Category: CANA News

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is warning persons against harbouring eight Venezuelan nationals, who remain at large following an escape from the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) last Saturday.

“The TTPS warns that these individuals are unlawfully at large. Anyone who knowingly harbours, conceals, transports or otherwise assists any of these escapees may be committing a criminal offence and may be liable to arrest and prosecution,” the police said in a statement, urging anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact them.

According to the TTPS, detention officers on duty detected a strong smell of smoke emanating from the Male Housing Unit and proceeded to investigate and upon entering the housing unit, the officers were confronted by a group of detainees who “assaulted and overpowered them.

“During the confrontation, 14 male detainees escaped from the housing unit and fled the facility via the western side of the compound and the southern perimeter fence. An alarm was immediately raised, resulting in the swift response of law enforcement officers.”

The police said four escapees were recaptured within minutes and a fifth detainee was subsequently apprehended. They said a coordinated search operation was immediately launched and continues for the apprehension of the remaining escapees.

The poloce have named those at large as Luis Brito, Jose Brito, Roimer Duran, Edison Monroy, Felix Espanol, Edison La Rosa, Evereth Ramirez and Ernesto Jose Figuera Caicedo

The West Indies Select XI faced a monumental task on the third day of their four-day warm-up fixture against Pakistan, reaching 268 for eight in response to the tourists’ imposing declaration of 455 for four at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy here on Monday.

Earlier, Pakistan chose not to add to their total, as they decided to give their bowlers a run-out against the youthful Windies aggregation.

That task became immediately more difficult when opener Cephas Cooper was dismissed for just one run, trapped in front by Muhammad Abbas with the scoreboard reading a perilous three for one.

However, a defiant 151-run stand for the second wicket between the experienced Tagenarine Chanderpaul and the aggressive Kavem Hodge steadied the ship and gave the West Indies innings a backbone.

Chanderpaul, continuing his patient approach, brought up a well-crafted 51, his innings punctuated with five boundaries and a solitary six.

His vigil finally ended when he was caught off the bowling of left-arm spinner Ali Usman.

With the platform set, Hodge looked to accelerate and was the dominant force of the innings. He unleashed 14 fours in a fluent knock of 92, looking destined for a century before he became Usman’s second victim, falling with the score at 165.

The middle order offered sporadic resistance but failed to build on the foundation laid by the top order. Terrance Hinds made 24 while Jomel Warrican chipped in with a lower-order cameo, scoring 24 not out.

Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils effectively. Mohammad Ali was the pick of the attack, finishing the day with impressive figures of three for 36, which included the prized scalps of Joshua Da Silva and Joshua James, both dismissed without scoring.

Aamir Jamal and Ali Usman supported well, grabbing two wickets apiece.

At the close of play, Jyd Goolie remained steadfast at the crease, unbeaten on a resolute 44.

His innings, which has consumed 95 deliveries and featured five fours, has ensured the West Indies XI will bat into the final day, though they still trail by a significant 187 runs with only two wickets in hand.

The National Children’s Registry (NCR) received 14,602 reports of child abuse and other care and protection concerns in 2025, representing a five per cent increase over the 13,918 reports received in the previous year.

The report is contained in the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2025, which has since been tabled in the House of Representatives.

The report noted that 31,591 incidents of abuse were recorded, with the most common categories being behavioural problems, accounting for 7,835 incidents (4,168 females and 3,667 males); neglect, with 6,777 incidents (3,563 females and 3,214 males); and need for care and protection, which accounted for 5,872 incidents (3,331 females and 2,541 males).

“The reports of abuse received, when assessed by incident type, are usually greater than the total number of reports received. Of the reports received, investigations were completed for 11,723, with 10,649 being referred to both internal (Investigation Services Unit) and external partners such as the Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA), the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), and the Victim Services Division,” the document stated.

