The rough time the T&T Police Service (TTPS) was experiencing got even worse yesterday, after a marked police vehicle in a music video glamorising the use of weed surfaced online.

The music video, titled “Bunnin It”, was released on Youtube.com on Tuesday and up to press time last evening had close to 4,000 viewers.

It is just about three minutes long and features a local artiste from Arima known as The Writer & Riddim Royals.

In the video’s first 40 seconds, a marked police four-door pick up is parked in a bushy area adjacent to a coconut field and the artiste is sitting on its bonnet smoking what appears to be a marijuana joint.

It starts up: “When I on the beach ah bunnin it…in the middle of the street ah bunnin…in front of the police I bunnin it.”

However, in the video’s introduction, the artistes made it known that they were advised not to use the opening footage. It read: “The label advised us to exclude the opening footage…F@#- the Label…F@#- the police too.”

The artiste then continued: “Under the coconut tree ah bunnin it…When I done eat ah bunnin it…High Grade in meh backpack…when I open meh laptop high grade centres the back drop.”

The video quickly reached officials at the TTPS and instructions were given to officers at the Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) to launch an immediate investigation into the authenticity of the police vehicle, the location where that part of the video was shot and who were the officers who sanctioned the promotion of the TTPS’ vehicle in the music video.

The T&T Guardian contacted a spokesperson at the music platform responsible for the video, Mumra Music, on the issue yesterday and was told the TTPS “had nothing to worry about” as it was not one of their official vehicles used in the video.

Speaking from Washington DC, the spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous, said the video’s producer was German-based and added that decals (a design prepared on special paper for durable transfer on to another surface) were used on the vehicle seen in the video.

“The actual vehicle, if they (referring to the police), look at it properly, it is not a make that the police service use. Secondly, that particular shot did not happen in Trinidad and then, it is actually decals that were used temporarily onto the vehicle. It is not a police vehicle number,” the Mumra Music spokesperson said.

Asked where was the location for that aspect of the video he declined to answer but insisted that it was done “on another island.” Asked how many countries were used in shooting the video, he said: “I prefer not to say, but yes some of the shots, example the scene by the water (referring to the coastline shot), was done in Trinidad.”

However, he also declined to disclose the local areas where the shooting of the video occurred.

Asked if any ganja smoking was promoted in the music video, the spokesperson said: “No illegal substance was used in the making of the video. It was all acting.

“A lot of money was put into this production and its intention was to make it as much local as possible (meaning T&T).”

Last week, Finance Minister Colm Imbert hinted at a positive budget mid-year review based on the latest economic indicators, notably al rise in oil prices.

He said in 2013, the energy sector contributed more than 50 per cent of total government revenue but by 2016, that sector’s contribution had dropped to 18 per cent. Direct revenues from oil and gas also declined over the period from US$3 billion to less than $500 million.

However, there have been some positive signs.

The Central Bank’s Quarterly Index of Real Economic Activity (QIEA) for March 2018, shows that activity in the energy sector picked up during the third quarter of 2017. Upstream production was buoyed by new natural gas output from the Juniper field, which also made more gas available to some downstream producers.

“Fortunately, we are seeing the signs of a recovery in the energy sector, with average daily natural gas production increasing by over 15 per cent over the last 12 months.

“In fact, the gap between supply and demand in the natural gas sector is closing steadily, and we hope that by next year, all of the requirements of the gas-based industries can be satisfied.

We have also seen a rebound in oil prices, from a low of US$28 per barrel in 2016 to over US$68 a barrel as of today May 4th, 2018,” Imbert noted during the launch of the Eximbank Forex Facility.

He had said these improvements in gas production and in oil prices, coupled with the new royalty regime for oil and gas introduced in the 2018 budget, resulted in increased inflows of foreign exchange.

Indicators for the non-energy sector, the Central Bank noted, suggest that in the third quarter the sector contracted at its slowest quarterly rate (1.9 per cent) since the fourth quarter of 2015.

In an environment of sluggish economic activity, the latest available labour market information from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) shows that the unemployment rate increased to 4.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2017, up from 3.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2016.

Headline inflation remained low over the second half of 2017—it measured 1.3 per cent in December—despite a pick-up in food inflation in the latter months. Food inflation was affected by supply disruptions resulting from flooding and the pass through of higher international dairy prices.

