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00:00:00Come on, give us a little more.
00:00:19Not an easy week, you know.
00:00:21Give our viewers something this
00:00:22morning to feel happy about,
00:00:24right? Very special good
00:00:25morning, Trinidad, Tobago, the
00:00:26rest of the world. I'm Marlon
00:00:27Halflings. As always, welcome
00:00:29to Friday, July 19th, and
00:00:30thank you very much for joining
00:00:32us. The year is just speeding
00:00:34along now, eh? You know, and it
00:00:37usually happens where? To me, it
00:00:39happens around just after
00:00:41Carnival. After Carnival, it's
00:00:43just like the year just speeds
00:00:45along, all right? So we're just
00:00:47very happy to have you with us
00:00:49this morning. I hope that you
00:00:50had a good night. Did it rain
00:00:53last night? It did? All right,
00:00:56in some parts of Trinidad and
00:00:57Tobago. Well, I hope that it
00:00:59didn't cause any flooding and
00:01:00so on for you all, all right?
00:01:02So we do have a very
00:01:03interesting program for you
00:01:04today, but first, let's take a
00:01:06look at the front page of the
00:01:08Daily Express, all right? So
00:01:10police push back. TTPS launches
00:01:12in-your-face roadblocks to
00:01:13combat crime. Commuters upset
00:01:15over traffic jams. And to the
00:01:17picture, gridlock. Police
00:01:19officers stop and inspect
00:01:20vehicles along the Solomon
00:01:22Ho Choi Highway in the vicinity
00:01:24of the Gasparillo Overpass
00:01:25yesterday morning. Senior
00:01:26Superintendent of the 7th
00:01:27Police Division, Brian Sudin,
00:01:29told the Express that the
00:01:30roadblock exercise is part of an
00:01:32island-wide crime-fighting
00:01:34strategy by the TTPS, all
00:01:36right? So this is one of the
00:01:38main issues that we are going
00:01:39to be speaking about today. And
00:01:41woman crushed by drunk driver.
00:01:43Let me just give you a little
00:01:45details concerning this story.
00:01:47Crushed by car. Woman dies at
00:01:49hospital. Suspect charged with
00:01:51DUI. A Santa Flora woman has
00:01:53died three days after she was
00:01:55hospitalized following an
00:01:56incident where she was crushed
00:01:58beneath the wheels of a car
00:02:00allegedly driven by a drunk
00:02:02driver. Anesia Lewis of Dallies
00:02:04Village, 33, suffered multiple
00:02:06injuries and despite surgery and
00:02:08doctors' attempts to save her,
00:02:10she died around 12.20 a.m.
00:02:12yesterday in the intensive care
00:02:14unit of the San Fernando
00:02:16General Hospital. All right, so
00:02:18we're moving on to some sport
00:02:20now. Wicked set a price.
00:02:21England dismissed but hit 416
00:02:23on first day of second test.
00:02:25Six wickets after tea enabled
00:02:27West Indies to ball out England
00:02:29on the first day of the second
00:02:31test of the Richards Botham
00:02:33Trophy Series yesterday after
00:02:35Ollie Pope led powerful batting
00:02:37for the hosts with his sixth
00:02:39test hundred. Some sport and
00:02:41cricket for you. All right, so
00:02:43it's time to remind you about
00:02:45Trinbago, your nice feature.
00:02:47What? That's too late. It's too
00:02:49late, all right? Well, anyway,
00:02:52thank you for the pictures and
00:02:54the videos that you continue to
00:02:56send to us, all right? So here's
00:02:58what. You have your coffee, your
00:03:00tea, get something to eat. We are
00:03:02coming back.
00:03:22As a former Miss World, I have
00:03:24spent many hours walking in high
00:03:26heels and constantly on the move.
00:03:28So I understand the importance
00:03:30of joint health. That's why I
00:03:32trust Omega XL. As you know,
00:03:34beauty works from the inside
00:03:36out.
00:03:52Yeah.
00:03:56Yeah.
00:04:00Yeah.
00:04:04Yeah.
00:04:08Yeah.
00:04:12Yeah.
00:04:16Yeah.
00:04:18Yeah.
00:04:23Yeah.
00:04:28Yeah.
00:04:44Yeah.
00:04:48The hour of the cross is coming.
00:05:00It's about to break for you.
00:05:04I was in Gethsemane. He dragged
00:05:05I was in Gethsemane. He dragged
00:05:05I was in Gethsemane. He dragged that I call salvation for man.
00:05:09Lift my eyes unto the hills.
00:05:13Lift my eyes unto the hills.
00:05:13Lift my eyes unto the hills. We only have one place to go for
00:05:15We only have one place to go for
00:05:15We only have one place to go for you. So I celebrate in
00:05:18you. So I celebrate in
00:05:18you. So I celebrate in Jesus.
00:05:29Walk into your new season.
00:06:45She came down.
00:06:48She came down.
00:06:48She came down. She said she come from she came down.
00:06:53She came down.
00:06:53She came down. She said she come from she came down.
00:06:56She came down.
00:06:56She said she come from she came down.
00:07:01Music fever.
00:07:04Music fever.
00:07:04Music fever. Put it in your pocket.
00:07:07Put it in your pocket.
00:07:07Put it in your pocket. That's the way to do it.
00:07:41That's the way to do it.
00:07:46That's the way to do it.
00:07:46That's the way to do it.
00:07:51That's the way to do it.
00:07:51That's the way to do it.
00:07:51That's the way to do it.
00:07:51That's the way to do it.
00:07:51That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52That's the way to do it.
00:07:52Welcome back everyone.
00:07:54A very special good morning and a very special good Friday
00:07:57morning to you.
00:07:58And thank you very much for joining us.
00:08:00All right.
00:08:00So for most of this week, the main topic on everyone's lips
00:08:03has been the issue of crime and just what the police and
00:08:06government are doing about it.
00:08:08Of course, this followed the bloodiest weekend for the year
00:08:11in which 15 persons were murdered.
00:08:13This morning, we are joined by one of the main persons
00:08:16responsible in spearheading this fight against the criminals.
00:08:19Deputy commissioner of police responsible for operations,
00:08:22Junior Benjamin.
00:08:23DCP, thank you very much for coming this morning.
00:08:28Of course, I know that you're a very busy man these days,
00:08:32Mr. Benjamin.
00:08:33So we do appreciate you coming here this morning.
00:08:36But Mr.
00:08:36Benjamin, I want to begin this way.
00:08:38Of course, there were 15 murders.
00:08:41Can you tell us anything about the investigations
00:08:45into these matters?
00:08:46Well, what I can see is that these matters are continuing to
00:08:51at least get the attention of the police.
00:08:53We have investigation going on.
00:08:56It's an ongoing investigation.
00:08:57And again, we believe that as we continue, we can have,
00:09:01you know, some positive results in some of these things.
00:09:04However, at this point, there is not much I can say on that
00:09:07seeing that it probably does not even fall directly
00:09:10within my remit at this time.
00:09:11Yeah, but are you aware of any arrests and so on?
00:09:16Well, I can say that there are suspects and the
00:09:21at least the as a police service, we are seeking to at least,
00:09:25you know, go after these suspects.
00:09:26And to me, once you have that, it means that you're not starting from zero.
00:09:30Yes. And so that I believe that very soon we'll get some
00:09:34at least some more concrete information.
00:09:36And soon, soon we get that information.
00:09:38We will ensure that we bring it to the attention of the public.
00:09:41All right, Mr. Benjamin, allow me to quote you.
00:09:43So you said last weekend that police intended to face the situation head on.
00:09:49We want to say it will be some in your face policing.
00:09:53Therefore, we are asking the public to really work with us.
00:09:55If at times they might be inconvenienced, understand that we are taking
00:09:59a no nonsense approach to this situation.
00:10:03You also said that police stations were high alert with increased
00:10:06police presence and quick response times.
00:10:09Since your announcement here, what has been done?
00:10:14And since that time,
00:10:17we have continued and I want to use that word.
00:10:20We have continued our fight in this anti-crime
00:10:25activity as we seek to pull down the crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:10:30It is important to appreciate that formal or strategic plan and operational plan.
00:10:34And adding to that the commissioner's violent reduction plan.
00:10:38These plans are constantly assessed as we continue to implement.
00:10:43We will monitor, evaluate and then we will make the necessary adjustment
00:10:47and the strategies that are necessary.
00:10:49So given the present situation, as we saw exactly what took place
00:10:54over the weekend, we would have put things in place to ensure again,
00:10:59given that mandate from the prime minister as well,
00:11:01that there was a need for a heavy police presence.
00:11:04And therefore, knowing that when we come out there, what normally happens,
00:11:09you would have seen in the least in the interview where I told a person
00:11:13that you're going to be inconvenienced.
00:11:15And certainly we met in terms of the DCP
00:11:20INI, which is DCP Martin, myself, and we've planned a strategy.
00:11:24Our strategy is to deal with this crime situation.
00:11:27We met also with the internal stakeholders
00:11:31and we talked to our divisional commanders.
00:11:34We had that buy in.
00:11:36We also met with our external stakeholders as well.
00:11:39And we also have that buy in again with the defense force
00:11:43and all the other arms that are going to help us in this fight.
00:11:46And I must say that what you saw yesterday, I think, is really an indication
00:11:50of the level of unity, synergy and success that we want to see in the future.
00:11:57But DCP, I don't know if you have been monitoring
00:11:59what has been going on on social media and what has been being
00:12:03is being said on the radio and on television, too,
00:12:06by some commentators, callers to programs and so on.
00:12:10And you did speak about the inconvenience
00:12:12and the inconvenience has happened.
00:12:17When planning these exercises, DCP,
00:12:22on what basis are these exercises being planned?
00:12:27Because to some people, it is being done in a sort of willy nilly way.
00:12:33So lay the foundation for us this this this morning on what foundation
00:12:39these exercises being planned.
00:12:42You know, when you seek to plan a tactical strategy
00:12:46or even from a strategic standpoint as well,
00:12:48you want to identify what are the problems.
00:12:50You know, we understand that we are going after.
00:12:53Again, we have persons with ill intent.
00:12:56We have firearms that are moving and they are not walking.
00:12:59They're certainly going based on persons and vehicles.
00:13:03So therefore, you would want to ensure that especially when the police operate,
00:13:07we operate by what we call intelligence led evidence
00:13:11based technology driven solutions to crime.
00:13:14So we allow the the data to really direct us
00:13:18as to exactly where we should go and what we should do.
00:13:22We look at, again, the power of you, those who want the few people
00:13:25that want to take control.
00:13:27And we seek to, again, let the data speak to us
00:13:30in terms of these individual and also look at the hotspot, hot time areas.
00:13:34And therefore, these things are what really get us towards
00:13:39exactly what we should do and really the outcome that we want.
00:13:43And let me just see.
00:13:43And for those who think that this was just, you know, a fly by night.
00:13:46Allow me, please, just to probably give you some updates.
00:13:49So this is just up to 11 o'clock.
