Tobago Channel 5, 65-67 Signal Hill Road, Signal Hill, Scarborough (2026)

06/08/2026

Alleged 6 Gang leader Shakyl O’Neil, also known as “Shak”, is among five individuals named in the latest Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs) published in the Trinidad and Tobago Gazette.

The detention orders, signed by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander on various dates, set out the intelligence used to justify the detentions. State documents allege O’Neil leads the 6 Gang operating in Beverly Hills, East Dry River, and Clifton Towers, and "directed retaliatory shootings against the rival 7 Gang following the killing of a gang member in February."

The Gazette also published detention orders for Andre Villafana, Stephan Alexander, Blossom Keisha Caesar, and Alva Daly.

Villafana, also known as “Circles”, was identified as an alleged member of the Grim 7 Gang. Records state he "acted as a car thief and enforcer and planned attacks after a dispute within the gang."

Stephan Alexander, also known as “Jazzy”, and Caesar were identified as alleged members of the Barry Maraj Gang. Intelligence linked them to "a recent double murder, armed robberies in Siparia and an escalating conflict with the Pegus organised crime group."

Daly, also known as “Prince Michael”, was named as an alleged member of the Dickson Street Gang in Arouca, where authorities claimed he "stored fi****ms and narcotics and monitored police movements."

Additionally, a detention order signed on 12 May was published for Dennis Mason, alleging he was a member of the Nine Gang in Laventille involved in "drug trafficking, armed attacks and home invasions."

06/08/2026

Children as young as three years old are learning creative and developmental skills, including tie-dyeing, artificial intelligence (AI), and problem-solving, as part of a summer camp hosted by Port-of-Spain South Member of Parliament Keith Scotland.

A total of 25 participants gathered at the MP's Piccadilly Street constituency office for the launch of the initiative, which has been significantly oversubscribed with over 200 applications.

According to Scotland, the programme was designed to expose children to constructive activities beyond the traditional classroom setting.

"I want to stimulate their brain, stimulate their creativity. We have a slew of activities; we started with tie-dye, we are doing AI, we are doing technology, we are going to do face painting, we’re going to do art, we’re going to do writing, they’re going to do choral speaking. I’m going to assist in the development of these young people so they can be meaningful contributors to our society," Scotland stated.

With interest surpassing available spaces, Scotland indicated that consideration is being given to extending the schedule into next week.

"Thursday we may do the choral speaking. Today they start with the tie-dye; they start with their hands today. Then tomorrow they work with their brains, you know, we do a little AI, we do a little treasure hunt, we do problem-solving, a little math. But the main thing is they must have fun. That is what I want them to have, fun," Scotland added.

Scotland explained that he decided to host a summer camp instead of his usual back-to-school drive after recognising a need for children to engage in constructive activities during the holiday period, while providing parents with relief in a safe environment.

06/08/2026

The Jamaican High Commission commemorated 188 years of “Emancipendence” with a thanksgiving service at the Parish of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Maraval, ahead of Jamaica’s Independence Day.

Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Natalie Campbell-Rodriques, stated that the service celebrated three major milestones: the 188th anniversary of Emancipation, the 63rd anniversary of Independence, and 63 years of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Campbell-Rodriques explained that the term “Emancipendence” combines the words Emancipation and Independence to reflect the nation’s twin celebrations of freedom from slavery and political independence.

“As Jamaicans, we give thanks to God for the strength and guidance that has taken our country from enslavement to the fulfilment of independence,” Campbell-Rodriques said. “Our forefathers brought us out of the darkness of slavery, sustained not by material wealth, but by an unyielding hope in the promise of freedom.”

She noted that Jamaica’s journey demonstrated the resilience and determination of its people, adding that this year’s national theme, “United in Celebrating Resilience,” reflects this enduring strength. Furthermore, she described the relationship between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago as one built on “mutual respect, strong people-to-people ties and shared regional values,” while thanking the host nation for its solidarity following Hurricane Melissa.

Representing Minister Sean Sobers, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Randall Karim, stated that the occasion “honoured the resilience of both nations’ ancestors while celebrating 63 years of diplomatic relations and reaffirming a commitment to continued regional cooperation and brotherhood.”

In an Emancipation message, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, urged Jamaicans to reflect on the “courage and sacrifice of their ancestors” and to celebrate the “freedom, identity and nationhood that continue to shape the country’s future.”