Geographically, Kingston accounted for the largest share of reports referred for investigation at 20 per cent, followed by St. Catherine with 16 per cent and St. Ann with 10 per cent.

The Investigation Services Unit (ISU) received 12,737 reports, representing a two per cent increase, compared with the corresponding period in the previous year.

Additionally, the ISU completed investigations into 11,723 cases, while 12,000 updates detailing investigation outcomes were submitted to the NCR.

“As of December 31, the ISU had a caseload of 2,359 cases,” the document further stated.

Team SVG sent a thunderous message to the region’s squash elite at the 2026 Caribbean Junior Squash Championships (Junior CASA), storming to a historic first-ever team title and cementing their status as the undisputed kings of the court.

The Vincy contingent’s fairy-tale campaign in Tortola ignited with a blistering start in the individual events, where the young guns racked up a glittering haul of two golds, one silver, and one bronze.

Zavin Garrick (Under-11) and Jayden George (Under-17) topped the podium, while the Boys Doubles pairing secured silver and Jaydon Williams fought his way to bronze in the Under-19 category.

But the real fireworks were saved for the team competition. The star-studded sextet of Zavin Garrick, Savante Padmore, Ethan Webster, Jayden George, Aiden DeFreitas, and Jaydon Williams lived up to their No. 1 seeding with a ruthless display of power and precision.

The group stage was little more than a procession for the Vincies, who dispatched Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana with emphatic scorelines.

A 4-2 semifinal demolition of the Cayman Islands then set up a mouth-watering rematch with defending champions and longtime regional powerhouse Guyana.

If there were any doubts about SVG’s credentials after their 5-1 group-stage win over the Guyanese, they were brutally erased in the final.

The team’s youngest hero, Garrick, drew first blood with a clinical 11-2, 11-0, 11-4 dismantling of Jude Gobin. Jayden George and Jaydon Williams followed suit, dismissing Justin Ten Pow and Joshua Verwey in straight games to leave the title hanging in the balance.

With the trophy within touching distance, it was Aiden DeFreitas who etched his name into SVG folklore. Inspired by his rampaging teammates, DeFreitas weathered a spirited fightback to seal a pulsating 11-8, 10-12, 11-2, 11-9 victory over Shiloh Asregado, sparking wild celebrations as SVG captured their maiden Caribbean team crown.

The success wasn’t confined to the boys’ camp. The girls’ team of Caeli George, Naira Skye-John, and Ciara George battled to a commendable 9th-place finish, contributing to an overall team standings podium as the Vincies clinched 3rd place overall.

With the taste of history still fresh, head coach Jules Snagg and his charges are already setting their sights on defending their title in 2027.

Meanwhile, golden boy Jayden George is preparing for the ultimate test of his young career, jetting off to Canada for the World Junior Squash Championships, which run from 20-31 July 2026.

The Bermuda government Monday tabled legislation aimed at strengthen the legislative framework for price transparency and enhancing the work of the Cost of Living Commission.

Home Affairs Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne said the legislation represents an important step in the government’s wider work to address affordability through informed and evidence-based policy.

“The cost of living remains a significant concern for the public, and our response must be grounded in a clearer understanding of the factors influencing the prices people pay for essential commodities and critical services,” said Lightbourne.

“Greater price transparency will help us understand pricing trends, assess pressures across the market and build the evidence required for targeted action. Better information will support the work of the Commission, give consumers greater visibility and strengthen the government’s ability to develop policies that can deliver meaningful, long-term improvements in affordability,” she added.

The government said that the Cost of Living Commission Amendment (No. 2) Bill 2026 will provide greater visibility into pricing trends and the factors contributing to the cost of essential commodities and, once designated, critical services.

It said that the strengthened framework will build a more robust evidence base to support a clearer understanding of Bermuda’s pricing environment and inform targeted, long-term policy action.

Critical services may include services connected to the transportation, shipping, freight, wholesale and retail of household goods, as well as household utilities such as electricity, telecommunications and trucked water.