00:13:52I gather this from the returns that were sent to me.
00:13:55And so far, coming out of that exercise,
00:13:59we had approximately about 61 exercises.
00:14:02We had at least 70 persons arrested.
00:14:05We had in terms of fixed penalty notices.
00:14:08Over 353 fixed penalty notices.
00:14:12We had at least three firearms that were seized.
00:14:16Two of those firearms are what we call AR-15.
00:14:20And we also had one pistol.
00:14:22We had at least 282 rounds that were seized of that 282 rounds.
00:14:29216 of those rounds were 5.6, I think 5.56 ammunition.
00:14:36We also had at least 788 stop and search forms,
00:14:41which again is so important to back up the data that we are driven by.
00:14:46And it shows me that, again, because we are out there
00:14:50and we are, you know, doing that in your face policing, it is working.
00:14:55We are seeing the results.
00:14:56And therefore, even though persons were inconvenienced,
00:14:59certainly we had persons that were arrested on warrants,
00:15:03suspected persons, we had persons for cocaine, marijuana,
00:15:08also firearms and ammunition and a lot more.
00:15:11So again, this was a very successful exercise.
00:15:13This was not one that was done just arbitrarily,
00:15:16but it was a well planned strategy.
00:15:19And we are seeing the fruits of our labor.
00:15:22And these sort of exercises will continue?
00:15:25Again, it is part and parcel of the, again,
00:15:28the process that we are going to be rolling out
00:15:32throughout the next probably two, three months, because again,
00:15:35we must bring back a sense of order in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:15:40We are sending that message to those that are out there
00:15:43that wants to be part of the problem.
00:15:46We are here to stop the problem.
00:15:48We want to tell Trinidad and Tobago that this place is a safe place.
00:15:53We have asked for the response of the police.
00:15:56And as the police service, we have responded.
00:15:59We didn't react.
00:16:00We responded to the situation and we will continue to respond
00:16:04even as we seek to bring law and order in this land.
00:16:07But what about hotspots?
00:16:09Are they being targeted?
00:16:11Have they already been targeted?
00:16:13Because DCP, I know that you would have seen in the recent past.
00:16:18There have been videos on social media.
00:16:21Yeah, a gentleman is before the court because of these videos.
00:16:25But these videos really showed a situation.
00:16:29An untenable situation in certain communities
00:16:33where young men are walking in the streets with high powered weapons and so on.
00:16:37So how are these gangs or are these gangs already being targeted by the police?
00:16:44All all the gangs, we are doing our research.
00:16:47We in fact, I can tell you that we we are doing things behind the scenes
00:16:53because when we talk about to deal with the situation,
00:16:56you need to ensure that we have what we call effective, effective intelligence.
00:17:01And therefore we are gathering that intelligence.
00:17:03We are ensuring that there's information sharing.
00:17:06And therefore we are working to ensure because the thing about it,
00:17:10you can't just go and arrest a person and say you're part of a gang.
00:17:13There's certain things that must be proven.
00:17:15And therefore we have, you know, intelligence units
00:17:19that are dealing with those situations.
00:17:22However, what we have to do in terms of operations
00:17:25is where we are going to have that high police visibility
00:17:28so that our aim is to really disrupt the activities of those gangs
00:17:34and also to dismantle their operations.
00:17:37And we believe as we continue in this fight with the help of the public,
00:17:41we will certainly see a breakthrough in this area because already we are seeing
00:17:47where again we are seeing these small wins.
00:17:50And in these small wins, we recognize eventually
00:17:53once we keep celebrating them, it's going to lead to bigger wins in the future.
00:17:56But you know, DCP, people will tell you, and this has this has been a criticism
00:18:01of the police from time immemorial.
00:18:03People will tell you that they know who the gang members are.
00:18:07They know who the gang leaders are.
00:18:10How come the police don't know that?
00:18:12And again, sometimes it's not that the police do not know,
00:18:16but at the end of the day, we need information to be turned into evidence.
00:18:22We need persons who, again, will assist in terms of,
00:18:27you know, as witnesses to at least come forward.
00:18:31And this is what, you know, as much as we might know,
00:18:34we need to take the information and turn that into
00:18:38to what we call intelligence and then evidence so that we can use it,
00:18:43you know, in a court of law.
00:18:45And sometimes we have to appreciate the work of the police.
00:18:48It is not always easy.
00:18:49And I think this is where, again, when we go into the community,
00:18:53it is important for police officers to befriend the people.
00:18:57We I am one of those that will continue to.
00:19:00And you will start to see it because we are working on that.
00:19:03Where are you going to see greater customer service
00:19:05when you come into the police station?
00:19:08So therefore, as you seek to as we seek to,
00:19:11you know what I call turn the ship around,
00:19:14you are going to see that change in the culture of the police
00:19:18that that would be more, again, encouraging for persons
00:19:22to want to trust the police.
00:19:24And therefore, as the as we continue to build that relationship,
00:19:27we believe that we're going to see a positive change eventually.
00:19:30Yeah, I suspect that's good news.
00:19:32DCP, when you're speaking about turning the ship around, because
00:19:38there is a problem and it has been a longstanding problem, too,
00:19:43where people just don't have trust and confidence in the police
00:19:46and they just don't.
00:19:48They feel that if they share the information with you or with the police,
00:19:52that is that the information is going to end up in the wrong hands
00:19:56and it is going to be shared with the criminal element.
00:20:00And let's be real.
00:20:02I think sometimes we just need to be very, very honest that the Toronto Beagle
00:20:06Police Service, we are seeking to have what we call a zero tolerance
00:20:11to persons who might be so inclined
00:20:15to be on the other side.
00:20:17We are also taking a zero tolerance to indiscipline.
00:20:20That is part and parcel of the commissioners violent reduction plan.
00:20:25And this is something that we are strong on.
00:20:28You know, we are going to ensure that, again, when persons
00:20:33give us information, that we send that information to where it's supposed to be.
00:20:37We can we want to assure the public, even right now as we speak,
00:20:41that as you give us that information,
00:20:44we want to ensure that at least your safety is our priority.
00:20:49And therefore, we are going to be working with the public to ensure
00:20:53that even as you give us that information, we are going to work.
00:20:56And what I think at the end is a difference between
00:20:59the reduction in crime and the fear of crime.
00:21:02I think the fear of crime is what is causing the problem.
00:21:05And I think if we can change the way sometimes we treat the public,
00:21:09it is going to aid in that so that as people see us on the outside,
00:21:13it is going to restore that public trust.
00:21:16But the way we treat them as well is going to also increase the trust
00:21:20and therefore reduce the fear of crime.
00:21:23Let's speak about another quote that you would have said last weekend.
00:21:26We have ensured that we have more and more patrols outside there.
00:21:30And I want to assure you that at this time, we have ensured
00:21:33that there continues to be a constant presence of the police.
00:21:36We would ensure at the same time that we seek to deal with all matters
00:21:39that come to the station in a very quick and professional manner.
00:21:43How is that working?
00:21:45Because there has always been, but maybe not always, I'm going to say always,
00:21:49but there has been a problem within the police service
00:21:52when it comes to resources and when it also comes to consistency.
00:21:57Well, first and foremost, in terms of the police service,
00:22:02we are looking again in terms of, again, our ability to respond.
00:22:08And we are looking at that from the standpoint that especially
00:22:12where the ERP department is concerned,
00:22:16we have put certain systems in place to ensure that standard
00:22:20operating procedures are being fulfilled.
00:22:23So in the event where, again, a call comes to the what we call our OC,
00:22:29it is able to go out in a quick time so that there can be a quick response.
00:22:33We want to ensure that those those those vehicles are in the hotspot area.
00:22:37So then, therefore, the response time is going to be there.
00:22:41We are going to also encourage and we are encouraging
00:22:44what we call officers and divisional officers to have,
00:22:49you know, that synergy together where they're working on the borders together.
00:22:53So you're going to see more police officers.
00:22:55Once we have more police officers on the road,
00:22:56we are going to respond in a faster time.
00:22:59So to me, it is going to happen.
00:23:01It is, in fact, it is happening.
00:23:03And when we look at our patrols last just last year around this time,
00:23:07we had just about over 80,000 already.
00:23:11We have over 83,000.
00:23:12So therefore, the patrols have increased.
00:23:15And what we're trying to do now is not just work harder, but smarter
00:23:18as we put them in the right place and to get the right results.
00:23:22I know that during a recent meeting of the National Security Council,
00:23:28I believe that you would have been there at that meeting with the prime minister.
00:23:32He expressed concern about the use of high powered weapons
00:23:36in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:23:38Also discussed was the deployment of resources in a coordinated
00:23:42and collaborative manner of sustained joint operations,
00:23:46particularly in areas where there is a known concentration of criminal activity.
00:23:52These joint operations, have they already been put into operation?
00:23:58Joint operations has always been there.
00:24:00Yes. What we're going to do is to probably intensify it again.
00:24:03This as we continue to examine our plans, we are going to continue to.
00:24:08We are in talks with the chief of defense staff.
00:24:12And also we have already started to put things in place.
00:24:17So that is certainly going to be ensuing very, very, very soon.
00:24:21And as we continue with the fight, we believe that, again,
00:24:24you will see police officers not just in the city, but you are going into the streets.
00:24:29We're going into those places that persons probably might not have seen us there.
00:24:33But we are going to be doing patrols.
00:24:35We're going to be doing mobile patrols.
00:24:38It is time that we start to do some what we call quasi patrol,
00:24:41where you come out of the vehicle and we do some walking.
00:24:44It is time for us to interact more with the citizens
00:24:48and again, bring back that level of safety and security.
00:24:51So you can be assured that these things are in place
00:24:54as we have officers walking with the defense force.
00:24:58And we are doing this together because we are we recognize that at the end,
00:25:02we are all fighting the same fight, which is that of national security.
00:25:05Yeah. Could we as citizens also be assured that this issue of high
00:25:10powered weapons in Trinidad and Tobago,
00:25:13that that is going to be dealt with in a decisive way?
00:25:16And certainly I am saying that that that that will be because
00:25:20even right now, as I told you in all
00:25:25our exercises, imagine in one vehicle.
00:25:28Yes, we were able to get at least 176 rolls.
00:25:31And that is how much persons are moving with vehicles.
00:25:36And again, the need for us to be proactive in terms of dealing with this.
00:25:41And therefore, it is a frontal attack where we are going out there.
00:25:45We are seeking to, again, look at where these offenses are taking place.
00:25:51We are going to have all hands on deck.
00:25:53And when I see that, you know that we are out there, we it's a united front.
00:25:59You know, so when I talk about the alert, it means that we are all out there
00:26:02together. We are seeing that.
00:26:04And again, the DCP administration, he has already committed
00:26:08even persons from the administration to be part of this fight.
00:26:12So everybody is out there and we are going to continue to work
00:26:16to make sure that the legal safe and to bring on this constitution.
