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The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Tuesday said that judicial warrants had been issued for the ‘apprehension’ of the Minister of Housing David Lee and businessman Hugh Leong Poi.

David Lee

In a statement, the TTPS said that ‘ these warrants were filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) pursuant to Section 23(5) of the Indictable Offences (Preliminary Enquiry) Act’.

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.

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.

In his first major interview since taking the helm, newly installed Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Football Head Coach Angus Eve has issued a bold declaration of intent, expressing firm belief that he can guide the Women’s Soca Warriors out of their first-round group and into the final round of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Angus Eve

Speaking on a special edition of the i95.5 FM ‘-6 to 26’ World Cup Podcast with hosts Andre Errol Baptiste and Tony Lee, Eve acknowledged the significant challenges ahead but framed them as a historic opportunity.

‘We’ve never done it before, so obviously, there’s an opportunity to do something that has never been done. And I believe in that sort of thing,’ Eve stated, underscoring his motivation for accepting the role. ‘I believe in giving back to my country.’

The coach, who had a brief stint with the women’s program earlier this year, said that experience was pivotal.

‘I got a better sense of women’s football and the sacrifices that they make to be a part of a sport that they love, and I just wanna contribute to that.’

However, Eve was candid about the uphill battle his team faces. He revealed that the female program has been inactive for approximately 18 months and that there is no active women’s football league currently running in the country.

This, coupled with societal differences in how young women access the game, has created a significant preparation deficit.

‘Female players don’t just do like men, you know,’ Eve explained. ‘You could send your son down on the corner, and he will sweat on the roadside with the other players. Parents don’t normally send their daughters out like that. So, they haven’t been actually active for a little while.’

The immediate challenge involves squad selection. With the country still awaiting the proclamation of the much-anticipated ‘Grandparents Law,’ which could expand the player pool, Coach Eve confirmed that a mainly locally based team will be utilised for the crucial first qualifier against Barbados in November.

He also noted that rival nations, including Barbados, have already begun their preparations, putting Trinidad and Tobago on the back foot.

Despite the obstacles, Eve is looking beyond the first round. He addressed the daunting fixture against regional powerhouses Jamaica, a game scheduled by the TTFA before his appointment. Rather than shying away, he welcomes the test.

‘I’m welcoming the opportunity for our girls to go and show what they can do against a top-ranked team like Jamaica, because then it will give us a better yardstick on the teams that we have to play later on,’ Eve said. ‘When you’re playing in a qualifying series, you have to play the best teams to qualify, so this will be a good test.’

Acknowledging the team has never beaten a major Concacaf force like the USA or Canada, Eve called for realism but not a lack of ambition.

The Belize government says it is seeking legal advice to determine who should be held responsible for the death of a 25-year-old welder last weekend after a ‘training bomb’ he thought was a decoration, exploded.

Jose Valencia,25, had been hired to weld two hooks onto the side of what he was told were decorative training bombs. Valencia had been hired by former parliamentary representative for the San Jose Nuevo Palmar Village, northwest of here, Dave Burgos, to weld the hooks.

However, the bomb was not just for decoration and proved to be extremely deadly when it was set off while Valencia was carrying out his work.

Home Affairs Minister, Kareem Musa, said the police are combing through Belize’s laws to determine what, if any, charges can be levied. He is also questioning whether the British military will take any responsibility for leaving behind these deadly devices in Belize.

‘That is something that we will have to get legal guidance on in terms of responsibility, how it is that Mr. Burgos even came into possession of these things. Because like I mentioned and as it turns out, extremely dangerous to have in your possession, something like that. So we will have to look at the legal options,’ Musa said.

The government had earlier issued a statement indicating that an unexploded and exploded ordnance (UXO) found last week in San Jose Nuevo Palmar Village was a ‘training bomb’ and that the general area was once used as a training ground, ‘and therefore, similar findings may occur’.

It said that the UXO was identified as a MK1, General Purpose Medium Capacity/ Aircraft Bomb and that it was ‘confirmed to be a training bomb.

‘These MK1 General Purpose Medium Capacity Bombs are typically armed with TNT; however, this particular training bomb contained only a ‘spotting charge.’ This charge serves as an exploder, producing a small explosion to mark the point of impact during training exercises,’ the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security said.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Stacy Smith, said that the police department in connection with the Belize Defense Force (BDF) ‘who is the primary experts as it relates to identifying and categorizing what exactly the device is are in dialogue and we are reviewing the Dangerous Goods Act to the determine what, if any, charges can be brought in light of what the expert opinion as to what exactly that material is.

‘Further to that, a file is being compiled.and that will be forwarded to the office of the DPP for the directives there from,’ she added.

Media reports said that Burgos had three bombs in his possession and following the explosion, members of the BDF were able to safely defused the other two.