The legislation also provides a process for services to be designated as critical based on factors including necessity, available substitutes and their impact on affordability.

The government said the legislation modernises the Commission’s framework by moving beyond a fixed list of individual goods to broader categories of essential commodities. It said the inclusion of designated critical services recognises the wider range of costs that can affect household budgets and the journey of goods and services through Bermuda’s supply chain.

The strengthened framework will support the Commission’s ability to examine affordability, pricing trends and market structures, undertake studies and make evidence-based recommendations. It will also improve public access to price information and strengthen transparency where legislative reporting requirements apply.

A spokesperson for the Cost of Living Commission said the amendments will strengthen the Commission’s independent oversight role and improve the information available to consumers. “The Cost of Living Commission is independent, and our work remains objective, evidence-based and carried out in accordance with the law. Greater transparency across essential commodities and designated critical services will strengthen our ability to examine trends and better understand price movements.

“We encourage the public to pay attention to the prices they pay, review their receipts and bills, and compare prices where possible. An informed public contributes to greater visibility and a more transparent marketplace,” the spokesperson added.

For millions of Haitians, daily life has become a struggle to stay safe, find enough food and simply move around their own neighbourhood.

Powerful armed gangs control large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and continue expanding into other parts of the country. Families are fleeing their homes in record numbers, schools and health centres have closed, and humanitarian agencies are struggling to meet soaring needs as funding runs dangerously low.

Over the last weekend, the Northern Department Police (DDN) said that for the period June 1 to July 17, several gang members were fatally wounded during exchanges of fire with the police, and a quantity of firearms seized.

The police said on July 15, in the Latanbri area, a locality in the Morin neighborhood, gang leader Peterson Belony and his right-hand man, known as “Dejwe” were fatally wounded. They said during the period June 27 – 28, in the commune of Limonade, gang leader Alland Gérôme, alias “Jhon” was fatally wounded.

In addition, 391 people were arrested. Murder, attempted murder, robbery, rape, illegal possession of firearms, kidnapping, unlawful confinement, criminal conspiracy, and breach of trust are the main charges, the police added.

Meanwhile, three new Haitian criminal groups have been added to the UN blacklist. They are are Gran Grif,, Kraze Baryè, and 400 Mawozo.

According to the UN website, as of today, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as violence, displacement and economic hardship reinforce one another. It said more than half the country’s population of around 11 million now needs relief aid.

Around 6.4 million people need humanitarian assistance with 3.3 million prioritized for support.

1.47 million people have fled their homes largely due to violence and more than 5.8 million people are expected to go hungry this year.

The UN said violence continues to disrupt healthcare, clean water supplies and education, while aid organizations are trying to keep hospitals, nutrition programmes and emergency shelters operating despite shrinking resources.

The 2026 humanitarian appeal is critically underfunded. By mid-June, only 25 per cent of the required US$880 million had been received, limiting life-saving operations.

It noted that Haiti has not had an elected president since the murder of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, due to long-term instability and insecurity and that restoring democratic government remains one of the country’s biggest challenges, but credible voting cannot take place unless security improves significantly.

“Armed gangs continue to control many neighbourhoods and major roads, making it difficult to register voters, move election materials and guarantee public safety,” according to the UN website.

It said even so, preparations have accelerated in recent months and with a US$120 million election budget agreed it is hoped that the first round of voting can be held before the end of 2026, allowing an elected president to take office in February 2027.

The UN said violence by heavily armed gangs concentrated largely in Port-au-Prince remains the single biggest obstacle to Haiti’s recovery and that competition between rival criminal groups over territory and extortion has fuelled increasingly brutal fighting.

The consequences for ordinary Haitians are devastating.

In one major outbreak of violence around the Cité Soleil neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince, earlier this year, at least 542 people were killed and 355 injured. During those clashes at least 176 women and girls were raped.

