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Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales, does not believe the country’s reservoirs are in a state of crisis.

This despite it being said, that the country is experiencing the worst drought in recent memory.

Mr. Gonzales was speaking yesterday, following the commissioning of the bad hill, Plymouth pipeline development project.

On March 5, the Water and Sewerage Authority announced, new water supply restrictions as well as a hose ban, which went into effect until June.

The minister said, the reservoirs are not in a state of crisis, they are at a level where it is very consistent with the dry conditions.

Adding the met office continues to provide the necessary support, and the necessary information.

He said, the reservoirs are not in a state of crisis, but again, with continued conservation practices, the country would go through the dry season without having to reach a crisis position.

Minister Gonzales said, most of them are within their long-term average and he cannot point to any reservoir that is in the red zone as yet.

The country’s four reservoirs are, Hillsborough, Caroni-Arena, Hollis and Navet.

Questioned about the effectiveness of WASA’s conservation measures, he said by and large, the country has responded positively and people are doing what they’re supposed to do.

An assurance that the remaining funds air marked for, a Spiritual Baptists Cathedral will be released soon.

The pledge was made by Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley at the Spiritual Baptists Shouter Liberation Day 2024, and celebrations on the weekend.

The event was held at the People’s National Movement Headquarters at Balisier house.

Dr. Rowley also called on the spiritual shouter Baptist community, to help end the threat of crime and violence in Trinidad and Tobago.

Dr. Rowley said, as one of the best examples of overcoming challenges, spiritual Baptists could call on citizens to take some personal responsibility, to make a change and to encourage youths to appreciate opportunities available to them.

Two suspected bandits are shot dead by police during incidents in Curepe and Chaguanas.

In the latest situation the deceased has been identified as, Ferdan Thomas.

He was 20 years old.

Reports say, the incident took place at Lyndon Street around 6:30 last evening.

Newscentre five understands, Mr. Thomas and another man attempted to rob a police officer.

It is said; the policeman drew his service issued revolver, and fired shots at the men.

Both Mr. Thomas and the other man were shot, as they attempted to flee the scene, in a car.

Mr. Thomas was later found in side the vehicle bleeding from his wounds.

In Chaguanas an alleged bandit identified only as Aj Martin was shot dead by police.

Reports say, the incident took place on Amow Street Enterprise at around 12:15 pm.

Details are sketchy, but Newscentre five understand Mr. Martin and his two accomplices attempted to break into a police officers house, when the officer fatally shot him.

The other two suspected escaped.

Investigations are ongoing

Meanwhile the police service says, they are intent to keep an ear on bad music as part of gang crackdown.

The assurance comes from acting ACP Vena Butler.

She says, officers will continue to charge those whose lyrics promote gang violence.

Speaking at the police service’s weekly media briefing yesterday ACP Butler said, the TTPS would be paying close attention to music produced by Trinibad artistes.

Acp. Butler also called on persons at home, to seek help at the first sign of a change in behavior.

Recently two so-called trinibad artistes were charged, with being gang members.

The lyrical content of trinibad music, has also received attention of Caribbean neighbours.

The man gunned down in Maraval is identified as Nigel Cyprus aka “jellows”.

Reports say, the incident took place at Winter Gardens, Shodo Road, around 10:50 last night.

Newscentre five understands Mr. Cyprus was seated in a parked vehicle, when he was approached by a man armed with a gun.

The gunman then opened fire on Mr. Cyprus before escaping.

Residents in the area heard the explosions and contacted the police.

When officers arrived, they found the body of Mr. Cyprus slumped over bleeding from gun shot wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The police service says, there needs to be a clear distinction of an officer of the law when compared to the criminal element.

The TTPS says, hence the decision to return to old uniforms.

At the police service weekly media briefing yesterday, DCP Junior Benjamin said, the move is all part of the commissioner’s goals for the service.

It is getting the nod of approval from the police social, and welfare association.

President ASP Gideon Dickson tells us today, the materials used should be lighter.

Asp. Dickson also says, the new materials should take the weather conditions into consideration.

In recent weeks police say, criminals have been spotted wearing police gear to execute their crimes and this move will stop them.

The nation’s youth is said to be mentally stressed out, leading to many ills including suicide.

This is the view of Member of Parliament for Cumuto/Manzanilla Dr. Rai Ragbir.

Dr. Ragbir says, the country’s youths are burdened by many every day issues within the home, such as the single parent scenario.

He told the lower house earlier the same young persons are pressed to perform at various levels, contributing to mental stress.

Dr. Ragbir highlighted the prevalence of obesity among the youth.

He said, the future of the country’s labour force is under threat.

Responding to the Cumuto/Manzanilla MP, member of parliament for San Fernando West Faris Al-Rawi agreed, saying mental health is sometimes under estimated.

Mr. Al-Rawi pointed out other contributing factors, which affect the mental health of young people.

He said, the many online sources of information paint a false picture of reality for the youth. 

Speaking on another issue, Mr. Al-Rawi spoke to the claim of a lack of cancer treatment drugs.

He said, the claim in far from the truth.

Mr. Al-Rawi said, his government has taken the treatment of cancer extremely seriously.

They were both contributing earlier to the private motion: improve the delivery of healthcare services, to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

It’s world down syndrome day today.

Attorney at law and wife of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, Sharon Clarke-Rowley says, March 21st each year, should not only be a celebration for those with the condition.

The theme chosen for this year’s down syndrome day is “End the Stereotypes”.

Mrs. Clarke Rowley says, it should also be a time for highlighting and acknowledging the challenges they face.

Mrs. Rowley adds that health priority should be a priority as people with Down syndrome, are susceptible to illnesses.

Meanwhile, president of the council of community living in Ontario, Nicole Flynn, longs for the day that people living with D.S are given a fair chance.

An earthquake rocks parts of the country.

The tremor reportedly occurred at 1:52 yesterday afternoon.

The seismic research centre at the University of the West Indies says, the quake had a 4.8 magnitude.

The SRC says, the earthquake was located at latitude 12.00-north longitude, 62.04 west and at a depth of 115 km.

Up to news time there were no reports of damage to property of injury to persons.