Core inflation was restrained, notwithstanding upward impetus from higher transportation costs as a result of the reduction of energy subsidies in October 2017.

The Central Bank also noted that the fiscal accounts improved in the first quarter of financial year 2017/18 compared to the similar period a year earlier due mainly to higher petroleum prices and natural gas output.

A deficit of $228.3 million was recorded compared with $2,468 million in the first quarter of financial year 2016/17.

Total public sector debt amounted to $120.9 billion (77.5 per cent of GDP) in December 2017, compared with $121.4 billion in September 2017.

Regarding expected outcomes, the Central Bank noted that the anticipated improvement in the energy sector may have positive spillover effects on the non-energy sector.

Stronger demand for imports in some Caricom countries as a result of firmer growth could support increased output in the local manufacturing sector.

In the context of the moderate pace of domestic economic activity, inflation is expected to remain restrained despite some upward pressures from some budget measures such as the cut to energy subsidies.

The unemployment rate could rise slightly but the pace of increase could be tempered if prospects in the non-energy sector improve, the Central Bank said.

Reigning Carifta Games javelin champion Tyriq Horsford continues to maintain his progress to become one of the leading javelin throwers in the world after he starred on Saturday at the Field Events, Hurdles and Masters Championships, where he won gold in the men’s event at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.

That drive saw the Zenith athlete hurl the spear 69.20 metres, his lone recorded mark as he fouled his other throws, to take the top spot on the podium at a meet hosted by the National Association of Athletics Administration of T&T (NAAATT).

The four-time Carifta champion finished ahead of Selvon Rochford of Five Rivers Secondary, who was second with 58.16m and third was Horsford’s Zenith clubmate Johnathon Hazelwood with 50.58m.

Zenith’s Talena Murray, another reigning Carifta javelin champion, was also solid in the women’s version of the event to win gold with her best throw which measured 45.56m. Her Zenith teammate Kymoi Noray, the Carifta bronze medallist, was a far-off second with 39.71m, and Antonia Sealy (Unattached) got the bronze with 32.30m.

Another Zenith athlete Tehealia Kennedy was the winner of the Girls U-17 javelin with a throw of 32.51m. Shade Guy of Toco Tafac copped the silver with 21.68m and Allesha Lindsay (Unattached) bagged the bronze with 17.55m. Coincidentally their Zenith coach Wade Franklyn was also among the winners in a track and field event that not only focussed on the up and coming athletes but also for athletes 35 years and over, who are considered Masters.

Franklyn topped the men’s shot put Masters with a 12.14m-heave. T&T Masters club duo Kenrick Russell (9.43m) and James Bristol (9.40m) filled the second and third spots, respectively.

Gwendolyn Smith of Palo Seco was a force to be reckoned with picking up three gold medals in the Masters’ category women’s javelin, shot put and discus.

In the javelin throw, she tossed the spear 33.30m to place ahead of T&T Masters pair Joan Hospedales (21.63) and Suzan Garcia (16.31m). In the shot put contest, Smith (12.45m) again beat Garcia (8.05m) and Hospedales (8.02m), whose positions were switched. And in the Discus Throw, her furthest throw measured 23.78m to beat Joyce Thomas of Burnley (17.08m).

Shaunna Downey of the University of the West Indies (UWI) track and field club and Tauren George of Point Fortin New Jets (PFNJ) also nabbed double gold medals.

Downey topped the women’s throws events, winning the shot put with a 11.80m-effort ahead of Striders’ Shantel Licorish (10.65m) and Elizabeth Galera (Burnley) with 9.79m and the discus, reaching 37.79m in her final toss, beating Kieanne Blackman of Memphis Pioneers (36.33m) into second and Burnley’s Elizabeth Galera (29.38m) into third.

George was dominant in the men’s 110m and 400m hurdles events. George clocked 15.17 seconds to win the former ahead of Kerlon Ashby (Kaizen Panthers) in 15.30 and then the other in 54.83. Kobe John (Memphis) copped silver in 57.14 and Jair Alexander (Kaizen) bagged bronze in 1:10.66.

The top two ranked women’s teams, Phylecia Armstrong and Malika Davidson, and Commonwealth Games participants Abby Blackman and Rheeza Grant will have to wait a few days more before resuming their quest for another finals clash in the Fourth Leg of the 2018 T&T Volleyball Federation Beach Volleyball Circuit.