Children are also increasingly caught up in the crisis. Many have been forced to flee their homes, while others are being recruited by gangs or exposed to extreme violence.

The UN said that for the first time in many months, Haitian security forces have begun to record some tangible, if limited, successes against armed gangs.

“Specialised police units have pushed criminal groups out of several strategic locations in Port-au-Prince, reopening some major roads and allowing government institutions to return to parts of the city centre.

“A major new development has been the launch of the Gang Suppression Force, a UN-backed international security operation established to help Haiti regain control of areas dominated by criminal groups.”

Meanwhile, two specialised judicial units have begun operating to investigate mass crimes, sexual violence and major financial crimes.

But the UN notes that despite these recent operations, gangs remain capable of launching deadly attacks, extorting communities and disrupting everyday life.

“Egregious human rights violations continue across Haiti. Armed gangs are responsible for killings, kidnappings, rape and the forced displacement of entire communities. Sexual violence is increasingly being used to terrorize neighbourhoods under gang control.”

The UN said that Haiti’s political, security and humanitarian crises are all connected. It will be hard to hold elections without better security. Security gains will be difficult to sustain without stronger governance.

“And none of it will work if millions of people are still struggling with hunger, displacement and violence.”

The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) Monday said it is concerned about public commentary which has included personal attacks on members of the Court of Appeal following the ruling last weekend involving the prominent businessman, Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve, who remain in prison.

“While robust public discussion of judicial decisions is entirely legitimate in a democratic society, criticism should remain respectful and not descend into unfounded allegations that impugn the integrity or independence of the Judiciary,” LAT said in a statement.

Last Friday, the Court of Appeal upheld an urgent application filed by the state suspending an earlier ruling ordering the immediate release of the Hadeeds and placed under strict house arrest.

Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh and Justices Mark Mohammed and Ricky Rahim in an unanimous decision granted the stay pending a decision of the London-based Privy Council, the country’s highest and final court, where the matter is to be heard.

The Court of Appeal ruled that if the Hadeeds were released and the allegations of an ongoing conspiracy proved to be true, the potential harm to the public interest would outweigh the prejudice caused by their continued detention for a short period pending the Privy Council hearing.

It also ruled that the risk of the Hadeeds being outside of prison, outweighs the concerns over medical attention given to them in prison with the state now committing to allowing improved medical attention to the Hadeeds in prison.

The founding owner of Blue Waters Products Limited and his wife, have been detained since June 24 after police officers arrested them at their home. Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander signed preventative detention orders (PDOs) three days later authorising their continued detention on “intelligence” alleging they were involved in an ongoing conspiracy to assassinate Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General John Jeremie and other senior government officials.

No criminal charges have been laid against either of them. Their relative, Star Sabga, 70, who was also detained under a PDO, remains in prison custody since her detention was not challenged in court.

In its statement, LATT said it is important to recognise that the Court of Appeal’s recent decision was made in the context of an interlocutory application and that “such proceedings do not necessarily determine the ultimate legality of the detention or the constitutionality of the Emergency Powers regime.

“Those substantive questions remain capable of judicial determination in the proceedings before the Court,” the LATT said, noting that the Supreme Court “is charged with the weighty responsibility of resolving disputes between parties”.

It said those disputes sometimes involve “the liberty of the subject, and it is to the Supreme Court that we all look to ensure that justice is done”.

The LATT said that the very fact that the issues are before the court “demonstrates that the constitutional safeguards established by the Constitution remain operational during a State of Emergency”.

It said that questions concerning the legality of “detention and scope of emergency powers are matters which our courts are constitutionally entrusted to determine”.

In its three page statement, LATT said it has “every confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and in the judicial process established by the Constitution.

“The LATT urges its members to advise their clients (members of the public) that in exercising their right to comment on and/or criticise the decision, to do so respectfully, and to refrain from attacking the integrity of the Court or making statements which undermine public confidence in the administration of justice”.

