The Independent Voice of West Indies Cricket

T&T...10 murders in 2025

sgtdjones 1/12/25, 4:13:11 PM
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debut: 2/16/17
38,480 runs

10 murders: People being killed 'with same freeness'

THE country's murder toll continues to rise steadily, and unsolicit ed remarks from the public seem to indicate that no one can discern any visible difference in the state of law enforcement, even amid a state of emergency (SoE).This was the message yesterday from the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), which said, 'High-profile and low-profile victims are being killed with the same freeness as before. Murderous home invasions and unexplained killings of all types of individuals continues whenever, wherever and at whatever time the murderers desire.'

'Long-duration, monotonous roadblocks, whose only effect seems to be that criminals stay away from them or use mobile traffic applications to steer around them, are not working.

'The fanfare of concern by ministers, commissioners and deputy commissioners for the safety of State prosecutors and the Judiciary is misplaced. It seems to portray another lack of regard for the common sense of the public,' DOMA said.The business group added, 'A disbelieving public is starting to grow more hopeless-hope can only be restored by action and results.'
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sgtdjones 1/12/25, 4:19:59 PM
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debut: 2/16/17
38,480 runs

3,000 bodycams waiting to be shipped
$25m contract in limbo: downpayment requests not met...

THE $25 million contract awarded by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) since last September to local company Dia­mond Systems and Supplies Ltd for 3,000 body cameras for police officers seems to be stuck.Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher approved the contract more than four months ago as exclusively reported by the Sunday Express last year.But Diamond Systems’ request for a 70% downpayment as stipulated in the contract has not been met, despite multiple letters sent to the TTPS over the last three months and obtained by the Sunday Express.

Sources familiar with the company and the contract confirmed that Diamond Systems director Hashim Mohammed’s three letters to Christopher and Deputy Commissioners of Police Junior Benjamin and Natasha George of the TTPS have not received any response.Letters were sent on October 3, 2024; November 11, 2024; and December 20, 2024.“In order for the goods to be shipped and for us to deliver, we require, as per the contract, the payment of seventy (70%) of the initial payment, which was due and payable on September 5, 2024; (it) is outstanding and to date, has not been paid.

“This failure to meet the contractual payment has resulted in these units accumulating sto­rage and financing fees since September 2024 in the monthly sum of US$220,000 per month.”“Based on the contract, three thousand (3,000) units were specifically ordered to meet the needs of the TTPS and manufactured in China. At present, we are awaiting shipment from the port of China.
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Narper 1/12/25, 5:39:25 PM
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debut: 1/4/03
261,627 runs

In reply to sgtdjones

Sarge.....very depressing and hopeless.

Erla said she is very confident the SOE will work.
This woman has NOHING but her prayers which obviously is not working.
Narper 1/12/25, 5:58:04 PM
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debut: 1/4/03
261,627 runs

The House of Representatives is expected to meet tomorrow to debate a three-month extension to the state of emergency (SoE) which was declared on December 30, 2024.

Since then, there have been 11 murders, two fatal road traffic accidents, at least ten woundings/shootings, 16 reports of robbery with aggravation, at least 18 reports of robbery with violence, and 54 reports of larcenies/break-ins.

Express
Halliwell 1/12/25, 6:16:05 PM
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debut: 5/14/05
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In reply to Narper

Why did they include the fatal car crashes in that list? Strange.
sgtdjones 1/12/25, 7:48:43 PM
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debut: 2/16/17
38,480 runs

In reply to Halliwell

T&T Police Service (TTPS) has recorded 119 road fatalities for this year

As of November 13, 2024, 149 people were still missing in Trinidad and Tobago after 559 people were reported missing to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in 2024
sgtdjones 1/12/25, 7:55:07 PM
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debut: 2/16/17
38,480 runs

In reply to Narper

Nine of the murders took place this year, and the comparative for the same period in 2024 was 19 when there was no SoE in the country.