This after their semifinals and final play-offs which were expected to resume at the National Beach Volleyball Centre, Saith Park, Chaguanas on Wednesday night was postponed due to the unavailability off all players involved.

The women’s segment of the local competition which serves as qualifiers to Norceca and other international events was held on Sunday last.

However, due to the inclement weather the semifinals, third place play-off and final will take place tomorrow from 7pm. Playing in Pool A, Armstrong and Davidson, winners of two of the three local tournaments hosted so far this season outplayed Tsyan Selvon and Brittney Choon 21-16, 21-12 and Romelia Fermin and Cheneil Millette 21-9, 21-6 and will meet third ranked La Teisha Joseph and Suraya Chase in their semifinal tomorrow at the same venue from 7pm.

The experienced duo of Blackman and Grant, both former national indoor team players and winners of the second local event this season, breezed their way through Pool B with wins over Joseph and Chase 21-11, 21-10; Asthma Charles and Latifa Gonzales 21-8, 21-7; and Ebony Williams and Afiya Alexander 21-10, 21-5 and will come up against Selvon and Choon in the other semifinal.

Joseph and Chase who have competed in all three legs of the 2018 Norceca Beach Circuit so far ended second in Pool B after beating Williams and Alexander 21-7, 21-9 and Charles and Gonzales 21-13, 21-15 in their other matches while Selvon and Choon was second in Pool A courtesy a 21-14, 24-22 defeat of Fermin and Millette

The men’s tournament was held on Saturday and in the end, Daneil Williams continued his reign as the undisputed local men’s beach volleyball king after he paired with new playing partner and fellow national indoor player Nathanael Noreiga to claim the Fourth Leg.

The reigning national champion along with Daynte Stewart who were fifth at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Australia, Williams and Noreiga competing for the first time outlasted new duo Stewart and Marley Davidson in a gripping final 21-17, 15-21, 15-11

National beach volleyball player Daneil Williams has expressed disappointment in the slow response of the police after thieves broke into his business place located at Southern Main Road, Chase Village, Changuanas, on Monday and stole all his tools for his car spa/car wash outlet.

Williams told Guardian Media Ltd that the thieves entered his premises and stole a number of items from his business and other businesses located in the compound.

He said the cost of the items were between $14,000 and $16,000 which included a fabric cleaner machine, a power washer, a foam gun, a blower, a 300-feet long extension cord and a pack of Breeze.

Williams, who is rated T&T’s number one player on the beach volleyball circuit, said he had to open the business to support himself as a national athlete.

He said it was tough representing the country and having to source funds to attend events abroad while being employed by a company. I opened the business last December so that time-off will not be an issue for when I have to travel abroad and represent my country and to train. Employers don’t want to give you the time off and it is tough.”

He said, “My family members donated money to help me replace the stolen items. I will be re-opening the business tomorrow (today).”

Williams said he’s very disappointed with the lack of response by the police since he made a report on Monday. “I expected a quicker response from the police. During my report, they promise to visit me on Friday (today). I made a report at the Freeport Police Station on Monday.”

When ACP Anti-Crime Operations Irwin Hackshaw said he was looking into the incident.

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Teenaged fast bowler Yeasin Arafat has been included in a 31-member provisional squad named this week for selection for the upcoming tour of the Caribbean.

The 19-year-old has been rewarded for a series of impressive performances in the domestic competition and will join the established likes of Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad all of whom have been cleared by the medical team after recovering from their respective injuries.

Batsman Tushar Imran has been overlooked despite his recent heavy scoring while Test all-rounder Naeem Islam has also been ignored.

“Certainly they (Tushar and Naeem) have performed well in the domestic arena but we are interested to include them in the Bangladesh ‘A’ team squad,” said chief selector Minhajul Abedin.

“We are focused on picking players for the primary squad keeping in mind that we have to play a series of international matches and as a result, the squad should consist of players who can replace certain players in case of emergency.”

As expected, the squad also includes the likes of outstanding all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan, Shafiul Islam and Rubel Hossain.

The squad will begin training on May 13 before heading to Afghanistan for a brief series and then onto the Caribbean to face West Indies in two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals. (CMC)

Squad 

Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mahmudullah Riyad, Liton Das, Mominul Haque, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Naeem Hasan, Abu Hider, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Rubel Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Abu Jayed, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Nazmul Islam, Mohammad Mithun, Ariful Haque, Shafiul Islam, Shadman Islam, Yeasin Arafat, Abul Hasan Raju, Abdur Razzak.