00:26:19But, you know, DCP, for people who are looking at us this morning
00:26:25and there has always been there was a criticism
00:26:29after the news conference last weekend, too,
00:26:33where you all spoke about more police patrols,
00:26:37a more intensified approach to the situation and so on.
00:26:41And people were saying, well, there is nothing new in the plan.
00:26:46What is new this time around?
00:26:49Again, one of the things that I can see,
00:26:52and it's not I think it's not just about being new,
00:26:56but I think it's about being to sustain.
00:27:00One person said something and I love it.
00:27:01It says that success is small things done correctly, consistently.
00:27:08And therefore, what you see, what we plan on doing is a greater consistency
00:27:12in terms of how we sustain the operations.
00:27:16We again, we are looking at what we call our priority offenders again,
00:27:21and we are going after these priority offenders.
00:27:23We are going to ensure as we ramp up the patrols that are coming,
00:27:29that those patrols again will be communicating with our OC.
00:27:33And we believe that as we continue to pass that information
00:27:36and there's a quicker response, we believe as we continue to meet the public
00:27:41with a more customer service approach, there is going to be a change.
00:27:45And that change is going to be in a positive direction.
00:27:48And I believe it's going to help us even in solving the problem,
00:27:51because, again, we are even encouraging patrols
00:27:56to be more investigative, even in their inquiries.
00:28:00Yeah. Getting back to the prime minister.
00:28:02So Dr. Rowley reiterated the government support of the services,
00:28:06in particular, the TTPs in carrying out their duties and responsibilities,
00:28:10provided that they are always done within the legal parameters.
00:28:15I believe, DCP Benjamin, that following your statements of in your face policing,
00:28:22some people got a little concerned and were a bit frightened by what you were saying there.
00:28:27Yeah. And again, in your face policing really means that given the spirit of a crime,
00:28:34the public is asking for an urgent response and the police cannot and will not sit down
00:28:41and just see this is happening without a response.
00:28:45So therefore, we are saying for those persons who are priority offenders,
00:28:50persons who believe that they want to bring down this country,
00:28:54we will be in your face and you will know that we are there.
00:28:57Our presence is going to be there.
00:29:00We are going to be on the streets.
00:29:01We are going to be, you know, in the schools.
00:29:04And this really talks about really a holistic approach and not just about patrols.
00:29:09This is where we are talking about a proactive measure.
00:29:12We are going to be going into the schools and speaking to the children.
00:29:16Again, we're going to be encouraging persons and businesses to be part and parcel of this process
00:29:22where we want them to come on board.
00:29:24We have the eagle's eye that is there in the north central division.
00:29:28And in that, we see the business community joining arms with us and we are solving crime in that area.
00:29:34That is one of the areas right now that we see a reduction in crime.
00:29:37And I think that is what is going to happen as we continue to work together.
00:29:41We believe that we can fight crime because crime is everybody's business.
00:29:45Yeah.
00:29:48On the weekend at the news conference also,
00:29:52the police commissioner would have stated that the police had not lost the handle as it relates to crime.
00:30:03But I think with the greatest of respect to everyone, sir, when incidents such as last weekend,
00:30:10when they happen, there's a level of fear, as you mentioned earlier.
00:30:17But people have the perception that, as we say in Trinidad and Tobago,
00:30:23all or everything break down and fall apart.
00:30:28What is the state of the police service at this time in dealing with all of these matters?
00:30:38The high-powered weapons, gangs, other small crimes and other serious crimes.
00:30:47The police are all prepared.
00:30:49Police service is prepared.
00:30:51We are ready and we are out there in the office.
00:30:54And clearly, just what I spoke about shows that the police is ready.
00:31:00This is nothing new to the police.
00:31:02We have been here before.
00:31:04If you look at 2022, persons were saying that crime was going to go up to 605.
00:31:09Again, when the commissioner came with a violent reduction strategy, at the end, we had at least a decrease by about 5 percent or so.
00:31:18And I'm just saying that, again, it is important that we don't become emotional.
00:31:23These things happen.
00:31:25Crime is not static.
00:31:26It is dynamic.
00:31:28And therefore, what it calls for is for the police.
00:31:31And that's what we do.
00:31:32We look at the statistics.
00:31:33We allow it to speak to us.
00:31:35And always remember this.
00:31:37At one minute past 12, it's a new day, but it's just as dark as when it's midnight.
00:31:42But it's a new day.
00:31:43And it's a new day when change comes.
00:31:45And we have made, constantly made the change to our plans.
00:31:50We continue to make those adjustments.
00:31:53And again, we have seen it already where, again, we brought things down and we are going to bring it down.
00:31:58We've already seen a decline in bringing it down.
00:32:01And we believe it's only a matter of time, you know, where you see the results.
00:32:05But certainly, the police service, we are working on this.
00:32:09We have put all our resources out there and we are positive that we are going to see a change in the overall crime situation very, very shortly.
00:32:20I think that people will agree with you, DCP Benjamin, that the crime situation is a dynamic situation.
00:32:27And of course, I don't think that anyone can dispute the fact that now, and even in the past,
00:32:36that all of the resources that the police service has was really thrown at the crime situation.
00:32:44But you must admit, DCP Benjamin, that we never really got, and when I say we, the police service and citizens of this country, we never really got the desired results.
00:32:55And I think that, again, we always recognize that, you know, every journey starts with one step.
00:33:03Once you have a decrease, I mean, and that's the thing, we got a decrease last year, that's a step in the right direction.
00:33:08It was even the prime minister said that the commissioner was one of the first commissioners that saw that decrease.
00:33:15And it means that we are going in the right direction.
00:33:18The commissioner continues to, again, lead this organization with the same violent reduction plan, where we are constantly reviewing and making the adjustments.
00:33:27And sometimes I believe that we need to just have some faith, even in the midst of all that is happening, that things are going to get better.
00:33:34And I'm saying it is because the police service is not sleeping on the job.
00:33:38We are up and we are working.
00:33:40We have just within yesterday alone, pulled down at least two AR-15.
00:33:46We are working, we are outside there.
00:33:48And again, we are going to be doing this, you know, throughout the next two to three months.
00:33:53And I'm saying that certainly I believe the message has been sent and will continue to be sent that the police is up and about and we are on a zero tolerance.
00:34:03And that goes across the board, not just for criminals, but any person that wants to break the law.
00:34:09We are seeing that there's a zero tolerance even right now.
00:34:13When you're outside, you need to know, you need to account for where you are at a certain time, because it is a no nonsense approach right now.
00:34:20We have to get out at least a handle on the crime situation.
00:34:23Yeah. DCP Benjamin, your assurances sound very, very good, you know, but the proof will be in the pudding, right?
00:34:29You're telling me, you're telling me.
00:34:30DCP, we just have about a minute again.
00:34:32Anything else you'd like to share with us this morning?
00:34:34Well, well, basically, I just want to take the opportunity to, again, just assure the public that the police service, we are, you know, really in charge of the situation.
00:34:45We are putting things in place and we are here to serve.
00:34:49It is important that we work with the community.
00:34:53We want you to be a part of, you know, our town meetings.
00:34:56If you have any concern, let us know what we could do, because we are here to serve you.
00:35:02And in any way that we could serve you, please let us know.
00:35:04That is why we are here.
00:35:05Vacationing police officers are also being called back out.
00:35:08Yes, very soon.
00:35:11Again, we have not gone that way as yet, but again, we are looking at all the options at this time.
00:35:16However, we believe that it's within the commissioner's prerogative.
00:35:20But again, that's one of the options that are open to us.
00:35:23And once we meet them, police officers are police officers.
00:35:27If they have to come out, I'm certain that they would do that.
00:35:30I believe that there is a buy-in by the Police, Social and Welfare Association.
00:35:36Has there been a buy-in generally by the police population?
00:35:42Well, certainly what I'm doing now, I'm going to all the divisions and I'm speaking to the ground troops.
00:35:47In the past, there seemed to be that distance between the executive and the officers on the ground.
00:35:54I went to Eastern Division, spoke to 115.
00:35:57I just came from Tobe, 113.
00:35:59I spoke to 51 officers in Northern North.
00:36:02I'm going to Northern Central next week, as well as Northeastern Division and keep going to all of them.
00:36:08And the reason for that is that you need to build morale.
00:36:11The officers need to know that, hello, the executive, we are not alien.
00:36:14We are in this together.
00:36:16We are fighting together.
00:36:17You need to hear their concerns.
00:36:18And therefore, this is part and parcel of that Operation TTSA, which is still in the ship around where we meet with the officers to get that buy-in.
00:36:27And so far, it has been positive.
00:36:29As you hear the concern, I am one of those that really ensure that I treat my officers properly because I think people don't know.
00:36:37They don't care how much you know, unless they know how much you care.
00:36:39And we really want to show officers that we care and we look out for them.
00:36:43So therefore, the buy-in is there and we will continue to see some positive traction coming out of that.
00:36:48Yeah. Are you also responsible re-operations when it comes to Tobago?
00:36:54Yes. Tobago is part and parcel of the divisions.
00:36:56And therefore, Tobago division is part of my scope of influence at the same time.
00:37:04I just, Stu, I'm going to take one minute with DCP Benjamin concerning that situation in Tobago.
00:37:10Of course, we have seen an upsurge or spike in murders in Tobago.
00:37:15I know that there was a meeting recently also where resources were sent to Tobago.
00:37:21How has that been going?
00:37:22Well, certainly, I just spoke to the seniors there as well as the ACP and certainly they're using the resources to the very best of their ability.
00:37:33And we believe in that.
00:37:35We've seen some positive traction, even in our recent exercise.
00:37:40They have claimed where they've seen a reduction in the amount of activities that are happening there.
00:37:46So we're hoping that that is really a sign that will continue in the future.
00:37:50So even in Tobago, we are taking a very no-nonsense approach and therefore there's a zero tolerance in terms of how we are dealing with crime across in this society.
00:38:01Yeah. DCP Benjamin, as I said at the beginning of the program, I think that you have a lot of weight on your shoulders, you and your team.
00:38:11DCP, thank you very much for coming this morning.
00:38:13We know that you're a very busy man and we wish you all the best.
00:38:19Because I believe if you all do well, well, we as a country will also do well.
00:38:25Yeah. Thank you very much again, DCP.
00:38:27Thank you so very much.
00:38:28So we are going to a very short break, everybody.
00:38:29We're coming back.
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00:39:29Hola, amigos Minute Maid and KFC proudly present the biggest circus from Mexico, the Suarez Brothers Circus, returning after six years in a brand new and exciting show due to slight delays with recent adverse weather conditions.
00:39:46The circus will now open on Friday, 19th July at the Queen's Park, Savannah.
00:39:50Showtimes Monday to Saturday, 5 and 8 p.m.
00:39:53Sundays to 5 and 8 p.m.
00:39:55Powered by NCash.
00:39:57Advanced tickets on sale at all extra food supermarkets, eating Francis Fashion shoe locker outlets and online at IslandEatTickets.com.
