Category: CANA News

A High Court Wednesday granted Housing Minister Dr. David Lee bail in the sum of one million dollars (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) less than 24 hours after he was arrested by police on charges relating to tax exemption for parliamentarians on a luxury vehicle.

Businessman Hugh Leong Poi, who was also arrested with Lee, was also granted TT$600,000 bail.

Housing Minister Dr. David Lee

The two men appeared before Master Lisa Singh-Phillip where the minister was granted bail with one surety, while Leong Poi was granted bail with his named surety approved by the court.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad says she remains confident that the courts will ‘deliver a just result’ with respect to Lee, who along with the businessman, had been taken into custody by police on Tuesday.

‘We have respect for the courts of the land. Minister Lee was acquitted of these allegations before. Now that the charges have been relaid we have confidence in the courts to deliver a just result,’ she said in a brief statement.

On Tuesday, the police said that judicial warrants had been issued for the ‘apprehension’ of Lee and businessman Hugh Leong Poi.

The statement gave no details why the warrants were issued , but added that ‘in accordance with the legal mandate and without delay, both individuals were taken into custody by officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, and are presently undergoing standard processing procedures.

‘The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law and executing all judicial instructions with integrity, impartiality, and procedural rigour,’ the statement said.

Opposition Leader, Pennelope Beckles, has called on Prime Minister Persad Bissessar to immediately inform the country whether Lee will continue to serve as a minister of Government while facing criminal charges.

Businessman Hugh Leong Poi stands next to the Mercedes G wagon at the center of the court case.

Prior to the April 28 general election, Lee was cleared of fraud charges related to tax exemptions on his vehicle as a parliamentarian.

Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles dismissed the charges of conspiracy to defraud and misbehaviour in public office after upholding a no-case submission presented by Lee’s legal team, led by Wayne Sturge and Mario Merritt.

The magistrate ruled that the prosecution presented insufficient evidence to sustain the charges or proceed to trial. She also acquitted Leong Poi of Sport Outlet Limited, who faced a joint charge with Lee for conspiracy to defraud.

In September 2022, authorities accused the pair of conspiring to defraud the state of TT$1.4 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) in tax revenue related to the importation of a Mercedes Benz G63 AMG, valued at over two million dollars.

The charges involved TT$293,094.02 in Value Added Tax (VAT), TT$298,650 in motor vehicle tax, and TT$824,548.62 in customs duty.

Prosecutors had alleged that Lee falsely claimed ownership of the vehicle to benefit from tax exemptions granted to MPs. The alleged offences occurred between 24 March and 8 June 2019.

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Roger Gaspard, had appealed the acting Chief Magistrate’s ruling and according to the warrant, issued by Justice Hayden St Clair-Douglas, he was of the opinion that the evidence before acting Chief Magistrate ‘was sufficient to put the said Hugh Leong Poi together with another person, on trial for conspiracy to defraud and misbehaviour in public office.

‘This is to command you forthwith to apprehend Hugh Leong Poi and to convey the said Hugh Leong Poi to the Port of Spain Prisons.and there deliver him to the keeper of the said prisons together with this warrant,’ according to the warrant that was signed by the judge on October 6.

The first physical appearance of the two men before the High Court will be scheduled once the DPP formally files the indictment, confirming the matter is proceeding to trial.

Jamaica has formally submitted its candidature for re-election to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, with elections scheduled for December 2025.

Under Secretary for the Foreign Trade Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Jamaica’s Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Esmond Reid, said that Jamaica is actively seeking the support of the IMO membership in its bid for re-election to Category C of the Council.

‘We hope to have the opportunity to continue to contribute to global oceans advocacy and the work of the IMO Council,’ he said, pointing out that the Caribbean country has made significant strides in advancing its marine stewardship mandate.

He said a noteworthy achievement is Jamaica’s progress in safeguarding 15 per cent of its territorial waters at the national level, alongside its active role in advancing regional cooperation through the draft CARICOM Ocean Policy.

‘We also celebrate achievements on the international stage, including the consensual adoption of the Nice Declaration at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, and the milestone ratification by over 60 countries of the High Seas Treaty earlier this month,’ the Under Secretary said.

Reid said that this historic step has paved the way for the agreement’s entry into force in January 2026, marking a significant milestone in regional maritime cooperation.