Fun in the nation’s cultural capital Tens of thousands of fun-seeking people from home and abroad descended on the Borough of Point Fortin last weekend for the J’Ouvert and Pan on the Move events. From as early as the preceding Thursday, the Borough was pulsating with music with a plethora of activity, including the crowning of a new Miss Borough of Point Fortin, Republic Bank’s Pan on de Parkway, the annual Liverpool fete and a bumper calypso show.

An amazing aspect of the Point Fortin Borough Day Festival is that several nationals forego visiting for carnival opting instead to come for the Point event.

In a demonstration of the vitality of Point Fortin’s community spirit, crowds of spectators flocked to the Techier Main Road on the evening of Thursday, for Republic Bank’s annual, Pan on de Parkway lime, which is hosted in conjunction with Point Fortin’s Borough Day Festival.

The event, which takes place outside the Republic Bank Point Fortin Branch, is intended to be an opportunity for the people of T&T to come together in support of the Point Fortin community and in appreciation of our national instrument.

Over the years, it has grown to attract supporters from not only T&T but from across the world as well, and is now a mainstay of Point Fortin’s Borough Day celebrations.

This year, Pan on de Parkway featured an impressive line up of performances from some of our country’s most beloved steel bands including: Republic Bank Exodus, Caribbean Airlines Skiffle, Pan Elders, NGC La Brea Nightingales and Silver Harps.

The patrons who travelled to the event from outside the Point Fortin area and from overseas were given a night of entertainment worth their commute as the bands performed as if the Techier Main Road was the Panorama stage itself. The spectators also proved to be a worthy audience with few being able to resist the urge to sway in time to the popular calypso and soca tunes performed by the bands.

Republic Bank hosts this event, each year, as part of their commitment to promoting and preserving our local culture and bank officials expressed pride to be a member of the Point Fortin community and being happy to participate in the continuing vitality of Point Fortin’s Borough Day celebrations.

On Saturday, the annual Pan on de Move parade saw many of the top steelbands in the land wend their way along the parade route including 2018 National Panorama (Large Band) champion bpTT Renegades, runners-up CAL Skiffle and Desperadoes, as well as Old Tech, Massy Trinidad All Stars, Phase II Pan Groove, Republic Bank Exodus, First Citizens Supernovas, Redemption Sound Setters and Silver Harps.

As if the pan was not enough on Saturday night, Prophet Benjamin held his Rasta Clusive that same night at Cheaters Beer Garden, located along Southern Main Road. Billed to perform at this conscious music event were Shaka Zulu, Determine & Norris Man, Isasha, Jamelody, Mr Royal, Trevon Stylez and of course Prophet Benjamin.

On Sunday, throngs of sea bathers went to Clifton Hill Beach for the usual Borough Day cool down.

At the end of it all, in last Monday’s T&T Guardian, Point Fortin Mayor Abdon Mason also boasted about the growth of the celebrations, saying it is now being referred to as a second Carnival.

Speaking to reporters at J’Ouvert celebrations, where hundreds of revellers from over 20 different bands paraded through the streets of the Borough, Mason said, “We are enjoying the J’Ouvert this year, where we welcome home back our diaspora from the wider population of Trinidad, North America and the rest of the world.

“This is the best time to meet with and greet people you have not seen in a long while.” Cro Cro sings for moms Four-time National Calypso Monarch Cro Cro will host his annual Mother’s Day Concert on Sunday, at Ambassador Hotel, Long Circular Road, St James, at 4 pm.

Tickets cost only $200 and Cro Cro will be celebrating all mothers with several love songs that you will be surprised to hear him sing and more. Also on the cast are reggae love song singer Wendell Mc Burnie, comedian Prince, who will also serve as show host and a special surprise guest artiste.

One lucky mother will receive a special prize on this day. 

The Hadco Group continues its efforts at creating shared value with the recently rebranded Hadco Phase II Pan Groove with the presentation of an All-inclusive affair—called Pan • Brass • Soca: Jam Down—on Saturday, May 19, at 7 pm.

Phase II’s iconic arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe is has promised and “all you can eat, all you can drink, you can’t bust the bar” event, at the steelband’s panyard, fondly called The Village, located on Hamilton Street, Woodbrook, from 8 pm.

