BRATHWAITE, LAWRENCE former Lecturer of Mucurapo Snr. Comp., Poly Technical Institute & South East Sec. School, passed unexpectedly on January 5th 2016. Husband of Hyacinth. Father of Natalie, Nikeisha, Nerissa and Nyeisha. Grandfather of Leandra. Brother of John, Lynette and Angela (dec.). Uncle of many. Friend of many.

Funeral service at 10.00 am on Tuesday 12th January, 2016 at St Margaret’s Anglican Church 93 Belmont Circular Road, Belmont at thence to the Woodbrook cemetery. For enquiries; call C&B: 625-1170.

RAHAMUT: AMJAD formerly of Duncan Village, San Fernando died peacefully on Thursday 7th January, 2016 at the age of 83 yrs. He would be sadly missed and lovingly remembered as the son of Amjad & Hilda Rahamut. Husband of June Rahamut. Father of Sheldon (Dec), Nicholette, Wesley, Bernadette & Rudyard.

Grandfather of Christinette, Kely-Jo, Druscilla, Casidy, Katie, Leean, Lydia, Kyle & Ferrell. Great-Grandfather of Charles Mahabir. Father in law of Nardia, Annand, Randolph & Natasha. Brother of Randolph (Dec), Ackbar (Dec), Marlene (Dec), Nita & Jameela. Uncle of many. Brother in law of George, Leonora, Alexander (Dec). Relatives of the Mootoo, Lima, Roopan, Seedansingh, Mohammed, Rahaman & Rahamut families. Friend of many.

The funeral service for the late Amjad Rahamut will be held on Sunday 8th January 2016 at 9.30am at Susamachar Presbyterian Church, #5-7 Carib Street San Fernando followed by a cremation at 11.00am at Belgroves Funeral Home #107-109 Coffee Street, San Fernando. Enquires can be made at Belgroves Funeral Home & Crematorium at (868) 223-2178 ext 510. To extend condolences to the family of Amjad Rahamut, please logon to www.belgroves.com.  

LALLA: OUDIT (Poi) of #60 Endeavour Road, Jerningham Junction Cunupia died on the 09/01/2016. Husband of the late Basmath Narine. Father of Angard (Ashook), Shirley, Polly, Molly and Shanti. Fahter in law of Bhanumattee, Narace and Nongo. Grandfather of Cindy, Karuna, Ian, Christine, Zick, Balky, Mala, Jewan, Robin, Jenny, Bobby, Carol and Radesh. Great grandfather of eleven. Great great grandfather of two. He will also be greatly missed by Avidesh, Vinesh and the extended family.

Funeral Takes place on Tuesday 12th January 2016 at 9.00am from the House of Mourning thence to the Waterloo Cremation Site.  

LAKHAN: RALPH “Dadaboy” passed away at his St James home on 8 January 2016. He was the son of John and Gertrude Lakhan (deceased). Husband of Vilma Lakhan (deceased). He was the beloved father of Raveena, Nirupa, Neera Shanti, Videshree, Nisha, Sharmila and Anu. He was the grandfather of Avinash, Sanveer, Ryan, Vivek, Veer, Anshuman, Jordanna, Priya, Ranjana, Sasha, Jaya and Zahra.

Fatherin- law of Dave Sarran-Persad, Kevin Joseph, Anthony Deosaran, Krishna Sarran-Persad and Anthony deSilva. He is also survived by siblings Peggy, Gobi, Indra Loricka and Rani Lakhan-Narace. He is predeceased by his elder siblings Sonnyboy, Virgie, Jean, Mona. Close relatives include the Ramsubaghs, Lutchmans, Hingoos, Kissoons and many more.

The funeral of the late Dadaboy Lakhan takes place on Tuesday 12th January 2016 at 9.30 am at the House of Mourning #5 Patna Street, StJames, thence to the Banks of the Caroni River for Cremation.  

CONSTANT: ERIS nee Rocke aged 102 yearss died on 5th January 2016. She was the wife of Reginald Constant. Mother of Geneva Akong, Edme Constant, Loyce Constant, Ewart Constant, Hazel Constant-Clarke and Layne Levy. Mother-in-law of Arnold Akong, Graham Clarke, Esther Constant and Eva Constant (dec.).