00:40:04Over 30 international artists from five continents come and enjoy our spectacular attractions.
00:40:09The Fantastic Pendulum, Jugglers, Acrobats, The Always Funny Clown in collaboration with Dairy Dairy, Pizza Hut, Coca-Cola, Dasani, Extra Food Supermarkets, Bolta, Kaleidoscope Paint, Carib Molta and media partner Guardian Media Limited.
00:40:24The Suarez Brothers Circus will now open on Friday, 19th July at the Queen's Park, Savannah.
00:40:30¡Hasta luego!
00:40:54Maybe you could afford to pay up to $22,500 in fines and lose your license permanently.
00:41:05No? Then don't drink and drive.
00:41:09A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
00:41:55Oh, yo, yo, yo, yo.
00:41:58Long time when you're going to fes and they said leave your chrome by the door.
00:42:03We used to lay down a few silver dollars but these days it's weapons of war.
00:42:07Oh, yo, yo, yo.
00:42:08Yes, the times get rougher than a rock but the music's got to keep the pace.
00:42:12All right, so welcome back everyone.
00:42:13So the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service has another initiative for you, the National Service Program.
00:42:19With us this morning we do have Gashel Jilks Edwards, Manager National Service and Major David Benjamin, Director of Specialized Youth Services.
00:42:29Good morning and thank you very much for coming.
00:42:31Familiar faces, you know.
00:42:32Good morning, Marlon.
00:42:34Good morning, Marlon.
00:42:35Of course.
00:42:36All right, Gashel, let's begin speaking about the National Service Program.
00:42:41So the National Service Program of Trinidad and Tobago is a program that actually encompasses a suite of programs that the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service has been ruling out.
00:42:51And this program speaks to the offering of structured opportunities for young persons and the wider citizenry to give back to Trinidad.
00:43:00National Service is seen as service to nation and service to people with national pride.
00:43:05Yeah.
00:43:06So we are here today to talk about all of the exciting opportunities under the ministry where we are going to afford our citizenry an opportunity to become civic minded.
00:43:14Yeah.
00:43:15Well, let's talk about the suite of and the components of this program.
00:43:20So on the 30th of July, we will be launching, officially launching our National Service Program.
00:43:27And it has the amazing components of a national service curriculum.
00:43:31And we have a social media and social marketing and communications campaign that is going to allow our citizenry to see and understand the importance of giving back and paying it forward.
00:43:42So these structured opportunities, I would group into three categories for the purposes of our conversation.
00:43:49The first category I'm going to speak about is our training opportunities for young persons.
00:43:54For instance, the industrial apprenticeship programs that we came on and we spoke about.
00:43:59Within that program, outside of the training and the apprenticeship, we also have a component where these young persons are committing themselves to give back to national service projects, community building projects and nation building projects.
00:44:12So you get an understanding of not only the investment that is being placed into you, but your commitment to actually give back to country, understanding and recognizing this investment that has been given to you.
00:44:25We also have our SYSP programs that Major Benjamin will speak about.
00:44:30And then we have the mentorship component of national service.
00:44:35Where yesterday, the day before yesterday actually, we launched the retirees adolescent partnership program where we have retired subject matter experts coming on board as a mentor.
00:44:44These young persons provide academic assistance to these young persons and supervision.
00:44:49We have the geriatric adolescent program where we have young people in partnership with the senior citizens providing care, which is also a national service opportunity for our youth, that intergenerational exchange of time and service.
00:45:04And we also have the national mentorship program, which is the 40 under 40 program, where we recognize key young persons who have the air of our youth.
00:45:17And we have engaged them through a structured program, as I indicated, to go to schools and have conversations about what youth want to speak about.
00:45:26So that we also engender that culture of this is our country.
00:45:30This is your time and your opportunity to give back in different ways.
00:45:34And we are providing that platform for young people and for the wider citizenry to really give back and understand that this is our Trinidad and Tobago.
00:45:42We are responsible for its growth and development in various ways.
00:45:46And these are the ways that we are going to do it.
00:45:48Yeah, Major David Benjamin, let's speak a little bit about the specialized youth services.
00:45:53So the specialized youth service programs are a suite of programs under the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service that are intending to further the reach of national service through these programs.
00:46:05The curriculum of these programs, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the MILAT, Military-Led Academic Training Program, the MIPAT, Military-Led Youth Program of Apprenticeship and Reorientation Training, and MIPAT-ASET.
00:46:22These programs are all intended to reach young people where they are and work with them in terms of a structured and phased development.
00:46:31But critical pillars of these programs are social activism as well as community activism.
00:46:39Ensuring that they understand the values of patriotism as well as civic responsibility.
00:46:45So it's important for us not to take for granted the fact that we live in this beautiful space called Trinidad and Tobago,
00:46:54but understand the benefits that accrue when you are Trinidadian and Tobagoanian.
00:47:00And really appreciate and, as Ms. Jill Selward said, give back and volunteer your time and your energies towards building a better society.
00:47:09So the National Service Curriculum, which we just alluded to, is part of that process where we will ensure that this has to be taught
00:47:19in terms of understanding what it means to be Trinidadian and Tobagoanian and what it means to give back to this country that has given you so much by being a citizen of this country.
00:47:31So the program is structured and it's built into the curriculum of the specialized youth service programs.
00:47:41Major Benjamin, you know when we speak about MILAT and MIPART and other such programs,
00:47:49there is the perception that these programs are for troubled youth.
00:47:56These programs are targeted at what type of youth, if I can put it that way?
00:48:03These programs are targeted at young people who want an opportunity to be the best version of themselves.
00:48:09That's the best way I can describe it.
00:48:11They would have not been as successful in another system and they would think that what we have placed together for them
00:48:22and packaged for them within these programs appeals to them and offers them a pathway towards success.
00:48:28Sometimes people call them the second chance programs because we have varied ways of learning.
00:48:36Persons may not have learned in the formal education system and would be drawn to our programs because we use a number of strategies.
00:48:44One of those strategies is called experiential learning.
00:48:47In terms of that, we actually take you physically into a space and we give you the opportunity to really get your hands into the different areas and experiences.
00:48:59That seems to work.
00:49:01What we do in our programs is just apply all of the different varied theories of learning and ensure that it appeals to the learner.
00:49:09So it's not a program necessarily for persons who are labeled as troubled.
00:49:16But persons who learn differently, persons who want a different experience and they believe that what we offer can and has met with their expectations.
00:49:25Gachel, how many people are you looking for?
00:49:28Remember I shared with you multiple programs that we saw.
00:49:31Our CCC program has 900 young persons.
00:49:34It's actually going to be expanded to 1,100.
00:49:37Our MILAD program has 200 persons.
00:49:39We are expanding that as well.
00:49:41Our geriatric adolescent partnership program is providing an opportunity for 800 young persons to give back in geriatric care.
00:49:48Our retirees adolescent partnership program has an opportunity for 500 young persons and equally retired professionals, CBOs and youth agencies to contribute to that country shaping and nation building drive that we are on at present.
00:50:06I don't want to give a specific number because there are many opportunities.
00:50:10We say together we aspire and together we achieve.
00:50:14We have seen that individualism that has been born out of this whole global community that we have embarked on.
00:50:21We have seen the importance of individual striving but we need to revert to our watchwords.
00:50:27Our watchwords tell us that we must come together and this is what this program is going to afford us.
00:50:34Equally, when I look at production, tolerance and discipline, these programs are giving the young persons an opportunity and giving the elderly persons an opportunity to become co-creators of our sustainable development.
00:50:47As we help them to become productive through entrepreneurship, through their training development, as we instill discipline through the various programs, I think it's an excellent program that's going to ensure that we maintain what we have and develop what we have in a better way.
00:51:02And of course there is still time for people to register, right?
00:51:05Yes, so we are going to have a volunteer registry where persons can indicate how they can volunteer.
00:51:11But this national service launch that we are speaking about is taking place on the 30th of July at Sapa.
00:51:17And at that launch we will speak more of the various opportunities and platforms that persons in structured ways can give back to our country.
00:51:25So we are giving them those opportunities because many persons say, I don't know how, I don't know how.
00:51:31So we are going to show you how.
00:51:33Right, let's talk a little bit about the criteria for people to be absorbed into the programs.
00:51:39So national service programs, the industrial apprenticeship program, they had specific areas.
00:51:45But the main criteria I would say is your willingness to give back.
00:51:49Because in that contract, student contract that they signed, they committed themselves to give back to national service programs.
00:51:57The geriatric adolescent program is giving young persons an opportunity for six months to give back, receiving a stipend.
00:52:04Equally, the retiree adolescent program is giving the opportunity for these retired professionals, I think for a maximum of one year, to give back.
00:52:12Although they receive a stipend, we want you to be re-energized when you are in this process.
00:52:17We don't want you to get burnt out.
00:52:19We want you to give your best self, as Major would have indicated.
00:52:21So we have time frames in terms of how much time you can give back to the country.
00:52:25But you have various platforms in which you can give back.
00:52:29Our CCC program is nine months in duration.
00:52:31But the skill sets that we embed into these young persons are going to afford them the opportunity to engage in environmental conservation thereafter.
00:52:39To engage in a general civic mindedness that they will always want to contribute in their own individual capacities, organizational capacities, in terms of country building.
00:52:49So there is no limitation in how much you can give.
00:52:52But in specific programs, there will be timelines in terms of how you give back.
00:52:57And Major, the CCC and MILAT and MIPART, I suspect they are already underway, those programs.
00:53:05Most certainly.
00:53:07When is the next intake?
00:53:09The next intake for Civilian Conservation Corps is January of next year.
00:53:13And the next intake for the MILAT program is in December of this year.
00:53:19December. Again, criteria?
00:53:22Criteria. For MILAT, we look for persons who at minimum would have achieved the third form level.
00:53:32Because essentially it's a two year program.
00:53:34And that two year program, you're essentially doing over fourth form and fifth form.
00:53:38But you're doing fourth form and fifth form on steroids.
00:53:42It's a two year engagement.
00:53:46Instead of your normal breaks for July, August and full for December, you're with us for the entire two year period.
00:53:56There are some occasional breaks where you have time to gel and to reestablish links with your families.
00:54:03But essentially, you're with us for that extended period.
00:54:07And you're fully engaged.
00:54:09We involve a number of our cadets.
00:54:13Young men or young persons on training.
00:54:17In all sorts of civic and community building responsibility engagements.
00:54:23So you will see our trainees, our CCC trainees, as well as our MILAT trainees going out.
00:54:29And they are assisting actually in some of the flood prone areas.
00:54:36Disaster mitigation exercises, assisting families.
00:54:40And that also redounds to the national service mantra that we're pushing.
00:54:46Showing that it's not only about yourself.
00:54:48But also about giving back and assisting your communities.
00:54:52Beach cleanups, community engagements and that sort of thing.
00:54:56Civilian Conservation Corps similarly.
00:54:58That nine month program engages and goes into a number of communities.
00:55:04You see them in their bright orange shirts.
