The Ministry of Works and Transport announced in a Public Notice on Saturday (27th April, 2024) that the bridge along Saddle Road, Maraval, in the vicinity of Church's Texas Chicken, has been RE-OPENED to vehicular traffic.
The Ministry thanks the general public for its continued co-operation. For further information, please visit the Ministry’s website (www.mowt.gov.tt) or call the Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (PURE) Unit at 638-2350 or 675-4052. Please be guided accordingly.
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The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of Arima, Tacarigua and D'Abadie on Sunday (28th April, 2024). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.
According to T&TEC, the affected areas in Arima, Tacarigua and D'Abadie are as follows: ARIMA (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
ARIMA: (8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
TACARIGUA (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
D'ABADIE (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
T&TEC says it regrets the inconvenience which may be caused by these interruptions. An investigation has been launched after a Councillor from the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation drew his licensed firearm on a Municipal Police Officer during an altercation near the Guaico traffic lights on Thursday morning (25th April, 2024). The Councillor‘s firearm has since been seized by Police.
According to reports, the Municipal Police Officer was on his way to work, around 7:00 AM, when an alleged ‘bad drive’ escalated into an argument between the Councillor and himself. The councillor was said to be exiting a minor road and driving onto a major road while the Municipal Police Officer was passing, near the Guaico traffic lights. While both men were arguing from their vehicles, the Municipal Police Officer exited his vehicle and began approaching the Councillor. At that point, the Councillor said he became fearful for his life and drew his licensed firearm. The Municipal Police Officer reported the incident to Officers of the Sangre Grande Eastern Operational Centre, who located the Councillor and had a conversation with him. He was then taken to the Sangre Grande Police Station, where statements from both men were recorded. Police have seized the Councillor’s firearm until investigations into the matter have been completed. Chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, Kenwyn Phillip, said he immediately tried to contact the Councillor upon hearing about the incident, but was unsuccessful. Investigations are continuing. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: T&T Guardian]
Police have arrested a man at a bar overnight for possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Officers of the Chaguanas Division Task Force (CDTF) were on mobile patrol early this morning (Saturday 27th April, 2024), around 12:45 AM, when they received information which led them to a bar on the Chaguanas Main Road. CDTF Officers made their way to the bar where they observed a man dressed in a black hoodie and a pair of black jeans. The man appeared to be holding his pants while he danced. The Officers approached the man and identified themselves. Based on their information and surveillance, the Officers searched the man and allegedly discovered a Glock-19 pistol loaded with five (5) rounds of nine-millimetre ammunition.
The 45-year-old man from Longdenville, Chaguanas, was arrested and the firearm and ammunition were seized.
The man is expected to be charged and appear before the Masters’ Court early next week. “Over the past few weeks, the country's attention has been focused on the unfortunate incident involving the death of neonates at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.” This from Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh.
In a Media Release today (Friday 26th April, 2024), Minister Deyalsingh said, “As the Minister of Health, I continue to extend my deepest condolences to the families who have suffered the loss of their babies during this difficult time. The families and the public can be assured that the Ministry of Health is committed to determining the underlying factors which may have led to this incident. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide support to the affected families. The Ministry of Health and the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) will also continue to facilitate the independent review by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) into the deaths of the neonates, at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.” The Minister added, “I want to assure Trinidad and Tobago that this one incident, in one Intensive Care Unit, in one Hospital, in one Regional Health Authority (RHA), should not and cannot define the public healthcare system in the country. I wish to remind citizens that the public healthcare system provides the highest level of neonatal care for severely ill and premature neonates. We also provide the highest level of care for the country's most complex and high risk pregnancies. I wish to emphasize that the public healthcare system continues to receive, unreservedly, referrals from the private sector, for patients who require the highest level of care. The public health sector is committed to the highest level of ethical standards and integrity as it relates to our patients. As such, we must uphold the principle of doctor-patient confidentiality, which at times, constrains our ability to share personal medical information that may be relevant to the public's understanding of these clinical events.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “To the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, l urge you to resist the temptation to vilify our healthcare workers. Instead, let us rally around them with the support and encouragement they deserve. Now, more than ever, we must stand united in our appreciation for the invaluable work they do each day. To our highly skilled, trained, professional, committed and world-class healthcare workers, I thank you for your continued yeoman service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.” The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) is addressing recent claims concerning the handling of neonatal medical records. In a Media Release today (Friday 26th April, 2024), the NWRHA said it has been brought to its attention that Freedom Law Chambers, representing several parents of the neonates, “has raised concerns about the suppression of medical records and, in one case, a delay of over 57 days for receipt. It has become necessary once again for the NWRHA to offer clarity on this matter, in order to correct public misinformation.”