Grandmother of Arnold Jr., Antonia, Allister, Onika, Jamela, Monifa, Ernest, Alicia, Marsha, Joel, Ifeoma, Aisha, Ikenna and Corey. Great grandmother of 17, great great grandmother of 3. Aunt of the Rocke, Wallcott, Ashby, Waterman, Holder and Squires. Relative and friend to many.

Funeral takes place on Monday 11th January, 2016 at 10:00AM at St. Francis R.C. Church, Belmont Circular Road thence to the Belmont Valley Road Cemetery. For enquiries; call C&B: 625- 1170 1, 2016

A Cocorite man who was recently released from prison on a marijuana charge was killed this morning by gunmen who police believed were waiting for him.

According to police reports, Kevin Greene, 26, from Harding Place Cocorite was returning home this morning around 3.45am when he was ambushed. 

Police believe that Greene, who had just returned home from liming, was attacked by his killer or killers who had been marking his movements and were awaiting for his return home. 

Police said residents heard the gunshots and contacted them. When officers arrived at the scene he was already dead. 

Police say they do not yet have a motive for his death.

Investigations continue

A late night vehicular accident along the Eastern Main Road has claimed the lives of two people.

The victims have been identified as Mark Guy and Shamarke Pascall. Another passenger, Akila Lane, 21, was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, and is in stable condition. 

The police say the accident occurred around 11.45pm near the Success Laventille Secondary School. 

After combing the mangroves covering the Marabella waterfront, Southern Division police found $100,000 worth of "lemon cush" hidden under galvanize sheets. 

The find came as police were searching the area after learning of a shipment of drugs and firearms that came into the well known crime area recently. 

Over the past few years, Bayshore Avenue, commonly known as the "Old Marabella Train Line" has been used as a port for the trade of firearms and drugs from Venezuela. 

The operation coordinated by Snr Supt Irwin Hackshaw and executed by ASP Rawl Ramdeo, Insp Don Gajadhar, Sgt Dale Ramroop and Sgt Inshan Teeluck saw task force and CID officers entering the community from various entrances around 8 am. 

With air support from the National Operations Centre, the officers searched several kilometers of shore, during which they found 2.5 kilogrammes of the marijuana in two plastic bags. 

Officers said the "high grade" marijuana usually sells for $40,000 per kilogramme on the streets. Several areas were dug in the search, which is expected to continue tomorrow.

No arrests were made. Investigations continue.

A father of five died while being operated on on Sunday afternoon after being shot while at his Mapp Lands, Laventille home.

Police reports state that 47-year-old Abdul Karim was killed after he was called out of his home around 4 pm. 

Police said Karim, whose legal name was Stanley Pope, was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital but died undergoing emergency treatment.

The police said Karim's murder is being treated as gang related. 

The murder toll for the year is 17 while for the same period last year 20 people had been killed.

A man who had just been sentenced to three years hard labour ran out of the San Fernando Magistrates Court today, moments before officers could put handcuffs on him. 

Russel Thomas and his twin brother Roston Thomas, 27, were sentenced to three years hard labour by Magistrate Margaret Alert for armed robbery in 2012. Both men were out on bail for the robbery. The incident occurred around 1.15pm.

In court today, Alert told the brothers, both from Nicholas Lane, San Juan, the maximum penalty for their crime was five years hard labour. She then sentenced them to three years hard labour each. 

Witnesses told the T&T Guardian that the men immediately began pleading for a lesser sentence, but Alert told them her decision was final. 

As Courts and Process Officer PC Burnette stepped forward to handcuff the brothers, Ruston began struggling. Russel took the opportunity to sprint out of the courtroom, down a flight stairs, past astonished MTS security officers and disappear into San Fernando. 

Ruston was subdued by officers and taken to the holding bay beneath the courtroom. The search for Russel continues.

People of all walks of life viz. doctors, politicians, teachers, policemen etc, have been charged and convicted of various offences and have served terms of imprisonment in the nation’s prisons over the years.

With the passing of time, people who are charged with offences and those waiting for their appeals to be heard have to wait “an eternity” before they can know their fate. The maxim “justice delayed is justice denied” seems to find no place in the minds of today’s judicial officers.

After the conviction and sentence of prisoners the authorities place these new committals into jobs within the various prisons according to their calling. The carpenter shop gets “new blood,” so also would be the mechanical garage, the tailor shop, the bakery, the school, etc. Opportunities also exist for young men who enter the system unskilled to be fully skilled and certified in a trade of his choosing upon discharge.