Tickets cost just $600, gates open at 7 pm, and there will be secured parking and a shuttle service between parking areas at Fatima Grounds and Mucurapo East High School and the panyard.

The featured performers at this event are Phase II, featuring its founder and arranger, the legendary Len “Boogsie” Sharpe; trumpet ace Etienne Charles, headlining a stellar band featuring brass instrumentation; local pioneering rapso group 3Canal; and soca singer-songwriter and Grammy winner Angela Hunte.

Hadco co-CEO John Hadad reiterated at a media launch held last week Thursday that his company will once again be bringing its management expertise, acumen, and importantly, business contacts and relationships to bear on the steelband in the organisation of this concert.

Among the sponsors on May 19 are bmobile, The Beacon Insurance Co Ltd, Seaboard Marine, and many food and beverage brands, both from among Hadco’s portfolio and outside.

New Phase II manager Keron Valentine added that this event is one of many new initiatives—among them is the launch of a new Phase II Youth Band—that the band is implementing in partnership with its sponsor to secure continued success as it looks towards its 50th anniversary in four years’ time.

Hadad also noted that with the rolling out of the Live Music District pilot project by the State via MusicTT, the panyard could become a hub for live music throughout the year, not solely at Panorama.

The Pan • Brass • Soca: Jam Down style event is geared to be a regular feature on the post-Carnival live entertainment calendar, repeating the success both in fund-raising and entertainment value first showcased at the International Jazz Panyard Jam Session in 2016. The return of Charles and the addition of 3Canal and Hunte provides ample talent power to make this event a success. The real possibilities of music performance collaborations noted by the principals at the media launch promises to one for the books.

Tickets for the all-inclusive Pan • Brass • Soca: Jam Down are available at Peppercorns Mall locations at Ellerslie Plaza and West Mall; Lighthouse Ltd, San Fernando; and, at all Häagen-Dazs’ shops.

Under the Trees at The Normandie in St Ann’s was packed long before the advertised 7.45 pm start of Rudder’s 6.5 and there was electricity in the air.

Local songstress Marge Blackman, youngest daughter of the iconic Ras Shorty I, together with her band Jamoo, set the pace and had the audience wanting more.

Rudder took to the stage and captured his audience’s heart from the start. With music that skirted his many moods and settings, and covering over three decades, patrons were carried on a nostalgic musical ride that they won’t soon forget.

Also performing on the night were new soca sensation Turner and the Wayne Bruno aggregation.

Works Minister Rohan Sinanan says a contractor has already been paid to restart and complete work on the Cedros Bridge and the floodgates before the rainy season but councillor for Cedros Shankar Teelucksingh says "not one black cent" was paid by government. 

As such the project which is 90 per cent completed remains at a standstill.

During an interview with Sinanan during a de-silting exercise in Penal this week, Sinanan was asked when the $4.5 million owed to the contractor will be paid and when the Cedros Bridge will be completed.

He responded, "We are working with the contractor. There was a  delay in his payments. My information is that the contractor has gotten some releases and he will complete the job shortly."

However, Teelucksingh urged Sinanan to ensure that the project is finished by next month else dozens of residents will be trapped by floods.

"Since January there, no work on the bridge and we are calling on the Minister to open the bridge. The work had stopped in 2015 and a new contractor was appointed. The work started and then stopped again. How long must people suffer?" Teelucksingh said.

Saying the bridge and flood gates must be completed before the onslaught of the rains, Teelucksingh said if this project was not completed, dozens of residents will experience extensive flooding like what occurred last year.

He said because Cedros and Icacos are under sea level, the sea encroaches into the land causing days of flooding.

Last year residents could not get into their homes and two pensioners were marooned. A boat had to be used to get them out to seek medical treatment.

Saying the bridge and floodgate was also impacting on national security, Teelucksingh said response time to crimes were delayed because of the detour to get to the other side of the bridge.

"The bridge has to extend on both end with a baffle wall to stop the main flow of sea water coming inland. The last time the flood took days to leave. The main drain needs to be de-silted via a gulley sucker, a piece of equipment similar to a vacuum truck. That drain has not been cleaned since 2015 so if this project is held up, there will be disaster in Cedros when the rains come," Teelucksingh added.

Sinanan in an interview assured that the project will be completed soon. He said he expected six bridges to be handed over to government within the next six week, one of which is Cedros.