Guyanese government as well as search and rescue officials remain confident that more persons would be found alive even as the bodies of 27 people have so far been recovered after the MV Barima with more than 179 people on board capsized last Saturday night.

The ferry was on its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region of the country when the deadly incident took place.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips told a news conference that despite the official manifest indicating that 116 passengers and a crew of 17 had been on board the vessel, the authorities believe that 179 people including the crew members were on the vessel when it capsized after being hit by a large wave.

“At this stage of the operations, the number of rescued persons, including passengers and crew, the number is now 69, and a total of 27 bodies have been recovered as at now,” Prime Minister Phillips said, telling reporters that among the dead are four children.

“The latest report suggests an additional 83 persons are still to be found. They are deemed missing and still to be found. Again, this is a search and rescue operation. It remains a search and rescue operation.

“Notwithstanding the fact that we are recovering bodies, we still have hope that people are out there who are alive, and therefore we continue our search and rescue activities,” Phillips said, adding that he has been told that the vessel may have pockets of air where people could survive for a few days.

He said that the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Police Force have established joint protocols for the processing, transport, and storage of the deceased.

Phillips said that early on Monday debris was sighted at sea by a pilot vessel and shortly thereafter, the body of a female was recovered off the coast at Maruka.

He said later in the morning, the team, led by the Guyana Defence Force Force Guard had recovered an additional eight bodies, bringing the total number of bodies recovered since the start of these operations to 10.

“Through the aggressive and coordinated efforts of all responding agencies and stakeholders, the location of the MV Barima was positively confirmed. The location was initially reported by a fisherman, Harish Singh, who had also assisted in the rescue operations on the previous day,” Phillips said.

“Support from local fisherfolk and the collaborative efforts by ExxonMobil, Guyana, Vichy, utilising Sealand Survey’s Gilligan Island, a survey vessel, proved invaluable in confirming the vessels, that is the MV Barima, exact location.’

He said the MV Barima was found rested on the seabed close to the point of initial distress that was communicated by the air traffic control tower, nine miles offshore Devonshire Castle flats.

Prime Minister Phillips said that the government of France, through the French Armed Forces, has provided additional critical support with the deployment of 15 divers, who have since joined the local dive teams at the confirmed vessel site.

He said additional search and dive capabilities have been offered by the Trinidad and Tobago government.

Prime Minister Phillips said that family members will subsequently be invited to undertake identification procedures at the Sodi Hospital and that the government is providing air transport to some villagers to help identify and retrieve bodies.

“The Maritime Rescue Command Centre will remain operational, and rescue operations and efforts will continue overnight. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the affected families and the Guyanese public at this time.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I want to make a point that our focus, again, is on finding people, find them alive. Unfortunately, we did find some people who would pass on during this unfortunate incident, and in that case, efforts to recover their bodies and have them positively identified and working with their families and their communities to bring closure, which will include transportation in keeping with the wishes of the family of the dead, to their communities for interment in keeping with whatever rights they request,” Phillips said.

He was critical of “unnamed” persons whom he said were using the incident for political reasons, adding “as far as I’m concerned, that’s an immature act by whoever tried to politicise this incident.

“We, however, remain focused on our efforts to rescue people to be rescued, and unfortunately, those who would have passed to recover their bodies and respectfully work with their families to bring closure. That is our focus,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali Monday said that Guyana has been plunged into a tragedy of immense proportions following the incident.

In a radio and television broadcast, Ali, who returned to the country on Sunday after cutting short his visit to Canada, said the tragedy “has pierced the heart of our nation, leaving us united in grief, anxiety and sorrow.

“Families wait in expectation and anguish for news of loved ones. Communities are mourning. Across Guyana, our hearts are heavy as we confront one of the most painful moments in our history.”

Ali said he had visited survivors as well as the families and relations of some of those still missing, visiting also hospitals.