Upon the imposition of a heavy sentence for a crime committed unless that prisoner decides to file an appeal or to escape from prison, on realising that his back is against the wall, he makes up his mind to serve his sentence and his inert strength kicks in and takes him through the ordeal.

Whoever is safe and lawful is employed by Prison officials to ensure a home-like setting in the lives of convicted prisoners. Apart from placing these prisoners in jobs, they are exposed to recreation. Both indoor and outdoor sports are enjoyed and physical exercise is encouraged to maintain strong, healthy bodies.

Music and entertainment are not excluded as they form an essential component in their sustenance. One would stand in awe and wonder, hearing the rendition of various tunes by the steel orchestra. The East Indians too, get an opportunity to play their tabla and other musical instruments. From time to time comedians, limbo dancers and calypsonians are invited to perform for these prisoners. Religious groups are also invited to aid in their spiritual development.

In the absence of sunshine and rain and with wrong soil type, vegetation would surely perish. Similarly, in the absence of suitable living conditions for man in captivity chaos would follow and life certainly would not flourish. Living conditions at the state’s remand prison are harsh and to some, unbearable. Undoubtedly, this facility was constructed with rigid security being the ultimate focus. On the visit of Prof Ramesh Deosaran, by his own admission he was almost moved to tears when he saw the conditions under which presumably innocent men were kept.

While some of these remand inmates are rational in thoughts and behaviour, some are naturally aggressive, some are illiterate, some semi-literate, some going through adolescence. What they all have in common, however, is the frustrating reality that they do not have a discharge date despite being there for many years.

As a consequence of an antiquated justice system, many of our young males find themselves serving “prison terms” in a facility for which it was not designed. The highest form of rancour result and those who are charged with the responsibility to protect and serve these inmate are now seen as their oppressors and are made to pay dearly, sometimes with their very lives.

A number of these inmates who were classified as trouble makers and haters while on remand turned out to be model prisoners after conviction and sentence and earned themselves jobs in trusted positions within the various prisons. History has shown there were many Saul to Paul transformations within the system.

In order to promote better relations between inmates and prisons officers, some procedural changes must be effected and in that vein the ball is in the court of the judiciary. We do hope that these noble men would stop the procrastination and do what they know what they must do. 

The Judiciary is aware that they must produce a system to deal with that ever-growing backlog of cases. This single action would go a long way towards terminating the hostility and bloodshed which has been long plaguing this essential institution.

Our young males on the outside should make an extra effort to stay far away from this “university” and not be fooled by the glorifying names they may hear as there’s nothing to make one happy in the area known as “Happy Valley” in the eastern prison facility, and there’s no gold in Golden Grove.

David O’Neal

​Chaguanas

Firstly, as professional to professional, Gayle as sportsman and Mel McLaughlin as journalist, Gayle’s personalising of the interview in the way he did amounts to a trespass. But if the one on the receiving end takes the comments in the spirit in which they were made, light and frivolous with no malicious intent as Gayle claims, then the idea of trespass does not arise. 

In this instance, however, Ms McLaughlin’s tone and body language were far from accommodating which should have been a signal for Gayle to desist which he did not. In any event Gayle should have realised that making such comments on national television gives a different dimension to the issue which may have contributed to the journalist’s response in the first place and, the furore that followed in the public domain. 

But of course Gayle is Gayle, just hitting a 41 like a gale storm, overwhelming all Australia, including the journalist who may have been there for that very reason, and as icon, claiming the privileges of his status to indulge himself. 

Which may have been okay in the WI, for it’s often seen as the West Indian way , but when cultures cross, sensitivities often arise, and what is permissible in the WI may not be permissible elsewhere, more so as in this instance when the issue of a white Australian female being subjected to such an “indignity” by a black man comes into play. 

Make no mistake about it, latent prejudices of this kind run deep despite the pleasantries at the top, and if a white woman objects as with Ms McLaughlin that is fuel enough for the fire, and the hard line that an Australian cricketing icon would have taken against Gayle despite the punishment meted out to him, gives a sense that there is much more involved than mere cricket. 

