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In Tobago the crime situation is of growing concern to the Chief Secretary and the prime minister.

Last Saturday, the island recorded its 10^th murder so far this year.

The victim is 32 year old Samuel Maharaj alias shooter.

Mr. Maharaj, of whom was shot dead during a drive-by shooting in Mt. Grace.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says, despite an uptick in incidents of murder in Tobago, a meeting between himself and Chief Secretary Farley Augustine is not on the agenda.

He says, a crime plan already exists and Tobago is included.  

However, Prime Minister Rowley says, the rise in serious crimes in Tobago is disheartening.

He adds while authorities on the island may play a role in the crime fight, the responsibility rests with his cabinet. 

Dr. Rowley even lends support to the idea of Tobago having its own police force, but in a particular format.

Prime Minister Rowley says, his government is willing to work with all agencies and individuals across the country to ensure a safer Trinidad and Tobago. 

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley insists there are troubling situations taking place at the strategic services agency, hence the decision to axe director Roger Best

Yesterday prime minister dr. Rowley told reporters the country has been “blindsided” by the incidents at the SSA.

Dr. Rowley returned from Ghana and India over the weekend.

In March, the government said a perceived threat to national security was the rationale for its drastic intervention and removal of retired major best.

Major Best was replaced with ambassador brigadier Anthony Phillips-Spencer, who was recalled from Washington.

According to Dr. Rowley, that arrangement remains in place. 

He also said, an intense probe continues into the SSA and government intends to get to the bottom of the matter.

Major Best is among just over a dozen people fired from the SSA, since the government announced that there was something amiss at the agency.

The self-proclaimed spy, pastor Ian brown among four men, including retired major best, to be detained by police last week.

Media reports said the police investigations centered on the illegal use and transfer of high-powered weapons.

The reports said that the authorities are also investigating several murders that may have been linked to the agency.

The finance minister assures the current impasse between his ministry and the office of the auditor general, will in no way affect the delivery of this year’s national budget.

Minister Colm Imbert gave this assurance, as he was questioned on the topic by reporters yesterday.

He explained, the duties of the auditor general are separate and apart from those of the finance ministry in relation to the budget process.

He said, he hopes the public will receive clarity on the functions of the two offices, with the delivery of the special report by the auditor general.

Minister Imbert reiterated the current debacle, does not in any way affect the budgeting process.

He was responding to reporters during yesterday’s post cabinet media briefing.

Speyside shooter and dancehall artiste Kalonji Arthur of Goldsborough Tobago, is granted $1 million bail.

He is charged in connection with the shooting incident in Speyside Tobago two weeks ago, where three women and three men were shot. 

Kalonji appeared virtually before master Margaret Sookraj Goswami on May 16th.

He was granted one million dollars bail, with surety in the alternative one hundred thousand dollars own bail. 

The matter is for hearing on February 26th, 2025.

It is the view of politician and activist, Denise Demming that Police Commissioner Erla Harewood Christopher, failed on her promise to reduce crime.

She says, while her reappointment is appropriate, it raises questions about how the commissioner’s performance is being assessed.

This week, the government announced that Mrs. Harewood Christophers term would be extended for a year.

Speaking with News Centre five this morning, Ms. Demming said, it raises questions about key performance indicators.

She also advised the police service to embrace technology, and take a more proactive approach to crime fighting. Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds has said, that the extension was granted on the approval of the police service commission.

The Ministry of Health is advising members of the public to stay hydrated, as very high temperatures can be dangerous.

Via a statement the ministry says people should take the necessary precautions to safeguard their health by eating fruits and vegetables, at least 2-4 servings of fruits daily and eating vegetables with every meal.

It suggests drinking at least 8 – 10 glasses of water, daily, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, protecting oneself from the heat by avoiding strenuous exercise during the hottest times of the day usually 10:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m.

Staying indoors or in shaded areas, when possible.

Taking frequent breaks or using hats and umbrellas while working outdoors, wearing loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen with SPF 30 and above are also being recommended.

The public is also advised to be aware of the signs of heat stroke and or heat exhaustion.

The ministry of health further reminds persons to check on family, particularly the elderly and children, as hot weather and high temperatures can be dangerous to one’s health.

Police are probing the circumstances surrounding the murder of Shermell Reece in Barataria.

The 36-year-old bank worker was fatally shot yesterday afternoon outside her KitchenerAvenue home.

Reports say, at about 4 p.m. yesterday, Ms. Reece had just arrived at her home in her Honda Civic.

It is said, as she attempted to exit the car and open her gate, another vehicle pulled alongside her and the occupants opened fire.

Residents later found Ms. Reece, slumped in the vehicle bleeding from gunshot wounds to her head and neck.

The police and EHS were contacted.

She was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, where she died while undergoing treatment.

A team of officers from the Northeastern Division, responded.

Several 9mm shells were recovered at the scene.

Police have no motive for Ms. Reece’s death.

Off duty police officer Dale Mayers is shot dead in Chaguanas.

The inicdent reportedly took place at Unique Bar around 10:45 last night.

Newscentre five understands, Mr. Mayers was liming with a female and another man, when a young man walked into the bar and announced a hold up.

It is said, the man fired shots at mr. Mayers hitting him several times.

The off duty police officer drew his licenced firearm and fired several shots at the man.

Another man who was at the table with the officer drew his gun and fired shots at the bandit.

However, Mr. Mayers was hit several times about his body.

The bandit fled the scene.

The woman was not hurt.

Mr. Mayers was rushed to hospital where he died.

Reports say a suspect is now in custody following the incident.

It is said he was held seeking treatment for gun shot wounds at the Port of Spain General Hospital.

A one-year extension of the tenure of Police Commissioner, Erla Harewood-Christopher.

Confirmation came yesterday from the Office of the Prime Minister.

A release from the OPM said, the cabinet on May 13^th, advised President Christine Kangaloo, O.R.T.T., under section 75(a) of the police service act, to extend the service of Mrs. Erla Harewood-Christopher in the office of commissioner of police, for a period of one (1) year with effect from may 15^th, 2024.