‘Looking ahead, Jamaica will continue to play an active and valuable role in the international maritime sector, both as a trusted partner of the IMO and four other international partners,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Reid noted that the 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 30), scheduled for November in Belém, Brazil, presents a critical opportunity to advance the climate-ocean nexus.

He also pointed out that, as host country of the International Seabed Authority and the only Caribbean small island developing state represented on the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, ‘Jamaica reaffirms its commitment to championing ocean governance within the multilateral arena’

A tropical storm watch has gone into effect for several Caribbean islands as Tropical Storm Jerry is forecast to become a hurricane on Thursday.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that the storm is located about 835 miles east sout east of the northern Leeward Islands and has maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour (mph).

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba , St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe and the adjacent islands.

The NHC said that interests elsewhere in the northern Leeward Islands and the British and U.S. Virgin Islands should monitor the progress of Jerry, the 10th named storm of this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season that ends in November.

The NHC said that Jerry is moving toward the west-northwest near 23 mph and that this

general motion is expected to continue with a decrease in forward speed during the next couple of days, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest and north beginning on Friday. ‘On the forecast track, the core of the system is expected to be near or to the north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Friday. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected during the next few days, and Jerry is forecast to become a hurricane on Thursday,’ the NHC said.

The NHC said that on Thursday into early Friday, rainfall of between two to four 4 inches is expected across the Leeward Islands with a risk of flash flooding, especially in areas of higher terrain.

It said swells generated by Jerry are expected to reach the Leeward and Windward Islands on Thursday, then spread westward toward the Greater Antilles on Friday.

‘These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.’

Silver medalist Akeem Stewart was showered with praises on his return home on Monday from the recently concluded World Para Athletics Championships in India.

Stewart, who finished second in the men’s F44 discus with a season’s best throw of 59.64 metres, was met by officials from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA)and the Sport Company of T and T (SporTT) at the Piarco International Airport.

Akeem Stewart copped silver at the just concluded World Para Athletics Championships

An ecstatic Stewart was satisfied with his performance, as it was his first medal since 2017.

‘I was sick leading up to the games, and it looks bad on an athlete to prepare, train hard and not perform. Winning this is something I really wanted. Silver is a steppingstone in the right direction,’ Stewart said.

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Phillip Watts spoke highly of Stewart.

‘Akeem has once again proven that resilience, dedication, and the heart of a champion are the true hallmarks of a titan.

‘His silver medal is not just a personal victory but a beacon of inspiration for our entire nation,’ Watts said.

‘On behalf of the Government and the proud citizens of T and T, I extend our deepest congratulations. We are immensely proud of his achievement on the world stage, and the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our athletes as they continue to fly our flag high.’

West Indies legend Brian Lara has issued a dual challenge in the wake of the team’s recent struggles, urging current players to rediscover the ‘passion’ that defined his generation while acknowledging the undeniable financial lure of global T20 leagues that pulls talent away from the regional side.

Brian Lara.

Lara’s comments come after the West Indies’ defeat to India in the first Test, where current captain Roston Chase pointed to ‘infrastructure problems’ and a continuous ‘struggle for finances.’

Both men are part of Cricket West Indies’ cricket strategy and officiating committee, highlighting the internal recognition of these systemic issues.

‘If you want to get things done, you have to have the capital to do it. So that is a major part,’ Lara stated on the sidelines of the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards.

‘But at the same time, I would like to urge Roston Chase and the other guys, do they have cricket at heart? Do they really want to play for the West Indies?’

Lara pointed to the past as a benchmark for desire. ‘We did not have better facilities 30-40 years ago. Viv Richards didn’t bat on any better practice pitches, but the passion was different. The passion to play for the West Indies was different,’ he said. ‘So I agree with (Chase), but I still believe there is an onus on each young player to create that love and desire.’

However, the former captain was emphatic that players cannot be blamed for seeking financial security. He highlighted the stark ‘disparity’ between the earnings from franchise cricket and representing the West Indies.

‘I can’t blame any single player for wanting to pursue cricket as a career outside of the West Indies,’ Lara said, calling for empathy. ‘The onus is on Cricket West Indies to find a way to create, unify the efforts of the young players who want to go out, but also have them playing for us. In a series against India, we want to play good cricket against the best team in the world. So you want your best players out there.’