Another dimension to the issue is the accusation of Gayle’s sexist behaviour treating women with such disrespect, which perhaps is unacceptable depending on where you are looking from, but what of the reverse reaction of women literally throwing themselves at the feet of icons like Gayle, and as to the idea of media personnel being allowed to do their jobs? The point is well taken, but should an error in judgment by Gayle for which he has apologised and paid handsomely for, precipitate such concerns about the media and its work ethic to the extent it may have? 

Finally, given that the incident warrants criticism as above, is there merit to the argument that the now unfolding consequences of Gayle’s action to the point where he may be banned from the Big Bash, and internationally, mark the often bizarre psychological delight many of us have in watching the mighty fallen? I leave that to your better judgement.

Dr Errol Benjamin

We are well into the Carnival season for 2016, a period when competitions in our artistic expressions are plentiful. Over the years monetary prizes have increase astronomically, until in recent times the winners in the main competitions have received prizes worth millions of dollars.

In the chutney, kaiso monarch, soca monarch competitions particularly, the performers have been the recipients of these prizes and the recognition that goes with the success. However, in most instances the creators of the works—the writers and producers—remain unknown and unrewarded, perhaps, except for whatever private and contractual arrangements they may have with the performers.

It was very pleasing to read where the new owners of the soca monarch competition, have decided to offer prizes and accompanying recognition to the writers and producers of the successful songs in this year’s competition. Hat’s off to Peter Scoon and his team.

I am hopeful, just as the prize money is divided among the finalists, that a similar distribution structure will go to writers and producers.

What we have not heard about though, is similar thinking and implementation from the body that claims to be guardian and protector of the Kaiso art form—TUCO. Over the years, many a kaiso monarch has won the competition with songs written and produced by other people, than themselves; similarly the chutney monarch.

Let’s hope that these other competitions will take a leaf out of the book of Peter Scoon and the new soca monarch team and share the cake around and give some additional life to these art forms. Possibly Pan Trinbago might also see it fit to recognise the writers and producers of the songs performed at the pan competition.

Clive Graham,

Petit Bourg

I recently visited Trinidad after having lived abroad for almost eight years. While living here, I was a student at the UWI St Augustine Campus for three years prior to having migrated to the United States.

I decided to visit my Alma Mater to take a walk along memory lane, at an institution that has played a significant role in contributing to my development.

As I entered the north gate, I was immediately and pleasantly surprised to see a new plaza being constructed, along with several new state of the art buildings that adorned the green landscape of the campus; all of which never existed in my years here as a student.

In making further inquiries, as I spoke to some of my past professors, I was enlightened to be apprised of the extraordinary developments that occurred at the UWI over some eight years; with additional faculties, new partnerships and even new campuses. From Agricultural Innovative Parks, expansion of the Dental School, along with other medical science faculties and law faculties, all making it a world class institution. 

The pride that I feel as an alumni is tremendous. The UWI has finally taken the necessary steps in making major leaps in higher education in a short period of time. 

I thought to myself that the timing of such expansion (over the last eight years) could not have been more appropriate, as our country is now faced with some forecasted economic challenges. Having to have embarked on such projects at this time, may have been almost impossible. The vision of the management of the UWI St Augustine must be commended and it has certainly positioned them well to endure the adversities of social or economic instability, by building a strong educational base that will continue to sustain growth and possibilities in our developing nation. 

As the physical landscape at the UWI continues to evolve, we have also witnessed the transference of knowledge and the diffusion of the alumni body, to impact in a positive way, the international community. 

Congratulations UWI, on a job well done!

Louis Landerhaven,

Maraval.

A 27-year-old Morvant man who sought refuge in the serene hills of Maracas Valley, St Joseph was hounded and murdered early this morning.

According to police around 6.30 am residents of Waterfall Road heard rapid gun shots and later went out of their homes and found the body of Jason Thomas, originally of Second Caledonia Morvant,  behind the steering wheel of a car. 

Police said over 20 spent shells from high powered military weapon was found at scene. 

Investigations are continuing.

Russel Thomas, the man who ran out of the San Fernando Magistrates Court yesterday after being sentenced to three years hard labour for armed robbery, has surrendered himself to the police. 

The T&T Guardian understands that sometime this morning Thomas, 27, was held by officers of the Besson Street Police Station. He surrendered himself around 7.30am to the police. 