According to the NWRHA‘s statement, “Patients and parents of infants have the right to request their medical records at any time directly from the NWRHA. Requests can also be made through legal representatives, such as Attorneys-at-Law and they are facilitated. There is a standard process of verification by the Medical Records Officer that must be followed once the records are requested by an external party. The NWRHA wishes to advise that contrary to reports that there have been extensive delays in responding to requests for medical records of the 16 neonates who died at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, no requests have been made for the medical records of these 16 neonates to the NWRHA before April 12, 2024, from either patients/parents or Attorneys acting on their behalf. As part of the standard practice at the NWRHA, all requests for medical records are recorded at the time of the request.” The NWRHA continued, “Freedom Law Chambers first requested the medical records of the initial 7 neonates on April 12, 2024. There were subsequent requests for additional medical records as the number of proposed claims rose. By April 23, 2024, the NWRHA had provided copies of the medical records for 11 neonates which satisfies all requests received to date. Receipt of the 11 records was confirmed by Freedom Law Chambers on April 24, 2024. Regarding specific allegations of undue delay in relation to infant(s) that passed away in February 2024, the NWRHA received a formal request from Freedom Law Chambers on April 17, 2024 and these records have been provided as requested. As such there was no 57-day delay between the date of request and the date of receipt, as maliciously alleged.” The statement added, “In light of these facts, NWRHA categorically rejects any insinuation of manipulation or intentional delay in providing medical records with regard to the concerned neonates. In our history of treating with medical negligence matters before the Court, the Judiciary has never found the NWRHA to have tampered or manipulated medical records. Reckless, misleading and speculative accusations suggestive of tampering and/or sanitization by the NWRHA are unfounded.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “We urge all parties involved to refrain from spreading misinformation, especially during such a sensitive time. Misguided allegations can only exacerbate the distress surrounding delicate matters. We remain committed to transparency in this matter, and will continue to diligently comply with requests for medical records in accordance with established procedures.” THA Offering $10,000 Reward For Successful Capture of Shark Involved In Turtle Beach Attack26/4/2024
UPDATE: The Chief Secretary has rescinded the $10,000 reward, hours after it was posted on social media.
The Office of the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is advising all registered fishermen that the THA is offering a $10,000 reward for the successful capture of the shark involved in the attack at Turtle Beach, Tobago, earlier today (Friday 26th April, 2024).
The Office of the Chief Secretary further advises, “Please exercise caution as your safety is of utmost importance.”
Today’s shark attack occurred approximately ten (10) meters away from shore at the Turtle Beach/Courland Beach, adjacent to the Starfish Hotel.
A British national, identified as 64-year-old Peter Smith, is now receiving critical care at Hospital. Smith was bitten by the shark on his left hand, left thigh and stomach while bathing at Courland Bay, also known as Turtle Beach. The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said the affected individual was promptly taken to the Scarborough General Hospital for medical treatment. “Beachgoers and marine interests are advised to be avoid the Courland Beach/Turtle Beach until further notice.” Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Farley Augustine, has since announced the closure of seven (7) beaches in Tobago as a result of the shark attack this morning. In a social media post, the Chief Secretary said, “We are receiving notices of shark sightings in the Grafton area. Consequently, out of an abundance of caution (for the remaining portions of today), we are forced to temporarily close beaches: Plymouth, Courland Bay, Black Rock, Mt. Irvine, Buccoo, Pigeon Point, Store Bay and all coastal areas in between. This will lead to a temporary suspension of the reef tours in the area.” More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) met with Senior Officials of the Ministry of Health and the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) today (Friday 26th April, 2024), to conduct a debriefing exercise arising from the in-country mission, which took place between 22nd - 26th April, 2024.
At least sixteen (16) neonates have died recently at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (POSGH). In a brief Media Release today, the Ministry said, “The public is advised that the PAHO review will continue, which will lead to the preparation of a final report being submitted to the Ministry of Health, pending the completion of PAHO's internal processes. In the interim, the Ministry and the NWRHA will continue to work with PAHO to facilitate the completion of the independent review.” More on this as it becomes available.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), Officers seized over $2.9 million worth of high grade marijuana during an intelligence-led exercise yesterday (Thursday 25th April, 2024) in the Southern Division.