“It was a deeply emotional experience. I listened to their stories, shared in their pain and anxiety, and assured them that every practical measure would be taken to provide the support and assistance they need at this time

“Our priority remains to protect every life that can still be saved; to support those who have endured unimaginable trauma and loss; to comfort grieving families; and to account for every person who remains unaccounted for. Every minute matters, every life matters, and every possible resource is being mobilised in pursuit of this mission.”

Ali said he also wanted to pay the highest tribute to the “extraordinary men and women who responded immediately to this disaster,” adding that from the moment news of the tragedy reached us, a massive rescue effort was launched with urgency and determination.

“I commend the bravery, selflessness and courage of every individual involved in these operations,” he said, adding “their actions have reflected the very best of Guyana.

“This has been a truly national effort in a time of profound national anguish. It is a powerful reminder that when adversity strikes, the people of Guyana stand shoulder to shoulder, united by our shared humanity.”

Ali said he also wanted to assure the nation that there will be “a full, thorough and independent investigation into this tragedy,” adding “the families affected, and indeed the people of Guyana, deserve answers.

“They deserve to know precisely what transpired and whether any failures contributed to this heartbreaking event. We will pursue the truth with transparency, impartiality and accountability.

“But now is not the time for speculation. It is not the time to cast aspersions or to politicize a tragedy that has brought such unspeakable pain to so many. There will be a time for facts, for accountability and for measured judgment.

“Today, however, our collective responsibility is to save lives, to comfort the grieving, to support the traumatized, and to stand with every family whose world has been turned upside down,” Ali said in his broadcast.

He said he is urging every Guyanese to keep the victims, the survivors, their families, and the brave rescuers in their thoughts and prayers, adding “we owe it to every passenger aboard the M.V. Barima, those who have been rescued, those who have been lost, and those who remain unaccounted for, to come together in unity, solidarity and purpose as we undertake the mammoth task that still lies before us.

“In the coming hours and days, it is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country. There are going to be long days ahead of us, difficult days from this tragedy but we must come together in love, unity, faith, patience and reverence to the families and communities most affected,” Ali said, adding that he would soon “announce the form of mourning our nation will take”.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) will officially recognise Barbadian pace legend Kemar Roach for his historic achievement of claiming 300 Test wickets during a special on-field presentation at the innings break of the fifth One-Day International between the West Indies and New Zealand at Kensington Oval on Tuesday, July 21.

Roach, who became only the fifth West Indian and second Barbadian to reach the coveted landmark, achieved the milestone during the Men in Maroon’s victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series in Antigua.

The 38-year-old now stands among the immortal names of West Indies cricket, joining Courtney Walsh (519), Sir Curtly Ambrose (405), Malcolm Marshall (376), and Lance Gibbs (305) in an elite brotherhood of bowling greatness.

The presentation will feature representatives from Cricket West Indies, the Government of Barbados, and the Barbados Cricket Association, coming together to salute one of the region’s finest modern-day pacemen.

With free admission having been announced in honour of the late Sir Garfield Sobers, organisers are encouraging Barbadians and cricket fans alike to fill the stands at the historic Kensington Oval and show their appreciation for Roach’s remarkable journey.

CWI President Dr. The Hon. Kishore Shallow paid glowing tribute to Roach’s illustrious career, emphasising the significance of honouring a player who has carried the West Indies attack with distinction for nearly two decades.

“For the better part of two decades, Kemar has represented the West Indies with distinction, displaying extraordinary skill, heart and determination every time he has worn the maroon cap,” Dr Shallow said. “He has been an outstanding ambassador for Caribbean cricket, and an inspiration to generations of young fast bowlers.”

“I am personally heartened to witness a player of this generation whose unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions have earned him a rightful place among the legends of our game. On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I once again extend heartfelt congratulations to Kemar on this remarkable achievement. It is a richly deserved honour, and one that reflects the profound impact he has made on West Indies cricket.”