He was expected to be charged with escaping lawful custody and served with warrants for the sentencing he ran out on and brought to the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court again this morning.

Thomas and his twin brother, Roston, appeared before Magistrate Margaret Alert in the Fourth Court yesterday for sentencing in a 2012 matter where they were both found guilty of armed robbery.

When the matter was called shortly after one pm yesterday and Alert handed down the sentence, both men began protesting loudly.

Court and Process officers moved in to place handcuffs and take the pair into custody and Roston began resisting.

While the officers’ attention was occupied, Russel ran out of the courtroom and out of the building.

Police are investigating the death of a five-year-old boy who drowned at sea while playing near his home on Monday.

Reports are that Tasari Mc Kenzie was at his Old Train Line, St Margaret’s home when around 1.30pm, his mother left him watching television while she went to the back of their house to wash clothes. 

Around 3 pm, the woman returned inside and checked for the boy but he could not be found. While searching outside, someone later told her that he was playing with friends near the concrete seawall where he tripped and fell into the sea. His body was retrieved shortly after. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he died. 

ASP Rohan Pardasie and officers from the St Margaret’s Police Station went to the scene and interviewed a number of people. 

District Medical Officer Dr Bachan examined the body and ordered its removal to the San Fernando mortuary and it was transferred to the Forensic Science Centre, St James today.

Up to noon, police were awaiting the results of an autopsy.

An early morning rooftop pursuit between two bandits and police officers has led to the arrest of one of the thieves, a 27-year-old Prison Officer.

Around 1 am, a security guard attached to a furniture store located within Plaza Grande, Sangre Grande, heard strange noises coming from the two storey building’s rooftop.

The guard alerted officers attached to the area’s police station located in viewing distance of Plaza Grande.

Police officers surrounded the building and proceeded up to the roof where they caught the men in the act. The man, armed with a Milwaukee hammer drill, had already loosened several galvanise screws.

The men dashed off the Plaza’s rooftop and jumped onto the roofs of nearby buildings. The police gave chase.

The thieves crawled down to ground level where one escaped but the other, a prison officer who has four years’ service and is attached to the Port-of-Spain penitentiary, was not so fortunate.

The prison officer of Boys Town, Sangre Grande, is currently being questioned in relation to four successful rooftop burglaries last year, all in close proximity to Tuesday morning’s attempt.

Police say a second arrest for this latest incident is imminent as investigations continue.

The officers who responded to the call this morning included Insp Lutchman, PCs Khan, Samuel, Dandrade, Boochoon, and WPC Timothy of the Sangre Grande Police Station.

Relatives of Stephan “Swell Teeth” St Louis yesterday admitted the 25-year-old father of four “lived the life” but was on Sunday murdered by men who vowed to uphold the law.

Speaking with the media at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, yesterday Lorna St Louis said her son was unarmed when police came Sunday morning and killed him. 

She added that her son was never arrested for being in possession of a gun and only had one charge for a marijuana possession matter. 

According to reports, around 4.45 am officers of the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) went to Eastern Quarry, Laventille, to arrest St Louis, who they had been seeking in connection with a shooting which occurred late last year. 

Police said no one answered and when they broke the front door to enter the property, they were shot at several times.

They returned fire hitting St Louis, who was home alone, several times. Police said the officers were unharmed and that St Louis had been armed with a .45 calibre pistol. He was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival. 

Yesterday St Louis said the version given by the police was a fabrication.

“Police are lying. Allyuh could come in the hood and talk to the people, people would let allyuh know. He wasn’t no menace. 

“He had a shop, and four children, a seven-month, three-year-old, five and seven. What he going to do people? He was building a house in Dan Kelly,” a furious St Louis said.

Added to her frustration was the fact that after spending an entire day at the Forensic Science Centre on Monday, she was told in the afternoon that the autopsy for her son could not be done and that it would be done yesterday.

“The world have to know, they (police) doing that too much. We living in the ghetto but they does oppress Laventille people and they does tarnish the people living there.

“As they kill a youth man, he was the worst. He was a family man. Everybody have to know the truth, enough is enough,” she added.

Sharane Huggins, St Louis’ girlfriend, said eyewitnesses told the family police shouted to him to surrender and after doing so he was shot twice.

Police officers attached to the specialised unit who were part of the exercise to arrest St Louis said the accusation are unfounded.