the length of time the fisheries bill has been tabled.

Dr. Keith Rowley assured that action will be taken soon.  

However, Mr. Ratiram was not satisfied.

He argued for a time frame and commitment.

Registered fishing vessel owners are eligible for a 12 cents rebate per liter gasoline, 10 cents rebate on diesel and 75 cents rebate on oil, used in fishing vessels.

The Prime Minister tells of a plot to topple the government.

Dr. Keith Rowley claims, the plot was hatched by some employees of the strategic services agency, who belong to a religious cult.

Prime Minister Rowley, made the disclosure as he gave details of an audit conducted at the SSA earlier this year.

According to Dr. Rowley, several cult members secured arms and ammunition to be used in replacing the government of, Trinidad and Tobago.

The head of the cabinet in the parliament made the statement yesterday, as he read out the findings of the audit into the practices of the SSA, under Major Roger Best.  

Dr. Rowley explained that the government was the target of a religious cult.

According to Dr. Rowley, the audit found that employees of the SSA linked to the cult, inserted themselves in official travel and used dishonest practices, in purchasing hundreds of weapons and ammunition.

He said, cult members transferred arms and ammunition from the disbanded SORT, without authorization.

Dr. Rowley made it clear that government was not aware that the SSA had made such transfers, purchases or had such capabilities, as the guns were being siphoned from the TTPS through a guard unit at camp Cumuto.

Additionally, he said silencers were purchased without anyone being notified.   

Trinidad and Tobago is offering school places, to children in hurricane devastated Caricom countries, particularly St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

On Monday, the category 4 hurricanes left a trail of death and destruction in both countries.

There have been at least 4 deaths.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley yesterday said, the offer was made during an emergency virtual meeting of Caricom heads.

He also said, school-age children from the devastated zones with families in Trinidad and Tobago will be allowed into the country, and can stay for the duration of the July/August vacation.

Education minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby Dolly says, the offer is a good and wise one.

She said details are to be worked out.

The opposition makes good on its promise and gives its full support to the bail (amendment) bill, 2024.

The vote was taken yesterday afternoon, in the lower house.

Among the yes votes, Dr. Rai Ragbir.

During debate earlier, the attorney general told of over 700 confirmed repeat offenders, during the last five years as he made his case for the bill.

Reginald Armour, S.C. said, data exist to show a disturbing number of persons out on bail committing more offences.

Opposition leader, Kamla Persad Bissessar had said, her side would support the bill.

However, she had some doubts about its effectiveness.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, begged to differ.

Prime Minister Rowley told of the challenges faced by police officers, in their attempts to control crime.

He said, repeat offenders remain one of their greatest obstacles in the fight.

The bill will now go to the senate for debate.

The Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago says, it stands in solidarity with regional countries affected by Beryl.

TSTT also says, normal operations will resume at the Bmobile customer experience store in Lowlands Mall, Tobago, and the Scarborough payment centre today. 

It says, if any downed lines or leaning poles are observed persons should report them to 824-TSTT.

It asks that persons continue to prioritize safety, and support one another.