Erla is a waste... like Rowley soon collecting almost $90,000 T&T monthly; his kids live in the USA.
Pensioners collect $3,500 monthly.
Its amazing how a lack of leadership from politicians created such occurrences now fields of blood.
The citizens are astonished and confused that they don't hear off two murders per day.
They have become immune , living in caged homes and now experiencing home invasions; no place now exists for solace.
What have you become, T&T? cry
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Narper 1/12/25, 11:53:04 PM
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debut: 1/4/03
261,627 runs

In reply to sgtdjones

In Canada, food prices high. record car thefts. lack of affordable housing....PM Trudeau has resigned. ...many ministers have resigned and others are leaving politics...more of less acknowledging to Canadians they have failed.

T&T is in deep trouble for years...energy sector has declined massively....foreign exchange only available to the filthy rich businessmen, unemployment high....murder and other crime rate at an all time high...predial larceny creating havoc with farmers , the general population literally scared and disillusioned...Trinidad and Tobago's extremely porous borders make it a transit point for illegal smuggling and trafficking of drugs and humans, weapons, migrants, and other goods

YET T&T government politicians would NEVER acknowledge failure and are still so shamelessly arrogant and blame the Opposition, trade unions and the population for all the ills in society.
Since when law abiding trinis have become such a docile bunch politically?
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BeatDball 1/13/25, 12:37:51 AM
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debut: 7/20/14
16,428 runs

Wtf is wrong with that place, man?
sgtdjones 1/13/25, 2:15:13 AM
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debut: 2/16/17
38,480 runs

In reply to Narper

It’s clear from your message above that there’s a strong sense of frustration and deep concern for the state of affairs in Trinidad and Tobago.
The issues you’ve highlighted reflect not only systemic challenges but also a growing discontent with leadership and governance.

The rate of violent crime, particularly murders, is undeniably alarming. Your point about the disproportionate involvement of young African males in these statistics raises questions about deeper societal issues—poverty, lack of opportunities, failing education systems, and perhaps a breakdown in community structures.
Where are the Pan-African voices?
Where is the leadership that should be addressing these systemic inequities?
The fact that these discussions appear to be lacking or muted when they ought to be prominent is a legitimate worry.
As one minister noted this is PNM country and its we time now...

You make incisive and pointed criticisms of Prime Minister Rowley's and his administration's style of governance.
The lack of acknowledgment of key issues, coupled with what appears to be a culture of shifting blame, is frustrating for any citizen.
Just bring up the tenure of Minister Hinds, and the question is fair: How does someone remain in a leadership position as the situation worsens under their watch?
This is a question of accountability, or perhaps the lack thereof.

The figures mentioned regarding the Heritage and Stabilization Fund are alarming, especially when juxtaposed against claims of its health.
Borrowing to sustain budgets is not inherently bad if it’s tied to investments in infrastructure, diversification, or improving lives.
But if you’re not seeing tangible outcomes—if roads, bridges, healthcare, and basic utilities continue to crumble—then it’s reasonable to demand clarity on how this borrowing is spent.
There’s a sense here that citizens are not being given the transparency they deserve.

The state of infrastructure is a clear reflection of the priorities of any administration. Roads, bridges, water supply—these are the lifelines of a functioning society.
When they are neglected, it’s not just inconvenient; it becomes a story of eroding dignity. Citizens deserve safe roads, reliable water, and efficient healthcare. These are not luxuries; they are rights.

The decline in LNG and the repeated promises of future gas from Venezuela point to a lack of concrete planning.
For many years, energy has been the mainstay of Trinidad and Tobago's economy, but an over-reliance on limited resources without significant diversification is a recipe for disaster.
The promise of "rescue" at some vague future date, especially when it’s been repeated for years, understandably rings hollow.

The rise in home invasions and the growing power of criminals to extort businesses is deeply troubling.
When citizens are forced to live under such threats, it signals a breakdown not just in law enforcement but in the social contract itself.
Where are the decisive actions? Where is the leadership? Who is protecting the ordinary citizens?
When any Government fails to provide security for its citizens...it has failed.

The concerns are not just valid—they echo the sentiments of many who feel disillusioned, angry, and unheard.
Change requires collective action, and it begins with holding leaders to account.
Whether through advocacy, protests, or demanding reform through the political process, the power ultimately lies with the people.
If frustration leads to action, then perhaps there’s hope yet for a better Trinidad and Tobago.

Sarge
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