He noted that a $35 million de-silting exercise was in progress and engineers from the four Drainage departments had already assessed the most important areas.

​​​​​​​"We are targeting all projects and looking at critical areas first. We have 298 projects to complete which are evenly spread across Trinidad. We are looking at replacing and repairing pumps and flood gates. All projects will be started and we will have a significant amount completed before the rainy season," Sinanan said.

Amidst assertions by Finance Minister Colm Imbert that economic instability is over, the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Commerce believes the worst is yet to come because of the spiralling crime rate and foreign exchange shortfalls.

In a statement, President Surindra Maharaj said Imbert failed to address three of the major issues plaguing the business community and the society when he presented the mid-year budget review in Parliament on Thursday.

These include the "out of control crime situation, ease of doing business, locally, regionally and internationally and the lack of foreign exchange."

Speaking about the crime spike, Maharaj said, "Despite an allocation of over $200 million dollars to various Ministries, none was set aside for the National Security Ministry. In fact, the Finance Minister made no mention of the crime situation and the domino effect it continues to have on the citizenry of this nation, and how it plagues overall economic growth.:

He said it is not easy doing business.

"The backbone of any country’s economy remains the enterprises that fuel spending. The Finance Minister boasted of a $1.3 billion improvement in net collections of corporate tax. While the GTCIC applauds improvements to the present tax collection system, we also query the lack of incentives for small entrepreneurs and businesses to assist in their daily operations," Maharaj added.

He also said Imbert spoke for almost an hour "yet he failed to mention the shortage of US currency within the financial institutions across the country."

"The GTCIC is calling on Government to address the forex issue with all due haste. In addition to this, we are also proposing a sanctioned initiative allocating special tax deductions for manufacturers who earn this country valuable foreign exchange," Maharaj said.

He also questioned the veracity of the statistics and figures given by Imbert.

"The reality on the ground level for the GTCIC, the national business community and the citizens of our country remains dark, made bleaker by the Finance Minister’s inflated optimism," Maharaj added. 

He also said while the GTCIC wanted to share in the Finance Minister’s optimism, "the fact remains this country’s economic stability is solely based on growth in the energy sector."

" That growth, again, is purely minimal, at 2.2 percent in 2019 and 2.5 in 2020," Maharaj noted. He said the Chamber had noted government's actions to limit public expenditure,but added, " By the end of March 2018 the expected figure stood at $21.65 billion, 15 percent lower than initially projected. Overall projected deficit for 2018 is $4.2 billion, over $500 million lower than budgeted."

He also said government on waivers of the property tax and its retroactive application was a positive step.

The death of young footballer Noah Simmons who was killed on his birthday on the steps of a house at the Marabella Trainline, has spurred a heart-wrenching appeal from independent anonymous crime-fighting agency, Crimestoppers.

In an open letter to innocent, law-abiding citizens, Crimestoppers appealed to the public to call the agency at 800-TIPS to report the people who own illegal firearms in their communities. The group also asked for information about the whereabouts of wanted criminals, hideouts of kidnappers and robbers as well as the identities and addresses of their beneficiaries.

Saying the letter was necessary, Crimestoppers said those disturbed by the death of Simmons and others like him, have the opportunity of reporting their tips anonymously.

"Just two days ago we looked at, and read the horror story of a young talented Trinbagonian who was killed apparently for simply being a teenager. The end of the story resembles many others in our beautiful country but is more tragic for a greater reason. If the newspaper reports are correct, residents of this particular community often complained about persons walking with firearms and firing shots “all hours of the day and night like is some kind of game," Crimestoppers said.

The group wrote, "Did anyone and more specifically any adult in that community consider that possession of a firearm in this country without a firearm user’s license is still a criminal offense? Did anyone think that the right thing to do was to report these misguided persons to law enforcement? Finally, did anyone think that the same unreported firearm would have been responsible for the death of one of their own talented sons? We believe that someone did think about the questions raised."

However, Crimestoppers said it was possible that people in the community were probably apathetic,  and not sufficiently concerned to care. "We also believe that such a person may have been afraid. We also believe that such a person is now crying for the community’s son and expressing frustrations of a system gone totally awry. When will you, the innocent, law-abiding citizen with information on criminal activity realise to reduce crime the police needs your information? If it doesn’t bother you, then we will all continue to shed tears for our citizens lying on our streets and their bloody photos being shared virally across our digital devices."