Using a football analogy, Lara cited Lionel Messi, who spent his entire club career in Europe but remained a dedicated and passionate cornerstone of the Argentine national team.

‘Australia can do it. England can do it to keep their players loyal to their country. So we have to find a way to do that,’ he said, calling for a unified effort from administrators, coaches, and players.

On the field, Lara identified batting as a critical weakness, noting the touring squad lacks a single batter with a Test average of 30. He advocated for a stronger first-class system where players are picked on proven statistics, not just potential.

‘I believe that if a player is being picked on potential only and he does not have the stats to go with it, it is very difficult for him to get to this higher level,’ Lara explained. He suggested that the current situation may lead to players maturing later, similar to Graham Gooch or Mike Hussey, and stressed the importance of a stronger domestic grind.

‘Back in my day, you had to break records,’ Lara recalled. ‘You carried the towel, carried the water, before you finally got in. And during that period of time, you grew, you matured. And some mature faster than others.’

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has commended ‘the heroic actions of two officers’ of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), who risked their lives to rescue an eight-year-old girl swept away by flood waters in the East Dry River, in the capital.

The police said that on Sunday police constables Taylor and Neptune were conducting a mobile patrol when they were alerted by a passerby that a young child had fallen into the river and was being carried away by strong currents.

Homeland Security Minister, Roger Alexander, watched by Police Commissioner, Allister Guevarro, commending the two police officers involved in the rescue of the eight year old child.

The officers immediately responded and, upon locating the child, ‘Taylor entered the turbulent waters without hesitation. After a brief struggle, he managed to secure the child; however, he soon encountered difficulty and was himself at risk of being swept away’.

The TTPS said that recognizing the danger, Neptune, assisted by a civilian, Dillon Ramsey ‘bravely intervened and helped bring both PC Taylor and the child safely to shore’.

The TTPS said that the child was subsequently transported to a nearby police station, where she was handed over to the relevant authorities for medical evaluation and care.

It said that both police officers were taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital for medical attention.

‘I feel happy to be home. I was scared. Really scared,’ the eight-year-old, Abigail ‘Abby’ Joseph, told the Trinidad Express newspaper after her rescue.

‘I was playing with my brothers when I stepped back and I fell. We were playing by Miss Maude. I tried to swim. But the water was pushing me back. I hit my head against a post. I drank water. I vomited. I was glad when the policeman came to help me.

‘They wrapped me in towel. I was still cold. But I was happy to be out of the water. I was happy to see my mother,’ she told the newspaper.

‘The TTPS publicly recognizes and commends PC Taylor and PC Neptune for their courage, swift response, and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the public. Special appreciation is also extended to Mr. Dillon Ramsey for his selfless assistance in this life-saving effort.

‘The TTPS continues to urge members of the public to exercise caution during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, and to remain vigilant-particularly near rivers and other watercourses,’ it added.

West Indies powerhouse Shimron Hetmyer has laid down a bold marker for the start of 2026, setting himself a formidable triple challenge: win the DP World ILT20 with his new team, the Desert Vipers, force his way back into the West Indies squad, and then clinch the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The 28-year-old left-hander, a marquee wildcard signing for the Vipers, believes a triumphant campaign in the UAE could be the perfect springboard to propel him back onto the international stage and help the West Indies reclaim a global trophy.

After a stint with the Guyana Amazon Warriors that saw them finish as CPL runners-up, Hetmyer is eager to make an immediate impact in the Vipers’ colours.

‘I am going to try to repay the faith shown in me,’ Hetmyer stated. Hopefully, we can gel as a team and lift the franchise’s first trophy. I’m also aiming to hit my best form leading into the World Cup and do everything I can to help the West Indies win it.’

Hetmyer brings a proven winner’s mentality, having already lifted the ILT20 trophy in its inaugural season with the Gulf Giants. He is confident the Vipers, who have reached the finals in two of the first three seasons, are on the cusp of their own championship.

‘I am sure our chances this year are high,’ he said. ‘It’s fun to join a team with a very good record. I just cannot wait to get there and help the team cross that line.’

The Guyanese batter replaces his compatriot Sherfane Rutherford in the Vipers’ squad and arrives with glowing endorsements about the team’s environment from both Rutherford and fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell. He also has a strong existing relationship with Head Coach James Foster.