Burgos said he thought they were harmless training props meant for decoration.

The ministry said that the explosion caused by the UXO created a crater measuring approximately three feet wide and two inches deep.

‘The Ministry wishes to advise the public that this general area was once used as a training ground, and therefore, similar findings may occur.’

The ministry said that the BDF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, which serves as the national expert authority in such matters, emphasises that ‘if any person encounters a suspected UXO, do not touch, move, or tamper with it, immediately report the finding to the Belize Defence Force so that the ordnance can be safely disarmed and removed’.

In a powerful address to the region’s tourism leaders, Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring issued a stark challenge, calling on airlines and hotels that profit from the sport to finally ‘pull their weight’ and provide crucial financial support.

CWI CEO Chris Dehring (c) addressing the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Barbados.

Speaking at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), Dehring laid out the uncomfortable truth that while West Indies cricket has pumped over $200 million into the Caribbean tourism economy over the last 15 years, it has received almost nothing in return from the sector.

‘We’ve spent US$82.5 million on airlift over the last fifteen years, but received zero dollars in sponsorship from airlines,’ Dehring stated, highlighting a relationship he described as ‘one-sided.’ ‘It is not fair to the development of our sport.’

The financial figures presented were staggering: US$82.5 million spent on airlift for teams and officials. US$120 million spent on hotel accommodations across the region.

Despite this massive injection of cash, Dehring revealed that sponsorship from the tourism sector has been virtually non-existent, with one notable exception: Sandals Resorts International.

He praised Sandals for setting ‘the benchmark for meaningful support,’ while pointing out that the rest of the regional hotel sector has failed to follow their lead.

‘The truth is, the rest of the regional hotel sector has never matched their example,’ Dehring said.

The CWI CEO framed this not as a plea, but as a necessary conversation for the survival of the game. He argued that tourism reaps tremendous benefits from cricket, driving visitor arrivals, filling hotel rooms, and strengthening the Caribbean brand-while CWI is left to shoulder the entire financial burden.

‘This is not about shifting responsibility. It is about acknowledging that CWI as an organisation cannot do it alone,’ Dehring stressed. ‘Shared investment is critical at this juncture for future-proofing our beloved game.’

President of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Daniel Best, says for the Caribbean region, climate finance isn’t just about development, it is existential.

‘The scale of financing we need to build resilience and recover from disasters is enormous. But here is the risk: as climate finance flows increase, so do opportunities for corruption. For CDB and our Borrowing Member Countries (BMC), this creates a double imperative.

‘We must secure climate finance, and we must ensure it’s deployed with integrity. Any governance failures could jeopardise our access to future resources, access our region desperately needs. Strong accountability frameworks aren’t optional; they are prerequisites for survival,’ Best told delegates attending the 22 nd annual meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network (IAMNet).

CDB President, Daniel Best, addressing the three day 22nd annual meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network (IAMNet).

The meeting, which ends on Thursday, has brought together accountability professionals from development finance institutions worldwide. It is being organised in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI) and the Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.

Participants include representatives from the World Bank, IDB, IFC, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other international finance institutions.

IAMNet was established to strengthen cooperation among independent accountability mechanisms and promote best practices in addressing complaints related to development projects. Member mechanisms provide platforms for communities and individuals affected by development projects to raise concerns about environmental and social harm.

In his address, Best told the conference that beyond climate vulnerability, the Caribbean is also exceptionally hazard-prone.

‘Between hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, our countries face catastrophe year after year. Given our susceptibility to natural disasters, we must ensure that when hazards strike, our response does no harm.

‘Many of us are still scarred by what happened in one of our BMC after a natural hazard impact. Some of those sent to provide aid and assistance instead committed atrocious harm against the country’s citizens, including the most vulnerable.

‘The accountability failures there were not administrative lapses, they were moral catastrophes that betrayed the fundamental trust upon which all humanitarian and development work depends. This is precisely the kind of failure that robust accountability mechanisms exist to prevent and address.’

Best said that the region is also facing severe economic challenges, noting that the small, open economies, massive debt burdens, and limited fiscal space leave regional countries with zero room for error.

‘Every development dollar must count. There is no cushion for waste and no margin for corruption. When a project fails because of corruption or poor safeguards, that is not just a number on a report, it is a clinic that would not be built, teachers who would not be hired, young people who won’t get scholarships, roads that would not be constructed,’ Best said, adding ‘in the Caribbean, accountability is not a luxury. It is survival’.

Best recalled that the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres had recently issued a stark warning that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are ‘alarmingly off track’ describing the statement as ‘an emergency declaration.

‘Less than 20 per cent of SDG targets will be achieved by 2030. Nearly half are moving too slowly. Eighteen per cent are actually regressing. Think about what that means, not in statistics, but in lives.