00:55:06You can't miss them anywhere.
00:55:08And they are all over assisting.
00:55:10And really helping and giving of themselves in their communities.
00:55:16I just have about 30 seconds again.
00:55:20Anything else you'd like to tell us?
00:55:22I'd like to repeat that national service is service to nation.
00:55:24And definitely service to people with national pride.
00:55:26We welcome you and the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service.
00:55:30To give back to the country and let us paint a bright future.
00:55:32And just remind us about this event on July 30th.
00:55:36On July 30th we'll be launching our national service program at SAPPO.
00:55:40And we'll be rolling out a suite of initiatives where you can give back to the country.
00:55:44And people can get additional information via social media platform and so on.
00:55:48Yes, on Facebook and Instagram and on our website www.mydns.gov.ct
00:55:54You all see how the passion Gachel is speaking with.
00:55:58You all have to come down, right?
00:56:00July 30th. Gachel, it's always a pleasure speaking with you.
00:56:02Major, thank you for coming this morning.
00:56:04And thank you for the contribution that you and your team continue to make to this society.
00:56:10Because I know that what you all are teaching these young people, it's really life changing.
00:56:14And thank you very much for that.
00:56:16Thank you.
00:56:18Okay, so we have to take a quick break.
00:56:20But first we have this for you.
00:56:23This was sent to us by Julianne from Eldorado Gardens.
00:56:27She says it's brother and sister at three weeks old chilling out away from their siblings.
00:56:35Alright, we can learn from this, you know.
00:56:37Yeah?
00:56:39We're coming back everybody.
00:56:41And we're coming back with your calls.
00:56:53We'll be right back.
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00:57:39At Seaview Optical. Affordable eyewear for everyone.
00:57:41Inspiration through song makes our souls rejoice.
00:57:45Inspiration through dance is fueled by the spirit.
00:57:53Inspiration is found in the diversity of nature.
00:57:59Inspired word of God. Direct from the past.
00:58:03Join us every Monday morning at 8.30am.
00:58:05Right here on TV6 for our many moments of inspiration.
00:58:15Inspiration through song.
00:58:21Put on my makeup.
00:58:27Slide on my shoes.
00:58:31For the times I could only cherish.
00:58:45Inspiration through song.
00:59:03If you know of or suspect human trafficking activity, call 800-4CTU-800-4288.
00:59:11Human trafficking is a serious crime.
00:59:13Identify it. Report it. Stop it.
00:59:15A message from the Counter Trafficking Unit of the Ministry of National Security.
00:59:31Good morning. I am Anselm Gibbs with a news update.
00:59:36The head of the union representing second division police officers is calling for others in authority to do their part in the fight against crime.
00:59:46No one is speaking to what is happening on our shores, our shoreline.
00:59:52No one is speaking to what is happening at the customs, immigration, and even the court when the police are taking persons and see them revolving.
01:00:02Workers at the Customs and Excise Division and Inland Revenue have until July 31st to decide if they want to transfer to the planned Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority or not.
01:00:16Attorneys representing the Public Services Association challenged workers having to make this decision.
01:00:23However, on Thursday, the Privy Council in London decided not to grant an interim stay to the PSA.
01:00:32And in the weather forecast, the skies are still partially cloudy over the islands with the chance of showers in several places and thunderstorm activity in a few others.
01:00:44Strong winds, street flooding, and flash floods may happen during or close to intense downpours and thunderstorms.
01:00:52Even if the waters are smooth to moderate, spring tide is in effect and occasionally, the waves will reach up to about 2 meters at times.
01:01:12The TV6 Daily Health Tip is brought to you by Omega XL
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01:03:32The TV6 Daily Health Tip was brought to you by Omega XL.
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01:03:41Because it's an oil extract, I think of it like olive oil in between my joints that are loosening it up.
01:03:47Omega XL has really kept us feeling great.
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01:03:52Plumbing problems?
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01:04:00Proud to be serving Trinidad and Tobago for over 20 years.
01:04:04We do it all.
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01:04:20So call Plumbing Solutions at 628-4646.
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01:04:26I'm going up the step.
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01:04:32It's helped her a lot with her joints and so on.
01:04:34Live long and stay strong with the XL.
01:05:02Before buying and selling of people for profit.
01:05:04The exploitation of another human being.
01:05:06It still exists today.
01:05:08It has a new name.
01:05:10Human trafficking.
01:05:12Anyone can be a victim.
01:05:14There is forced labor.
01:05:16Sexual exploitation.
01:05:18And domestic servitude.
01:05:24Human trafficking is a worldwide problem.
01:05:26And an emerging concern for us here in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:05:29If you know of or suspect human trafficking activity.
01:05:31Call the Counter Trafficking Hotline at 800-4CTU or 800-4288.
01:05:41Human trafficking is a crime.
01:05:43Identify it.
01:05:45Report it.
01:05:47Stop it.
01:05:49A message from the Counter Trafficking Unit of the Ministry of National Security.
01:05:59A message from the Counter Trafficking Unit of the Ministry of National Security.
01:06:19It's not a thrill when your speed can kill.
01:06:29Call wisely, When there is an economy you can't avoid.
01:06:33No partiality in selection.
01:06:43Stop it printing.
01:06:45Stop it tomorrow.
01:06:47Wake up, late or early someday.
01:06:51It's too much money.
01:06:53Yea, it's too much money.
01:06:55Act stepping on the gas pedal.
01:06:57morning to give us all of the details concerning the VRP. Nisa, thank you very
01:07:03much for coming this morning. Thank you so much for having me. Yes, what should we
01:07:06know about the Vacation Revision Program? Well, the Vacation Revision Program is a
01:07:11free, exciting program offered by the Ministry of Education. It gives students
01:07:16opportunities to enhance their competencies in areas that are essential
01:07:21for a strong educational foundation in the fundamental areas of mathematics,
01:07:27English language arts, and English language arts writing. There are also
01:07:32sessions in visual and performing arts, courtesy the Best Village Unit, and there
01:07:37is also support from school social workers and guidance counsellors for
01:07:42both parents and students. Yeah, at what ages are you speaking about? So, the
01:07:48program is run both at the primary school and the secondary school. At the
01:07:52primary school level, it will be for students who are in Standards 3 and 4,
01:07:56so they will be entering Standards 4 and 5 in September at 80 primary schools, as
01:08:02listed on the Ministry's website, and at the secondary school level, it will be
01:08:06for students who would have sat the Secondary Entrance Assessment. They are
01:08:10entering school Form 1 in September with a composite score below 195.249.
01:08:17When does the program begin? So, for the primary level, it has already begun. It
01:08:23runs from July 5th to August 6th, and at the secondary level, it began on Monday,
01:08:28July 15th until August 16th. Alright, so is there still time to register children?
01:08:36Of course. So, there is no need to register at the primary school level because those
01:08:40students are already enrolled at the 80 primary schools. At the secondary school
01:08:45level, yes, parents can still register. You can register online at the Ministry
01:08:50of Education's website, www.moe.gov.tt, or at any of the 19 secondary school
01:09:00centres, as listed on the Ministry's website. Alright, so these classes or the
01:09:06program is conducted in the school environment at their schools, right?
01:09:11Yes, at the primary school level, the students will be doing the program at
01:09:15their said primary schools. At the secondary school level, though, because
01:09:19we have 19 centres, a parent can choose any one of the 19 locations, not
01:09:25necessarily the school that the student will be attending in September. So, what
01:09:30time do students have to report every morning? And it goes from Monday to
01:09:34Friday, right? Yes, it is from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. So, it's a full
01:09:41day of school. It's a full day of activities, so there will be engagement
01:09:46with content, as well as there are other fun activities offered. Yeah, why should
01:09:52parents encourage their children to register for the program? That's an
01:09:55excellent question, and there are many reasons. So, meals are provided free to
01:10:02every student every day, and of course, parents can choose any one of the 19
01:10:07secondary school locations. So, one that is closest to your residence, not
01:10:11necessarily the one the student will be attending in September, but it's also a
01:10:16chance for your child to jumpstart the secondary school education, and if there
01:10:21were any challenging concepts encountered at the primary school level,
01:10:24this will also be a chance to re-engage, and there is support for both parents
01:10:29and students from the Student Support Services Division. Yeah, let's talk a
01:10:33little bit about the impact, because I believe the program began, is it in 2020?
01:10:38Last year. Last year? Yes. Let's talk about the impact that it has had
01:10:45on the children, and to assist them with their education and their success, really.
01:10:52Okay, so we have seen improvement in the secondary entrance assessment already,
01:10:58based on the intervention for standards three and four last year, and also we are
01:11:04seeing improvement at the secondary school level for the students who have
01:11:07engaged in the program. Let's talk about the numbers. How many students are you
01:11:13all catering for? So, at the primary school level, we are catering for 2,300
01:11:17students. At the secondary school level, we will not be able to tell yet, because
01:11:22remember, those would be students based on their SEA performance, as well as any
01:11:27parent who decides they would like to enroll their child. Yeah, where can parents
01:11:32get additional information? You did speak about the website and so on. Yes, www.moe.gov.tt
01:11:40Vacation Program 2024. All right. Lisa, any additional information you'd like to
01:11:47share with us before you leave us today? Yes, I want to tell students that this is an
01:11:51ideal opportunity to engage, to have small classes with personalized
01:11:56instruction. Also, the visual and performing arts sessions promises to be
01:12:00very fun. There's tassa, dramology, and dance. Students can also get that sense
01:12:06of comfort and confidence entering Form 1, and there is the Turnip Caravan,
01:12:11courtesy Corporate Communications, where students can engage with
01:12:17motivational speakers. There are information booths and also lots of
01:12:21giveaways. From what I'm hearing, Lisa, it would seem that the program is really
01:12:28aimed at developing not only the education side of the individual, but is
01:12:37targeting the child in a holistic way, right? That is true. So it's about
01:12:42all-round development, giving them not only opportunities for education, but
01:12:46opportunities to recognize that there are other avenues. We can have fun in
01:12:50those avenues, but we can also see that there's a future in terms of employment
01:12:54and engagement. And just to remind you, what Lisa said at the beginning, the few
01:13:00seconds that she got into the interview and our discussion, is that the program
01:13:04is free. It is free, yes. So I think it is safe to say, Lisa, that there is no reason
01:13:10why parents should not enroll their children into the program. I totally
01:13:15support what you have just said, and it's just a reminder to parents, please visit
01:13:18the Ministry of Education's website and get your children enrolled. Yeah, Lisa, it
01:13:24was a pleasure speaking with you this morning. Thank you very much for all of
01:13:26the information that you have shared with us. Thank you so much for having me, and all the best to you.
01:13:29All right, to you too. All right, so we are going to a very short break, everybody.
01:13:32We're coming back.
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01:13:55progressive transitions with designer frames for $14.99. At Seaview Optical,
01:13:59affordable eyewear for everyone. The choice is clear. The TV6 News is the
01:14:05number one news broadcast and the most watched program in TNT, including all
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01:14:32TV6 News delivers results.