However, Crimestoppers said if the crime bothered citizens then they can find a way to discretely and safely report incidents. Crimestoppers said since 1999 Crime Stoppers Trinidad and Tobago has been safely provided this opportunity through its anonymous hotline.

Simmons, a student of Shiva Boys College was gunned down on Tuesday on the day he celebrated his 16th birthday. The suspect of Ste Madeleine who is wanted for gun relates charges, remains at large.

Police yesterday discovered a Convenca 12 gauge shotgun in a fig patch at Foodcrop Road, Chatham bearing the markings "Hecho De Venezuela" which means Made in Venezuela. It is one of several guns, cocaine and marijuana discovered in recent weeks bearing the marking of Venezuelan cartels.

In an interview yesterday, a source at the Organised Crime and Narcotics Unit said the influx of Venezuelans into T&T have contributed to a rampant increase of illegal items in T&T.

Faced with severe food and medicinal shortages, Venezuelans are continuing to trade drugs, guns, ammunition and wildlife for food, the official added. Up to December last year, it was estimated that over 40,000 Venezuelans were living in T&T illegally and an average of 150 to 200 were coming in by boat legally through the ports of Cedros and Kings Wharf, San Fernando.

However, because of a shortage of manpower, police have been unable to monitor the coastlines adequately causing the contraband trade to flourish.

"Right now, pampers and baby milk are the hottest commodities fetching the highest price," the source said adding that although the southern region has several known smuggling spots where active surveillance is paid, the Unit is so severely understaffed that the fight to catch smugglers is an uphill battle. 

He also said that the radar system which keeps 24-hour surveillance on the coast is so outdated that it is difficult to pinpoint the presence of smugglers.

"The radar is 24 hours operation. Unless you are not trained about accuracy of the radar all you will see a screen.  You cannot identify the type of vessel that comes in. There are other sophisticated methods that the National Security Ministry knows about which can be utilized," the source said.

With regard to the manpower shortage, a former senior officer with the Customs and Excise department said the Cedros base is severely understaffed.

"We need manpower on the spot. Imagine an important station like Cedros doesn't have the capacity to deal with the influx of Venezuelans and Columbians. I cannot say if this is deliberate or not. It is suspicious. Why have the Cedros station so understaffed. Lots of money is spent on national security and the basic manpower constraints are not addressed," the official said.

He noted that apart from the Cedros region, illegal contraband comes through the Columbus Channel and also along the Gulf of Paria and in the northern regions of Las Cuevas where the waters are calm.

A resident of Cedros said yesterday that police have turned a blind eye to the contraband trade.

On Monday, residents saw a police corporal removing a load of illegal cargo from a blue Ford Ranger and a silver Lancer after it was abandoned at Hilltop Trace, Granville. The corporal is believed to have assisted in the escape of the smugglers who were being chased by another group of police.  

The incident has been swept under the carpet and a 21-year-old woman who was arrested during the shoot-out was released without any charges even though villagers could have pinpointed her as being in company with the escaped smugglers.

Another resident of Icacos said that fishing in the seas was so risky that Venezuelans would often seize their catch and engines, leaving them to drift at sea. Officials at the T&T Coast Guard said they are continuing to monitor all activities off shore by doing frequent patrols around the border.

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon recently said that his ministry is utilising its coastal surveillance system and aircraft to stop illegal immigration. He said the government has established contact with coastal villages in Venezuela to monitor movements back and forth, adding that all illegal immigrants will be sent back.

Elizabeth “lals” NOTHNAGEL (nee Hoadley) passed away on Thursday May 3rd 2018 in Sanford, Florida. Loving Mother of Wolfram (Megan), Wilhelm (Kristina), Kate (Robert) and Nikola. Kind sister of Catherine, Berkeley, Everard and John. Caring Granny of Ameli

DELPH, GWENDOLINE (née Velloza) passed away peacefully on Wednesday 9th May, 2018. Wife of the late Compton Delph. Mother of Camille, Verita, Beverly, Gordon(dec), Donna and Suzanne. Grandmother of Joanne, Derek, Francisco, Michael, Ryan, Ciara, Dannika, Adam, Sebastian, Joelle, Alessandra, Nicolas, Nikeisha and Jacob. Great grandmother of 10. Great great grandmother of 1. Mother in law of Roger Chevrotiere, Brian Khan, Richard Black and Deryck Mayers. Sister of Louis Velloza and Gerald, Alita, Norma and Maurice (deceased). Funeral mass takes place at St. Theresa’s R. C. Church, de Verteuil Street, Woodbrook on Monday 14th May, 2018 at 11:00am, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers a collection will be taken up for Hope of a Miracle Foundation. Funeral entrusted to C&B. For enquiries, please contact Chancellor Walks Funeral Services, 287-0403/04.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka—Experienced opener Dimuth Karunaratne has been left out of a 17-man Sri Lanka touring party for the Caribbean after failing to recover from a finger injury.