06/08/2026

The Opposition Leader, Pennelope Beckles, has accused the Government of “potentially using the water supply as a tool for political victimisation,” stating that residents in Arima and parts of East Trinidad believe their worsening water shortages began after the April 28 General Election.

Making the claim in a statement on Wednesday, Beckles highlighted weeks-long disruptions affecting several communities, including Valencia West, where she said “some residents have been without a pipe-borne water supply for almost three weeks”.

Beckles stated that residents in Pinto Road, Calvary, Santa Rosa and Arima Proper, who previously received a regular water supply, are now experiencing “prolonged shortages and low water pressure”. She added that because water distribution relies on manual operations, “turnkey” workers have indicated they are “acting on instructions from senior officials,” which has fuelled fears of targeting.

“There are serious concerns about possible political victimisation,” she said.

Beckles questioned whether the shortages reflected a national water supply problem and asked why residents in Arima were facing disruptions they had not experienced before. She also criticised the Government’s handling of the sector, noting that $315 million was allocated to improve the country’s water supply, but residents “have yet to see the benefits”.

She claimed that despite extensive work carried out at the Guanapo Water Treatment Plant, there has been no noticeable improvement in the water supply to Arima and East Trinidad.

“This is not performance. Why must the people of Arima continue to suffer like this?” she asked.

06/08/2026

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has defended the decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry and institute murder charges following the MV Barima disaster that left 72 people dead and over 30 missing.

Speaking on his weekly "Issues in the News" programme, Nandlall criticised opposition politicians, stating that "you check at any time in Guyana’s history, you will always see that they are never on the side of the law enforcement agencies…they are never on the side of victims of crime." He added that it would be "a legal conflict of interest for them to pretend or purport to act for the persons who have perished or were affected by this tragedy."

Addressing criticisms regarding murder charges brought against three vessel officials, Nandlall highlighted that the Director of Public Prosecutions is "an independent constitutional office that is not the subject of any direction or control from any other agency."

On legal arguments surrounding intention, Nandlall noted that "intention is required for murder, but you can infer intention from circumstances. It depends upon the level of recklessness and negligence." He emphasised that "if you can foresee or reasonably foresee that because of your actions, death will result, you don’t need actual intention."

Clarifying the role of the inquiry, he stated it serves as "an investigative enquiry" that "makes findings and then it puts those findings in a report and then it makes recommendations, none of which are binding in law." He affirmed that the commission "can't substitute for the police" nor "usurp" constitutional agencies.

06/08/2026

Trinidad and Tobago is placing greater emphasis on financial oversight, border controls, and inter-agency cooperation as the Government moves to implement the 2025 National Counterterrorism Strategy.

At the second meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Counter-Terrorism (IMCCT), Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo stressed that financial systems are central to disrupting terrorism and crime. Tancoo stated that 'modern terrorist organisations and transnational criminal networks rely on financing, international trade and technology to operate.'

'Before an attack is carried out, money must move, goods must cross borders and illicit proceeds must be generated and concealed. If we detect and disrupt those activities early, we reduce the ability of criminal and terrorist organisations to operate,' Tancoo noted. He added that the Ministry of Finance is working to 'strengthen financial intelligence through the Financial Intelligence Unit, modernise Customs administration and improve collaboration with international partners on border security and organised crime.'

Other ministers outlined wider efforts. Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers noted the role of international partnerships in 'improving intelligence sharing, institutional resilience, interoperability and the protection of critical infrastructure.' Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj highlighted 'legal and forensic systems in supporting investigations and prosecutions,' referencing measures like the 'Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Act.'

Defence Minister Wayne Sturge reported that the committee reviewed updates on 'border security, critical infrastructure protection and national preparedness exercises.' Built on five pillars—Prevention, Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery—the 2025 strategy coordinates inter-ministerial efforts against emerging threats.

06/08/2026

Following up on the launch of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition in Florida this past March, attended by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the United States Southern Command activated a new headquarters on Monday.

The Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere replaces the Joint Task Force Southern Spear established in 2025. It is structured to co-ordinate multinational operations with partners, prominently including the T&T Defence Force.

The new entity will maintain sustained pressure on drug-trafficking networks and is expected to "improve coordination with allied governments, accelerate decision-making and increase the tempo of multinational operations against criminal organizations operating regionally."

SouthComm stated the command integrates intelligence and surveillance "to increase pressure on nefarious organizations operating throughout the Western Hemisphere". It is geared to provide "Unified command and control at the tactical and operational levels, integrating military capabilities with the 18 partner nations of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition to increase operational effectiveness against threats that undermine regional security and impact the US and partner nations".