‘He is one of my favourite coaches,’ Hetmyer revealed. ‘He is easy-spoken, someone you can easily go up to, ask questions, or just sit and talk cricket with. He helps take your mind off the game. I’ve heard nothing but good things, and I’m excited to experience it in person.’

A globetrotting T20 veteran, Hetmyer has a special fondness for the ILT20, citing the unique competitive challenges it presents. ‘It’s one of my favourite leagues to play in. The pitches are good, but the ball nips around early on, which is a challenge compared to the Caribbean or India. The bigger grounds force you to hold your shape when executing big shots. That discipline helps me everywhere else, and it gives me the confidence to know I can hit more boundaries when I need to.’

As he prepares to don his preferred number 189, a tribute to his highest childhood score, for the Vipers, Hetmyer’s mission is clear: to transform personal ambition into collective success, starting in the UAE and culminating on the world stage.

Waterspouts and a weak tornado Tuesday damaged and blew off the roofs of several houses in north western Trinidad, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service said that around midday (local time), ‘a low-level trough together with daytime heating produced strong isolated thunderstorm activity, which created waterspouts and a weak tornado over northwestern Trinidad in the vicinity of Westmoorings’.

It said that the conditions are expected to improve later on Tuesday and that partly cloudy to cloudy conditions and thunderstorm activity are ongoing.

Rural Development and Local Government Minister, Khadijah Ameen, who toured the area, told reporters that the authorities would be engaging in data collection for every damage household.

‘This is not a situation where we need to send it to them to get a grant to replace their roofs and so on,’ she said adding that other agencies like the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Company (T and TEC) and fire services on the ground.

‘There is a serious concern here because these houses are so soaked and T and TEC has already cut off the electricity to the affected streets and they are doing repairs to their infrastructure, the fallen lines and so on’.

She said that some of the houses because the structure is ‘so soaked it is not safe to turn on electricity in that house,’ warning that people could get electrocuted.

‘So far we have no injuries.and we want to maintain that,’ she added.

The Jamaica government is offering a two million dollar (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) reward for information leading to the arrest and charge of those responsible for Sunday night’s mass shooting in Commodore, Linstead that left five people including a ouryear-old school child, dead.

National Security and Peace Minister Dr. Horace Chang, made the announcement during a visit to the community, where a 48-hour curfew has been imposed ending at 6.00 pm (local time) on Wednesday.

Chang described the act as ‘reprehensible,’ expressing sympathy for the grieving families and vowed justice.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness meeting with relatives and family members of those killed on Sunday night

He has assured that the police are pursuing the perpetrators and urged citizens to unite against violence.

The police say during the hours of the curfew, persons within the boundaries of the curfew are required to remain indoors unless otherwise authorised by the person in charge of enforcing the curfew

Police said that nine people were shot and that Shannon Gordon, a student of Rosemount Primary and Infant School, was among those killed.

The lawmen said that several men, some reportedly wearing police-style vests, descended on the premises along Commodore main road, shouting ‘police,’ before opening fire on those in the yard.

The police have named the others killed as Mario Sullivan, 42, Jushane Edwards, 19, Iysha Washington, 39, a vendor, and 22-year-old security guard Famous Amos.

The police said that the location where the shootings took place, is not unfamiliar to them, having been visited on multiple occasions in the past due to ‘long-standing issues and challenges’.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who visited the community south east of here, said he wanted to ‘personally express to the family members my own personal, sincere and deep condolences on this very tragic incident.

‘I am hoping for the speedy recovery of those who were injured in this gruesome unwarranted attack. I am also here to assure the families and loved ones of the victims that the Jamaican state and government will support them through this very difficult time,’ Holness said.

Jamaica has recorded 522 murders for the period January to October 4, as compared with 883 for the same period, according to figures released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The figures show a 40.9 per cent decline in murders in the country.

Police are searching for the father of a 13-year-old secondary school girl after her body was found Tuesday in a burnt-out refrigerator, less than four days after she had been reported missing.

Student Santina Sergeant, whose body was found in a burnt out refrigerator

‘We are currently looking for her father Mr Lawrence Sergeant who we believe at this point can assist in our investigation,’ said Superintendent Carey Duncan, head of the Manchester Poloce station.

The police said that Santina Sergeant, a student od the Christiana High School, had been reported missing last Friday and that officers while carrying out a search of the area stumbled upon the body in an advanced state of decomposition.

She had been reported missing by her father.