Since making his Test debut against Bangladesh in 2009, Roach has established himself as one of the premier fast bowlers of his era. His 300 Test wickets have come at an exceptional average of approximately 28.83 and an economy rate of 3.10, with 12 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul to his name. Renowned for his immaculate control, subtle late movement, and relentless accuracy, Roach has enjoyed success across all major Test-playing nations and has been the cornerstone of the West Indies pace attack throughout his career.

In recent years, the veteran quick has assumed a pivotal leadership role within the West Indies bowling unit, mentoring younger pacemen while continuing to deliver match-winning performances. His influence extends far beyond statistics, serving as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers throughout the Caribbean region.

Attorney Criston J Williams says the legality of the state’s decision to transfer dozens of prisoners from the Maximum-Security Prison to Teteron Barracks of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) under the 2025 State of Emergency (SoE) could become another major test of the constitutional limits on executive power.

The matter is scheduled for a virtual case management conference on September 28 and follows a ruling by High Court judge, Justice Westmin RA James, last Friday granting remand prisoner Earl Richards leave to pursue judicial review proceedings against the Commissioner of Prisons and the Attorney General over his transfer to the military facility and the conditions under which he was detained.

Williams is one of two attorneys representing Richards and argues that his client’s constitutional rights were infringed after he was moved from the Maximum Security Prison to Teteron Barracks before the facility had been lawfully designated as a prison.

He is also alleging that subsequent legislative measures could not retrospectively validate what was unlawful at the time.

The High Court challenge come almost a year after detainees were relocated to Teteron under emergency powers, a move that sparked widespread public debate over the treatment of prisoners and the extent of the State’s authority during the State of Emergency.

In their arguments before the court, the lawyers say they were subjected to extraordinary security measures while attempting to meet with their client. In one instance, Lewis said he was instructed to wear a grey nylon drawstring bag over his head while being transported through the military installation and, on another occasion, was told by armed, masked officers that attorneys would have to be searched and blindfolded before seeing their client.

Williams said the case reflects broader constitutional issues surrounding the exercise of emergency powers and the State’s reliance on national security.

Williams said that the recent Court of Appeal ruling in the case involving prominent businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve, has fundamentally changed the legal question that arises whenever the Minister of Homeland Security exercises the extraordinary power to issue a Preventive Detention Order (PDOs).

Williams argue that while intelligence sources and operational methods may remain confidential, the State must still demonstrate a sufficient factual basis before depriving someone of their liberty.

“The phrase ‘national security’ has become the end of the conversation for many people,” Williams said, addingh “The Hadeed decision demonstrates that this is not the law.”

Last Friday, Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh and Justices Mark Mohammed and Ricky Rahim in an unanimous decision inn favour of the state, granting a stay ordering the immediate release of the Hadeeds pending a decision of the London-based Privy Council, the country’s highest and final court, where the matter is to be heard.

Williams further argued that information does not become intelligence simply because it is labelled as such and maintained that generalised concerns, broad conclusions and unexplained opinions cannot satisfy the statutory threshold for preventive detention.

Justice James similarly found that Richards had raised arguable grounds suitable for judicial review, rejecting the State’s contention that his complaints should instead be determined by the State of Emergency Review Tribunal.

Williams said he believes the Richards matter demonstrates that the constitutional principles established in Hadeed are already influencing new legal challenges.

He said legal practitioners across Trinidad and Tobago are examining preventive detention orders made during the SoE through the lens of the Hadeed ruling, with future cases likely to focus on whether the information presented to the Minister was sufficiently particularised and analytically robust to justify detention.

Williams said such challenges should not be viewed as weakening national security but as an essential safeguard under the rule of law.

“Public safety and constitutional liberty are not competing ideals; they are complementary obligations that must be carefully balanced whenever the State seeks to exercise the extraordinary power of preventive detention,” Williams said.