01:14:58It looking good, boy. I'm putting it online.
01:15:04Hey, I thought you said you went to the beach with your parents.
01:15:08Who's you?
01:15:09It's me, Larry, from online.
01:15:27So you have big plans for the year, eh?
01:15:30A trip in July, birthday in November, and fet after fet this carnival.
01:15:36But you know what'll stop plans?
01:15:39A $22,500 fine.
01:15:43You know what else could really stop your plans?
01:15:47Five years imprisonment and suspension on your license for three years.
01:15:52Don't drink and drive.
01:15:57Friendship Building
01:15:58This Friday, August 29-August 29, 10 p.m.
01:16:002 p.m.
01:16:01The Village of My Dreams
01:16:03Jaffna Coin
01:16:09움
01:16:15thriller
01:16:22weil
01:16:25All right, so welcome back everybody.
01:16:38It's Friday.
01:16:39I know that you all are getting ready and prepared for the weekend.
01:16:43So all I can tell you is practice moderation this weekend.
01:16:46Don't do anything in excess because we would want you right back here on Monday.
01:16:51You're calling us on 623-1711, the extension, it's 1995.
01:16:55It's time to take your calls, all right, as we head into the weekend.
01:17:00You have heard what DCP Benjamin had to say about these roadblocks, these exercises.
01:17:07He did warn you all that there is going to be some level of inconvenience.
01:17:12Of course, I raised the issue with him this morning.
01:17:16But I think what was of importance where he said, well, these exercises are not being
01:17:23done in a willy-nilly way.
01:17:25It is being based on information and data that the police do have.
01:17:31So I suspect if the data is telling them that at 12 o'clock on a Friday, yeah, when you're
01:17:38going out there to get your lunch, if the data is telling them, well, in that rush hour
01:17:44period that criminal elements are on the road, well, therefore, they will use that
01:17:50information to try to arrest the criminals who may be on the nation's roadways at that
01:17:59time.
01:18:00All right, so you're calling us on 623-1711, the extension, it's 1995.
01:18:04And I can tell you according to what DCP Benjamin said, more exercises such as those are going
01:18:11to be somewhere in our future.
01:18:14Maybe not today, but maybe tomorrow.
01:18:16All right, so Mova is online.
01:18:18Good morning, Mova.
01:18:19Good morning, Mova.
01:18:20Good morning, Marlon.
01:18:21Morning.
01:18:22You know, Marlon, when I listen to these police officers speak, like the one you had a while
01:18:29ago, I used to ask myself whether they feel we are that foolish or whether they are that
01:18:35foolish.
01:18:36I mean, come on, how could you call something intelligence-based and targeted response?
01:18:42And you're inconveniencing hundreds of motorists, and you're saying, do they listen to themselves?
01:18:49They keep repeating the same thing over and over and over, doing the same foolish things
01:18:54over and over and over, and coming and telling us these things.
01:18:58And you know, Marlon, I have to say again, I've always told this.
01:19:05Hello?
01:19:06Studio, give me a little more audio so that I can hear the gentleman.
01:19:11Go ahead, sir.
01:19:12Yes, Marlon.
01:19:13I don't know how much.
01:19:14I'm just going to echo.
01:19:15Go ahead.
01:19:16You go ahead.
01:19:17We're listening.
01:19:18Yes, sir.
01:19:19And I also want to say.
01:19:20All right.
01:19:21Police service.
01:19:22I believe that maybe the volume on your television set, it's interfering with you.
01:19:23No, sir.
01:19:24It's on mute.
01:19:25All right.
01:19:26Go ahead, then.
01:19:27Okay.
01:19:28I'll take off my headphones.
01:19:29All right.
01:19:30Thank you.
01:19:31Thank you.
01:19:32Thank you.
01:19:33Thank you.
01:19:34Thank you.
01:19:35Thank you.
01:19:36Thank you.
01:19:37Thank you.
01:19:38Thank you.
01:19:39Thank you.
01:19:40I'll take off my-
01:19:41Are you any better now?
01:19:42Go ahead.
01:19:43Okay.
01:19:44Marlon, and I also want to say a police service that continues to not understand their responsibility
01:19:53to protect law abiding citizens in their home from noise is a police service that…
01:20:05All right.
01:20:06I think that we have lost the gentleman.
01:20:07All right?
01:20:08The lines are free.
01:20:092, 3, 17, 11, the extension, it's 1995.
01:20:13So you can please call us now.
01:20:14We just have a few more minutes to take some of your calls
01:20:18as we get into the weekend.
01:20:21We do have one more segment for you,
01:20:23one more very interesting interview.
01:20:25So stay tuned for that.
01:20:27South drivers frustrated as police urge patience,
01:20:31police are advising motorists and the traveling public
01:20:34to be patient with roadblocks
01:20:35as they are a crime fighting measure.
01:20:38Takarigwa, good morning.
01:20:40Morning.
01:20:41Yes, sir, good morning, Your Honor.
01:20:42Morning.
01:20:43Did anybody ever think,
01:20:47did anybody ever think to ask the police,
01:20:50what happens if they ask the public for assistance
01:20:54and the person is injured or die as a result of that?
01:20:58If they have been hit or damaged,
01:20:59who will be patient with the vehicle?
01:21:04All right, I understand what you're saying.
01:21:07But of course, I can tell you that,
01:21:11yes, we did discuss the issue of trust and confidence,
01:21:13but as we would have had earlier this week,
01:21:16we had crime stoppers here earlier this week.
01:21:20So if you feel that you may be a bit hesitant
01:21:25to share the information with the police,
01:21:26there are various other avenues
01:21:29where you can report your information to the authorities
01:21:33so that you don't have face-to-face contact
01:21:37with anyone, all right?
01:21:38So you're calling us on 623-1711,
01:21:40the extension, it's 1995,
01:21:42so you can please call us now.
01:21:44In-your-face policing, which has led to public grumbling,
01:21:48has been implemented by police across the country.
01:21:51So the planned police exercises were yesterday confirmed
01:21:54by Joanne Archie,
01:21:57who heads the Police Service Communications Unit, all right?
01:22:03All right, San Fernando, good morning.
01:22:05San Fernando, good morning.
01:22:08Hi, madam, morning, sir.
01:22:09Morning.
01:22:14The productivity that is lost is police roadblocks.
01:22:22They're supposed to be doing roadblocks,
01:22:24not only major, major roads.
01:22:28They have certain hotspots,
01:22:29specifically hotspots,
01:22:31get search warrants,
01:22:32that is good, suspect four,
01:22:34that is the kind of thing we need.
01:22:36This, I mean, do me a favor, madam.
01:22:43Please encourage your ex-co-hosts on the program
01:22:50to come back out and work with the police in Follywood.
01:22:54He's an excellent host.
01:22:55He has a lot of intelligence in his head,
01:22:58and I know he can do a good job.
01:23:02All right, thank you very much.
01:23:04We'll see what is happening
01:23:05with vacationing police officers.
01:23:07There is already a call for officers
01:23:10to come back to the job.
01:23:13So I don't know where he is,
01:23:14but we'll see what happens with that.
01:23:18You're calling us on 623-1711, the extension, it's 1995.
01:23:22Of course, DCP Benjamin did say
01:23:25that these exercises will continue,
01:23:27and also the police will also do exercises in hotspots
01:23:32and get into the various communities.
01:23:34Dago Martin, good morning.
01:23:35Dago Martin, good morning.
01:23:37Morning, sir, how are we doing, man?
01:23:39I'm good, I'm good.
01:23:41Yeah.
01:23:44You know, the first caller was going pretty good
01:23:48until he had lost an arm.
01:23:51What do you want, that kind of thing?
01:23:53Man, you know, I don't know who these police officers
01:23:58are trying to fool.
01:24:01Also the Minister of National Security
01:24:03and all these people.
01:24:05The police have a, what, a 5% detection rate,
01:24:10and then when you get a 5% detection rate,
01:24:13there are so many cases that are lost
01:24:15when it reaches the courts.
01:24:17Come on, we really have a police statement?
01:24:21Come on, I don't know who these people
01:24:22are trying to fool, you know.
01:24:24Then the next thing they're doing,
01:24:26they're blaming the judiciary for everything.
01:24:29When they fail, they put forward a good case in the court,
01:24:32then they come and they're blaming the judiciary.
01:24:35The Prime Minister, all of them, they have foolishness.
01:24:38When will we stand up and take responsibility
01:24:40for our foolishness in Trinidad and Tobago?
01:24:43This government is failing and failing big time.
01:24:47And all you want to pass the blame on to other people.
01:24:51We need to stop this, when they're blaming the position,
01:24:54they're blaming whoever and whoever
01:24:56and whoever going down the road.
01:24:57We need to stop that stupidness
01:24:59and start to do our job in this country.
01:25:03Thank you very much.
01:25:04Thank you very much for your passions.
01:25:06All right, you're calling us on 623-1711,
01:25:09the extension is 1995.
01:25:11If you were a bit lazy this morning,
01:25:13that passion will wake you up, you know.
01:25:16Yeah, you know, for people on social media,
01:25:22you know, there's something on social media recording
01:25:26that the individual says, a win is a win,
01:25:28a win is a win, yeah.
01:25:30So any little win,
01:25:32I'm sure that the police service will celebrate.
01:25:35Tabakit, good morning.
01:25:38A pleasant morning to you, Mr. Hopkinson.
01:25:41Morning.
01:25:43Right.
01:25:44Why I support the initiative by national security,
01:25:50where I want them to go is to start to the top
01:25:56with those who bring it in the containers of drugs and coffee.
01:26:01Madam Hopkinson, if you want to deal with crime,
01:26:06yes, I am saying, get to the top, get to the getto.
01:26:11Your whole time, I don't want to be a police officer.
01:26:16Mr. Hopkinson, let me drop it.
01:26:20I'm taking it back by you.
01:26:22You're a decent man.
01:26:24Tabakit, stop and change your position.
01:26:26Tabakit, stop and change your position a little bit
01:26:29because you're breaking up badly
01:26:31and I want people to hear you.
01:26:34Go ahead, let's try again.
01:26:39He's there, he's gone.
01:26:42Tabakit, you're there, you know, but we're not hearing you.
01:26:47You getting me now?
01:26:48Go ahead, let's try again.
01:26:50Go ahead.
01:26:55All right, Tabakit, we are losing you.
01:26:59All right, you're calling us on 63-1711,
01:27:02the extension, it's 1995.
01:27:06Right, Tabakit, if you do have the opportunity,
01:27:08please call back.
01:27:09We always like to hear your contributions.
01:27:13So if you do have the opportunity, please do so.
01:27:16We just have a few more minutes again
01:27:18before we move into our final interview
01:27:21on the program for today.
01:27:22Chamflair, good morning.
01:27:25Hi, good morning.
01:27:26Here is my tax.
01:27:29My tax.
01:27:33This is a bacteria here and no one even believes it.