Reports indicate that an intelligence unit received information about a planned drug importation operation, involving a South American drug trafficking network operating in Trinidad, with Venezuelan and Colombian associates. The Officers received further actionable information which suggested that a Venezuelan who resides in Cocoyea, San Fernando, was in possession of a substantial amount of narcotics. The unit, acting on the information, identified the suspect, a vehicle he used and conducted meticulous surveillance exercises, then located the vehicle, a Nissan Tiida, which was parked along Inverene Road, Cocoyea. They also observed two (2) men standing at the rear of the vehicle. The intelligence unit, along with Officers of the Southern Division Task Force (SDTF), approached the vehicle and conducted a search, where they discovered twenty-seven (27) kilogrammes of high-grade ‘Creepy’ marijuana, with an estimated street value of TT $2,963,169. ‘Creepy’ is said to be a label that encompasses a series of marijuana strains with a higher THC percentage.
The two (2) men, a Venezuelan and a Trinidadian national, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
Enquiries are continuing.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Three (3) additional beaches have since been closed until further notice. The headline of this article has been updated to reflect new information. The list of ten (10) closed beaches now include the following:
Reef tours in those areas have also been suspended.
UPDATE: News of this tragic incident involving a British national has made its way around the globe, as several U.S. and U.K. publications carried articles about the brutal shark attack in Tobago.
The Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said it has received reports of a shark attack involving a non-national male, bitten by what appeared to be a bull shark on several areas of his body. This incident occurred around 9:15 AM this morning (Friday 26th April, 2024), approximately ten (10) meters away from shore at the Turtle Beach/Courland Beach, adjacent to the Starfish Hotel.
A British national, identified as 64-year-old Peter Smith, is now receiving critical care at Hospital. He was staying at the Starfish Hotel with family and friends and was scheduled to leave for the U.K. later today. Smith was bitten by the shark on his left hand, left thigh and stomach while bathing at Courland Bay, also known as Turtle Beach. The shark, estimated to be between eight (8) to ten (10) feet in length and two (2) feet in width, caused severe injuries to Smith — severing his left hand from the elbow down, severing his left thigh, and lacerating his stomach. Smith received critical care at the Scarborough General Hospital and was listed in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after undergoing life-saving surgery. He was expected to be flown to Trinidad tonight for further medical care. TEMA said the affected individual was promptly taken to the Scarborough General Hospital for medical treatment. “Beachgoers and marine interests are advised to be avoid the Courland Beach/Turtle Beach until further notice.” Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Farley Augustine, has since announced the closure of seven (7) beaches in Tobago as a result of the shark attack this morning. In a social media post, the Chief Secretary said, “We are receiving notices of shark sightings in the Grafton area. Consequently, out of an abundance of caution (for the remaining portions of today), we are forced to temporarily close beaches: Plymouth, Courland Bay, Black Rock, Mt. Irvine, Buccoo, Pigeon Point, Store Bay and all coastal areas in between. This will lead to a temporary suspension of the reef tours in the area.” Augustine added, “Fisherfolk and mariners should exercise caution when operating in the area. Currently, we are doing drone reconnaissance/surveillance, Coast Guard surveillance, and the Department of Fisheries is combing the area to ensure safety.”
Following the incident, the Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) said in a Media Release, “In light of the recent shark attack incident at Turtle Beach/Courland Bay and subsequent sightings in the Grafton area, the Buccoo Reef Marine Park (BRMP) authorities have decided to temporarily close the Marine Park until further notice. This closure is effective immediately and applies to all recreational activities, including snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and any other water-based activities within the park boundaries.”
The statement continued, “The decision to close the Marine Park has been made out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff. The temporary closure will allow emergency responders, including the TT Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries, to conduct a thorough assessment of the situation and neutralize the shark threat, if possible. We understand that this closure may cause inconvenience to our visitors and tour operators. However, the safety of our patrons and the protection of our marine ecosystem are our top priorities. We appreciate your co-operation and understanding during this challenging time.” The Division added, “Rest assured that we are working closely with local authorities and experts to monitor the situation and will provide timely updates as more information becomes available. We will notify the public as soon as it is deemed safe to re-open the Buccoo Reef Marine Park. In the meantime, we strongly advise all beachgoers, fisherfolk, and mariners to exercise extreme caution when operating in the coastal areas surrounding Plymouth, Courland Bay, Black Rock, Mt. Irvine, Buccoo, Pigeon Point, Store Bay, and all areas in between. For more information you may contact our Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries at 639-4354/4446.” More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. |
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