‘Progress against poverty, inadequate. The fight against hunger, too slow. Climate action, grossly insufficient. Children waiting for schools that would not be built. People waiting for health services that would not come.’

Best said that this sobering reality is proof that ambition alone is not enough and that progress must be tracked, measured, and backed by accountability.

‘No doubt this is why, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, the resolution stated that ‘a robust, voluntary, effective, participatory, transparent and integrated follow-up and review framework will make a vital contribution to implementation and will help countries to maximise and track progress in implementing this Agenda in order to ensure that no one is left behind’.

He said the UN General Assembly understood that accountability mechanisms are not obstacles to the SDGs, but enablers.

‘Regional and global mechanisms like yours act as force multipliers for national efforts. This is absolutely critical because the painful truth is that between 10 and 30 per cent of development resources leak away to corruption, to mismanagement, to non-compliance.

‘And let me be clear about who pays the price: it’s always the vulnerable. The widow who can’t access support. The community displaced. The young person denied opportunity

That is unacceptable. And this is why your work, the work of Independent Accountability Mechanisms,is not peripheral to development. It is foundational’.

Best said that the true roles of the IAMs are the systems that make development work, adding that ‘development finance is built on trust. Governments trust us with their sovereignty. Communities trust us with their futures. Taxpayers trust us with their contributions. That trust is sacred.

‘Hence.IAM professionals are the guardians of that trust. You ensure that resources reach the people who need them, projects do no harm, communities have a voice, and when things go wrong, those responsible must answer.

‘But IAMs are more than compliance tools. They are vehicles for institutional learning. Complaints reveal gaps we can close. Investigations uncover systemic issues we can fix. Cases offer opportunities for improvement. Your efforts turn mistakes into course corrections.’

He said that the CDB’s commitment to accountability has been embedded ‘in who we are and how we work.

‘Accountability, Integrity, and Transparency are among our core values. In 2015, we established our Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability (ICA) as an operationally independent office covering five functions: institutional integrity, ethics, accountability through our Projects Complaints Mechanism, compliance, and whistleblowing’.

Best told his IAMNet colleagues that they are not just accountability professionals, sang ‘you are guardians, guardians of trust, of resources, of promises made to real people. You are guardians of sustainable development itself, which means you are guardians of your fellow citizens.

‘The next era of development finance will be defined not by the scale of resources we mobilise, but by the effectiveness of those resources in changing lives. You are central to that effectiveness.

‘As we face the urgent reality of off-track SDGs, shrinking aid budgets, intensifying climate disasters, and rising public skepticism, accountability mechanisms offer the pathway to restore trust and drive results.

‘Let us build a development finance system where every dollar reaches its intended purpose, every voice is valued, every institution learns continuously, and every community can hold us accountable. This is the infrastructure of trust. This is accountability as transformation. This is how we ensure that the people we serve can truly thrive,’ he 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.

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.

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 Public Prosecution Service (OM) says it will continue to tae action against transnational and organized drug crime after it ordered the destruction of two suspected drug-carrying aircraft in the Marowijne, a district located on the north-east coast of the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

The aircraft were found last week on an illegal airstrip inland and the OM said the exercise was done in collaboration with the relevant security services.

It said that last Thursday, the Judicial Intervention Team (JIT) received information about two aircraft suspected of being involved in an illegal drug landing and having malfunctioned.

The OM said that at the scene, authorities found two twin-engine aircraft-one white and one blue-and-white-that were no longer capable of flying. Various objects were also found in the area, including a barrel, large jerry cans, a gasoline pump, and other materials believed to have been used in the illegal operation.

It said that on Sunday, both aircraft were destroyed on site, at the request of the Attorney General.

‘This took place under the supervision of an assistant public prosecutor and members of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT). Recovery of the aircraft proved impossible due to the severity of the damage.’

No one has been detained as a result of the seizure.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

WASHINGTON – The World Bank Tuesday said that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) continues its efforts to reignite growth and create more and better jobs, but progress remains constrained.

GEORGETOWN – The leader of the recently formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed, says he will not be silenced and accused the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) of delaying the opening of the new parliament following the September 1 general and regional elections.

BELMOPAN – The Belize government it is seeking legal advice to determine who should be held responsible for the death of a 25-year-old welder last weekend after a ‘training bomb’ exploded.

BRIDGETOW – President of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Daniel Best, says for the Caribbean region, climate finance isn’t just about development, it is existential.

KINGSTOWN – The chief executive officer of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), Adam Stewart, says the company will in 2026 begin working on the design of the Beaches resort it intends to build here.

VICTORIA – Dominica’s Prime Minister RooseveltSkerrit has held talks with the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee on issues of mutual interest, accoording to a statement isssued by the government here.

SPORTS:

DUBAI – 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.