01:27:37When I call the tax office,
01:27:39they said, oh, we're not paying any money.
01:27:42So, thank you.
01:27:45I would like to get my money.
01:27:48All right, well, hopefully the authorities have heard you.
01:27:51It's the first time that I've heard
01:27:53of a situation such as that.
01:27:55So as I said, hopefully the authorities have heard you
01:27:57and something could be done about the matter, all right?
01:28:00You're calling us on 63-1711, the extension, it's 1995.
01:28:03So you can please call us now.
01:28:08All right, so we are dealing with this issue
01:28:13of the flooding too.
01:28:15Well, the waters have subsided,
01:28:18but residents are still waiting for the other downpour.
01:28:25All right, they're preparing for that.
01:28:26Mova, good morning.
01:28:27Mova, good morning.
01:28:29Good morning, Mala, are you hearing me?
01:28:31Yes, go ahead.
01:28:32Yes, go ahead.
01:28:34Okay, sir.
01:28:37A contribution came across, but I...
01:28:43I just want to continue.
01:28:45Sir, as I was saying, I can't understand
01:28:49how police officers could still be coming on television
01:28:51and telling us about targeted and intelligence-based.
01:28:56Targeted and intelligence-based.
01:28:58You can't be in hundreds of people on the road
01:29:03going to work, going to do business.
01:29:04This is 2024.
01:29:06That is 1965 police state.
01:29:08And stop insulting our intelligence.
01:29:10I just want to see what I was saying.
01:29:12There is no way Mala, as a police service
01:29:15that continues to ignore noise pollution,
01:29:18understands its responsibility, Mala.
01:29:22Mala, noise pollution is a case of invasion.
01:29:25When you're in your home and you cannot speak,
01:29:28you cannot sleep, that is a type of invasion
01:29:31to your home.
01:29:32It is not physical, it is emotional, it is mental,
01:29:37and it is excruciating discomfort.
01:29:41And as long as a police service continues
01:29:43to ignore that fact, at the judgment, Mala,
01:29:46said noise pollution is a type of...
01:29:54What did they call it?
01:29:55They said,
01:29:56noise pollution is a crime, right?
01:30:02Which is something that a police service
01:30:05seems to not understand whether or not
01:30:07that is because of the political director's position on it.
01:30:11But Mala, this is 2024, policing has to do
01:30:15with crimes against persons.
01:30:18Noise pollution continues to be a crime against people
01:30:23in their homes, right?
01:30:25Law-abiding citizens, it has to be dealt with.
01:30:28That's all I have to say.
01:30:30All right, thank you very much, sir.
01:30:32You're calling us on 623-1711, the extension, it's 1995.
01:30:36It's a morning of feedback, eh?
01:30:39So please bear with us,
01:30:41but we would still like to hear your calls.
01:30:43You're calling us on 623-1711, the extension, it's 1995.
01:30:47A 23-year-old Chinese businessman was abducted,
01:30:50robbed on Wednesday by three men
01:30:52who claim to be police officers.
01:30:55Dabadee, good morning.
01:30:56Dabadee, good morning.
01:30:58Yeah, good morning, Mala, and I'm trying to answer people.
01:31:01Yeah, crime is a lucrative business,
01:31:06and those guys on the streets,
01:31:07and them, they are just foot soldiers.
01:31:11What you had to get, you had to get at the puppet masters.
01:31:16These guys are on the streets,
01:31:17and they can't get that level of thinking.
01:31:20They don't have that.
01:31:22So once we have to look at the police service
01:31:24because the Minister of National Security is furious.
01:31:28He's pointing in the wrong direction.
01:31:30There's no direction to look at.
01:31:32But businessmen, they're employed,
01:31:35and they're benefiting from that.
01:31:38They don't have to save.
01:31:39They have to think about their food.
01:31:41Go in that direction, and then you'll see the solution.
01:31:46All right, thank you very much, sir.
01:31:46Bye for now.
01:31:47Bye for now.
01:31:48Have a good weekend.
01:31:49So you're calling us on 623-1711, the extension, it's 1995.
01:31:52After Privy Council refuses interim stay,
01:31:55path cleared for revenue authority,
01:31:57the Ministry of Finance is free for now
01:31:59to proceed with plans for staffing
01:32:01to implement the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority
01:32:04as a replacement for the Customs and Excise Division
01:32:07and the Inland Revenue Division.
01:32:10Now, this came after the Privy Council in London
01:32:12decided against granting an interim stay
01:32:15to the Public Services Association.
01:32:17All right, we'll stop there for now.
01:32:18Pleasantville is on the line.
01:32:20Pleasantville, good morning.
01:32:21Good morning.
01:32:22Morning, Marlon.
01:32:23Morning.
01:32:24Morning.
01:32:26Marlon, I don't know.
01:32:28They're saying that people in Trinidad
01:32:31really don't know what they want.
01:32:36We are failing as citizens to take full responsibility
01:32:40for what dies in our country, even our children.
01:32:44And we are still waiting for someone to come
01:32:47and change how we feel about things.
01:32:50And so we choose to suffer, lovely Marlon.
01:32:54So we believe that this cry to the universe
01:33:00will somehow, somebody or something
01:33:03will eventually come and fix or change it for us.
01:33:07I mean, yes, we need consistency in what's going on.
01:33:11Marlon, I'm seeing where we are asking the police
01:33:14to help us.
01:33:15We are not willing to help the police.
01:33:17We have all sorts of excuses.
01:33:20Our lives could have been dangerous.
01:33:22Marlon, I look at my neighbors as my first responder.
01:33:27If you cry for help, police, police, chief, chief,
01:33:30fire, fire, your first responders are your neighbor.
01:33:34You have to live to be your neighbor.
01:33:36This hotspots business we're talking about,
01:33:39gang-related murders in hotspots.
01:33:42There are murders all over the country.
01:33:43There are domestic-related murders.
01:33:45There are robbery, kidnapping.
01:33:47You know, what do we really want?
01:33:51I mean, the police need to be encouraged and be assisted.
01:33:56I see the officer said yesterday how many offenses
01:34:00that they would ticket people for,
01:34:02how many guns they found.
01:34:04These are matters that are going to the court
01:34:07that are adding with what's already there.
01:34:10Why shouldn't our court have some responsibility?
01:34:14Why is it that we take the police as an easy target
01:34:19and we don't intend to assist them?
01:34:21Well, let the criminals protect us then.
01:34:26What do we want?
01:34:30Thank you very much, sir.
01:34:31You're calling us on 623-1711, the extension, it's 1995.
01:34:35Listen to me, the police must do what they have to, yeah?
01:34:39If it is that I know it is causing some inconvenience,
01:34:43but let me tell you, I am prepared
01:34:46or I have prepared myself for some inconvenience
01:34:48once we get the results, right?
01:34:51Once we get the results,
01:34:53I am prepared for some level of inconvenience.
01:34:55I don't know about you,
01:34:57but I mean, you have free choice and free thought,
01:35:01but that's my position
01:35:02and you don't have to follow my position.
01:35:04But that's just my view.
01:35:07Once we are getting the desired results,
01:35:10there may be some pain
01:35:11and you're just going to have to stomach that pain.
01:35:15All right?
01:35:16All right.
01:35:17We do have another call.
01:35:18Good morning, caller.
01:35:19Good morning, caller.
01:35:21Yeah, good morning, Marlon.
01:35:24I've been listening, I'd say it started, right?
01:35:26I listened to some of the contributions
01:35:29some of the people made,
01:35:31but what people failed to realize,
01:35:34everything starts at the head,
01:35:37meaning then that you see how we have a drive
01:35:40to collect tickets,
01:35:43what's the issue ticket?
01:35:44Crack on windscreen and pass and that type of thing.
01:35:47That has to be issued by some command higher up
01:35:50in the political echelon.
01:35:53And I'm saying the same level of empathy
01:35:57to be given to the crime,
01:35:59because what they're doing by actually having roadblocks
01:36:02in their minor strategic location,
01:36:04rush hour, it doesn't make sense
01:36:06because the guys are never coming out
01:36:07to really do the shooting and killing.
01:36:10I mean, a roadblock is not something that,
01:36:14you can see that miles away.
01:36:16They will divert, they will do whatever it is.
01:36:17So they just really frustrating the citizens, right?
01:36:21Of the country.
01:36:22So my take on it is that we have a leadership
01:36:25of the police of it in mind that
01:36:28they epitomize inattitude.
01:36:31All right?
01:36:32And nothing that spring forth from them
01:36:35would really go about and really serving crime
01:36:37or anything like that.
01:36:38So what I'm saying is that we need a whole revamping
01:36:41of the system.
01:36:42We need the public, we need to release them.
01:36:45So let's pretend outside expertise.
01:36:47Let us do that.
01:36:49Because the prime minister of the government
01:36:51has a position of the crime court.
01:36:53We want that crime court.
01:36:54But who we want to be part of this crime court
01:36:57is the same set of people
01:36:58who have been governing this country
01:36:59for the last four many years.
01:37:02These things require what you call subject matter.
01:37:05Calling the necessary for choice on the outside.
01:37:08All right?
01:37:09We had some person come to me and look at it
01:37:11by your refinery single-handedly.
01:37:13I don't know where that's gonna go from here.
01:37:15But I'm saying they are experts internationally.
01:37:18Bring them into release of this situation.
01:37:21You can expect a final solution
01:37:23from the head of the police service,
01:37:25from the government, from the opposition.
01:37:27Because these are the same people
01:37:29that have been churning this nonsense
01:37:31for X amount of years.
01:37:33And I just might say one last comment I'd like to make.
01:37:36The guy that told you who,
01:37:38I think previously talked about assisting the police.
01:37:41All right?
01:37:42I mean, they need to have a wake-up call.
01:37:46All right?
01:37:47Because people will come into your property.
01:37:50They come in to see if you're caught.
01:37:52You make an alarm.
01:37:54They tell you to go inside and lie down
01:37:55because they have business to do.
01:37:56And you don't arrive.
01:37:58People like him would not come out.
01:37:59So why, you know,
01:38:00must someone attempt to help the police officers
01:38:05in an area like that?
01:38:06That is how I speak about that.
01:38:07I mean, you're signing the death warrant here.
01:38:09If you can't have competent police
01:38:10to deal with the crime on the road,
01:38:13well then, forget it.
01:38:15Forget it.
01:38:16How did the necessary support
01:38:18to really deal with the hotspots
01:38:20in an area like the Massachusetts?
01:38:22You send two police or two civil police
01:38:24and then call them as citizens
01:38:25who are not so trained,
01:38:27who are not subject matter,
01:38:28and then you're going to help.
01:38:28I mean, come on, Marlon.
01:38:30They're doing it too better than us.
01:38:32All right.
01:38:32That is my say for the morning.
01:38:34Have a great day.
01:38:34Thank you very much.
01:38:35And enjoy your weekend.
01:38:37Well, as I told DCP Benjamin this morning,
01:38:41the proof will be in the pudding, right?