General Francis L. Donovan directed the activation, declaring it SouthComm's "action arm for confronting threats across the hemisphere". He affirmed that it "strengthens our ability to work alongside trusted allies and partners, synchronize military capabilities and apply sustained pressure against the networks that threaten our collective security".

Led by Marine Corps Major General Kevin Jarrard, the headquarters brings together "tailored military capabilities and trusted partnerships to increase total systemic friction, operational tempo, impose sustained pressure on criminal organizations and strengthen the security of the US and our partners". SouthComm added: "Together with the 18 nations of A3C, we’re changing the way we confront these threats".

06/08/2026

In a direct follow-up to the recent public appeal by Diego Martin Mayor Akelah Glasgow-Warner regarding borough road repairs, Opposition Senator Anil Roberts has dismissed her comments, attributing the deteriorated infrastructure to historical political management.

Referring to the Mayor's initial video appeal concerning crumbling roadways, Senator Roberts questioned the critique, pointing to the long-standing political representation of the region. "I see a lady yesterday in some fancy clothes going round pothole in Diego Martin and Petit Valley," Roberts stated, arguing that the highlighted infrastructure issues have persisted for years. "Them potholes old till they collecting pension," he asserted.

Rejecting the Mayor's assertion that recent central funding cuts are solely responsible for local road conditions, the Opposition Senator argued that prior administrative oversight caused the decay. "PNM had MPs, the corporation, the Minister of Finance, all kind of ministers and was in power ten years and that is how the potholes is," Roberts claimed, alleging that key leaks and road defects in the area had gone unaddressed for extended periods.

Advising against public PR campaigns surrounding long-standing infrastructure problems, Roberts concluded, "Slow your roll, lady." He added, "Don't go and take no film in front of old pothole now. Them is PNM potholes."

06/08/2026

Diego Martin Regional Corporation Mayor Akelah Glasgow-Warner has issued a public appeal to the Ministry of Works and Transport, urging immediate action to repair deteriorating main roads and highways within the borough.

Speaking directly from a damaged roadway, Mayor Glasgow-Warner highlighted the severe infrastructure challenges facing local motorists and residents. "The main roads in Diego Martin, the highways in Diego Martin, need the Ministry of Works to do their part," she stated, emphasizing that responsibility for major thoroughfares falls outside local municipal jurisdiction. "The corporation cannot continue to be blamed for the things that you all are neglecting."

Addressing central government officials directly, she appealed for targeted intervention to restore damaged infrastructure across the district. "I am pleading with the Ministry of Works, come out and do what you all are supposed to do," Glasgow-Warner urged, citing severe financial restrictions impacting local government operations. "Even if we wanted to assist, we can't because we don't have enough funds to do it. Every councillor was allocated $50,000 under the Ministry of Local Government. Stop neglecting Diego Martin."

She added that the intervention is essential for local commuters: "This is not for me. This is for the drivers. These are for the people that live around here."

06/08/2026

Mayaro Member of Parliament Nicholas Morris has welcomed the Government’s decision to establish a joint army-police post in his constituency. Morris, who also serves as Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that the decision reflects Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s 'commitment to strengthening security in both rural and urban communities.'

Following the announcement that Mayaro would be among 30 communities expected to receive joint army-police posts over the next four months, Morris issued a statement detailing the strategic importance of the move. He noted that the initiative 'formed part of the Government’s wider strategy to tackle crime and ensure rural communities receive the same level of security attention as urban areas.'

Morris explained that this new measure complemented existing crime-fighting initiatives, specifically citing 'international cooperation against narco-trafficking, proposed stand-your-ground legislation and increased operational support for the protective services.' He asserted that 'declining levels of serious crime, together with the continued rollout of security measures, demonstrated the Government’s commitment to improving public safety.'

The MP also took the opportunity to commend Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, alongside the leadership of the protective services, for their work in addressing crime nationwide.

Addressing the broader impact on the region, Morris indicated that Mayaro's inclusion in the programme 'reflected the Government’s commitment to equitable development for rural communities.' He noted that the security announcement came approximately two months after the constituency received a new fire tender. Morris characterised the delivery of the fire equipment as 'another example of efforts to strengthen essential public services outside major urban centres.'

Morris concluded that the two initiatives 'underscored the Government’s commitment to ensuring communities such as Mayaro have access to effective emergency and security services.'

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