The 30-year-old, who has scored 3,186 runs from 49 Tests, fractured a finger during a net session recently while preparing for a domestic tournament and will not feature in the three-Test series.

Selectors have meanwhile named four uncapped players with Kasun Rajitha, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando and Mahela Udawatte all included for the June 6-27 tour.

Despite having not played in the longer form, the quartet already possess international experience. Rajitha is a seamer who has played three Twenty20 Internationals, leg-spinner Vandersay has turned out in 11 One-Day Internationals while 20-year-old fast bowler Fernando has a single ODI under his belt.

Udawatte, meanwhile, has played nine ODIs and eight T20Is.

Former captain Angelo Matthews and Suranga Lakmal have both been included but a final decision will be made on their match fitness before the squad leaves for the Caribbean.

The squad, led by Dinesh Chandimal, is currently training in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka open the tour with a three-day match starting June 30 at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad before facing West Indies in Tests at Queen’s Park Oval, Darren Sammy Cricket Ground and Kensington Oval. (CMC)

SQUAD

Dinesh Chandimal (captain), Mahela Udawatte, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Roshen Silva, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Lahiru Gamage, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.

NORTH Zone, big winners over Tobago last Sunday when the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) Senior Inter-Zone cricket tournament bowled off, will be aiming to record wins in its second and third round matches when play gets underway this weekend (today and tomorrow).

Today, North will play South East at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba from 10 am and will start as favourites.

South East will be in action for the first time as its opening round match against South at Sancho Recreation Ground was rained out last Sunday.

Meanwhile, South will be looking to get its campaign off to a good start against Tobago at Preysal.

Tomorrow, North will clash with South at Tarouba in an effort to rekindle memories of classic encounters in the past.

Central and East zones, both winners last weekend will be in action today, coming up against South West and North East respectively.

Last Sunday, acting Director of Sports Patrice Charles, who officially opened the tournament at Gilbert Park in California and praised the Cricket Board for providing an opportunity to the local stars to show their skills.

He was standing in for Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Shamfa Cudjoe who was attending to constituency business in Tobago and could not attend.

Charles, a former track athlete met the players of the Central and North East teams and also had meaningful discussions with TTCB officials Lalman Kowlessar, Patrick Rampersad, and Dudnath Ramkessoon.

TODAY’S FIXTURES

Group A
n South vs Tobago (Preysal)
n North vs South East (BLCA)
Group B
n East vs North East (Munroe Road)
n Central vs South West (Wilson Road)

TOMORROW’S MATCHES

Group A
n Tobago vs South East (NCC)
n North vs South (BLCA)
Group B
n North East vs South West (Preysal)
n East vs Central (Gilbert Park)

Trainer John Leotaud holds the aces in today’s feature event over 1,200 metres on the main track at the Santa Rosa Park, Arima.

Leotaud who has his string in fine form with Maha Raja, Rocket Wheels and Desert Dancer.

Maha Raja has been knocking on the door for some time and could surprise them all today. He will take some catching if allowed to dictate the pace.

However, this a very competitive affair and the John Leotaud trained Rocket Wheels is expected to go close for former champion jockey Brian Boodramsing. Stablemate Desert Dancer must be respected with Nobel Abrego in the irons.

However, Wots To Report from the Harold Chadee barn won well last time out and looks set to run another big race for apprentice Ri Hernandez, He will race with 53.5 kilos.

Princess Suri was disappointing last time out and she will be looking to recoup the losses for trainer Shaffick Khan. Ronald Ali will be on the plate and this one could surprise them all in the 12- horse field.

Glenn Mendez handles last year’s Easter Guineas winner Valorous and this one can go close for Derron Khelawan.

Post time is 1.05 pm.