01:38:45So as I said,
01:38:47I suspect what we are experiencing right now,
01:38:50it's the labor pains,
01:38:51but let's look in the coming days,
01:38:54in the coming weeks,
01:38:55let's look at the results.
01:38:57And I'm sure that the police will have to account
01:39:00for its actions very, very soon.
01:39:02All right.
01:39:03We are going to a very quick break.
01:39:04We're coming back, everybody.
01:39:06♪ Hello, hello, yeah, hey ♪
01:39:09♪ Are you ready, ready? ♪
01:39:12♪ Are you ready for it? ♪
01:39:14♪ Are you ready, ready? ♪
01:39:16♪ Are you ready for it? ♪
01:39:18♪ You walk in the dark, don't hold back ♪
01:39:21♪ Wind it up, ride it, front to the back ♪
01:39:24♪ So long, just come to me ♪
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01:39:29♪ Sweet type of love, come give me that sweet love ♪
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01:40:39♪ Do you remember, I can feel it coming in the air, coming in the air, coming in the air tonight ♪
01:41:01♪ Do you remember, who loved me then? Do you remember the time I cried? ♪
01:41:09♪ Do you remember, who loved me then? Do you remember the time I cried? ♪
01:41:18♪ Do you remember, who loved me then? ♪
01:41:28This thing is about to break for you!
01:41:31Three hours in Gethsemane, he dragged that tire called Salvation for Man.
01:41:36Lift my eyes unto the hills.
01:41:39We only have one place to go for help.
01:41:42Hallelujah!
01:41:44So I celebrate in Jesus.
01:41:57Walking to your new season.
01:42:05Hallelujah.
01:42:10Hallelujah.
01:42:16Hallelujah.
01:42:20We are blessed by the best. I suggest we thank the Father and the Holy Spirit for every church...
01:42:26All right, so welcome back everyone.
01:42:27So we are now joined by performing artist Caleb Hart,
01:42:30and he's joining us this morning to share with us his latest work.
01:42:34Caleb, good morning and thank you very much for joining us.
01:42:37Good morning, thank you for having me.
01:42:39Of course. Caleb, let's talk a little bit about...
01:42:43Because while some people may be familiar with you,
01:42:46there may be some people who are not familiar with you.
01:42:50I was looking at your social media presence and so on.
01:42:54So is it that you're a reggae artist?
01:42:56Well, when you live in Canada,
01:42:59that's the term you have to use,
01:43:02even if you're doing, you know, Calypso and so on,
01:43:06various Caribbean, you know, musics,
01:43:09because reggae is the most known one.
01:43:12And then I do love reggae and I do do reggae.
01:43:15So they're not wrong if they call me a reggae artist,
01:43:18but it's not the completion.
01:43:20You know what I mean?
01:43:21You're a Caribbean artist.
01:43:23We can call you that then, that's safe to say.
01:43:25Yeah. So Caleb, let's talk about this journey
01:43:28and this path that you have taken.
01:43:33I mean, it started in Tobago, you know, many, many years ago.
01:43:37It feels like many years ago.
01:43:40I was playing football and coaching school
01:43:43and I heard Hills and Valleys by Bojo Banton coming over,
01:43:47the reggae band,
01:43:50Hills and Valleys by Bojo Banton coming over
01:43:53from a sound system on a Saturday morning, you know,
01:43:56and I was like, wow, that's what I want to do.
01:43:59I want to sing.
01:44:02And yeah, I mean, basically between that and growing up in church,
01:44:06you know, getting the opportunity to sing all the time,
01:44:09I just fell in love.
01:44:11And so for me, it's not the entertainment aspect
01:44:14so much as it is the expression,
01:44:17the joy that comes with music, you know,
01:44:20but this is 29 years ago I'm talking about it.
01:44:23Wow.
01:44:25And I knew from that day that this is what I wanted to do
01:44:28for the rest of my life.
01:44:30Yeah. So you're based in Canada.
01:44:33Yeah, I'm on the West Coast.
01:44:35So not what everybody in Trinidad and Tobago thinks Canada is,
01:44:37which is Toronto.
01:44:39Right, right.
01:44:41I'm as far from Toronto as you all are from Toronto.
01:44:45All right. Okay.
01:44:47So let's dive a little deeper into the music.
01:44:53What are you working on right now?
01:44:57More than ever, to be honest.
01:44:59So I'm working on my new album.
01:45:01It's called Forward to the Roots,
01:45:03and that is going to be an infusion Caribbean, of course,
01:45:08a really eclectic mix.
01:45:10And basically we're going back to the roots
01:45:13and forward to the roots.
01:45:15So it's going to have elements of Calypso, Ska,
01:45:18and Rocksteady, et cetera, Mento,
01:45:21and, you know, even stuff like Kete and Djembe,
01:45:25African drums and stuff like that.
01:45:27Really rootsy stuff.
01:45:29But then infusing it and kind of taking the journey to,
01:45:33you know, 2024, 2025, you know,
01:45:36and the realities that come with that.
01:45:39Compromising what my art truly is,
01:45:43still embracing the reality of progression
01:45:46and musical differences, et cetera, and growth, evolution,
01:45:50while staying true to who I be
01:45:53and what I believe in music,
01:45:56that of our ancestors and of our people who are still alive.
01:46:01So lots of steel pan and, you know,
01:46:04just an infusion album to kind of say,
01:46:07hey, not all of us sound like one thing.
01:46:10So to pay an ode to those who came before us
01:46:15and, yeah, honor that as well.
01:46:17Like a journey through time.
01:46:19How much songs are going to be on the album?
01:46:22And how long before completion?
01:46:27Well, the plan is to have 26 songs on the album.
01:46:30That's a lot, Caleb.
01:46:32It is a lot.
01:46:33You have a lot to sing.
01:46:35It's not the modern way of doing things,
01:46:37just singles, singles, singles.
01:46:39I've done that.
01:46:40And I have, thankfully, the success with that.
01:46:43But I'm not chasing numbers.
01:46:45I'm an artist.
01:46:46And I want to create and showcase that art
01:46:50to hopefully better the world in whatever way I can.
01:46:54So that's the focus.
01:46:55So these songs, yeah, 26 of them,
01:46:57it's actually for the alphabet.
01:46:59And no one knows this till now.
01:47:00So this is exclusive.
01:47:03So it's going to be alphabetical, entitled.
01:47:07But I might reverse it just to, you know,
01:47:09have a little fun or mix it up.
01:47:11But that's the reason for the 26.
01:47:14And about 15 of them are done already.
01:47:17So, and we keep working, you know.
01:47:20So I'm hoping for later this year.
01:47:22However, I'm a realist.
01:47:24So might be until early next year, realistically,
01:47:28with how busy I am with touring,
01:47:30which is a whole lot of blessing.
01:47:31All right.
01:47:32Let's talk about the inspiration behind your songs.
01:47:37What inspires you?
01:47:41It may sound a little simple or cliche, but life.
01:47:45So not necessarily just the good things about life,
01:47:49but life on a whole.
01:47:50So disaster inspires me because it's real.
01:47:56Sadness inspires me because it's truth, you know.
01:48:00As well as hope, which is a vital part of my music.
01:48:04Love, you know, and joy and all those truths.
01:48:08So I guess truth is what inspires me more than anything.
01:48:11So, and in a constant search for that.
01:48:14So whether it be socio-political or religious
01:48:17or just humanity, it's a constant growth, constant search.
01:48:22If you hear my first music 12, 13 years ago,
01:48:25and then you hear it now,
01:48:26you hopefully would hear my growth, you know.
01:48:29So constantly flowing and growing
01:48:31and yeah, consistently being inspired.
01:48:34So how distraught might feel because of a life scenario
01:48:38that's happening or, you know, yeah.
01:48:41So life.
01:48:42Yeah.
01:48:43And you speak about touring.
01:48:45So it tells me that there is a demand for your music, Caleb.
01:48:51Yeah, man.
01:48:52I really, I tell you, I'm so blessed.
01:48:56Because again, I kind of started in an era
01:49:00that didn't have the focus on numbers
01:49:03the way that it does now.
01:49:05So I am a kind of middle-aged man.
01:49:07I'm not old fashioned.
01:49:09I'm not old enough to be the guy who was going around
01:49:12hoping that people listen to his mixtape.
01:49:16But I am old enough to have, you know,
01:49:19been slinging CDs on the side of the road
01:49:22and, you know, stuff like that, my own music.
01:49:25But then I saw the change happen with online streaming
01:49:29and Instagram and Facebook and TikTok and Meta,
01:49:32all the things, right?
01:49:34So I'm the middle guy.
01:49:36So a lot of us got lost.
01:49:38Meaning, what do you do?
01:49:39What do you do?
01:49:40I just stayed focused.
01:49:42I just stayed true to myself, true to my art,
01:49:45true to the people who were supporting me prior
01:49:48to this big numbers game.
01:49:50So even if you look at my socials now,
01:49:52you can't really tell what I've done.
01:49:54But it's real.
01:49:56Again, we're reflecting truth here,
01:49:58not numbers based off of bots or even just fads
01:50:02or, you know, all so many virality,
01:50:05so much viral things that people reach
01:50:07and then they're gone, they disappear.
01:50:09Well, I stay consistent.
01:50:10It might be a low consistent according to people's numbers,
01:50:14but I stay consistent, I stay booked,
01:50:16and I stay elated because of it, you know?
01:50:19Yeah, congratulations to you, Caleb.
01:50:21So, Caleb, Carnival is approaching, you know.
01:50:24Are we going to see you dabbling in the soca and the calypso?
01:50:28You need to say it here now, you know, Caleb,
01:50:30if you plan to do that.
01:50:31Yes.
01:50:32I'm actually planning to drop a song or two
01:50:36for Tobago Carnival, so in time for about September.
01:50:40You know, I'm from Tobago, Lambo representing,
01:50:44and Tobago launched their first, like, you know,
01:50:47independent carnival a couple years ago,
01:50:49which I flew down for, and, yeah,
01:50:52so it's never been my scene per se.
01:50:56However, as I've grown older and, again,
01:50:59seen life and the reality,
01:51:01I really have fallen in love with our carnival
01:51:07due to the reality of its inception
01:51:11and why carnival became a reality in the first place
01:51:15and not understanding that when I was real young,
01:51:18you know, when I was growing up on it,
01:51:20just being fast music.
01:51:22Yeah.
01:51:23So, yeah, so I am dabbling a bit in it.
01:51:27So, yes, you might hear something.
01:51:28I don't know if the radio is going to play it
01:51:30in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:51:31That's up to them, you know.
01:51:33But, yeah, I will send it, you know.
01:51:36I'll do my due diligence.
01:51:37Yeah.
01:51:38But I do agree with you, Caleb.
01:51:41You did touch about social media,
01:51:43touch on social media a little earlier,
01:51:45and I think with social media now,
01:51:48really a world of opportunities has opened up to the artiste,
01:51:53so you no longer have to wait on the television station
01:51:56or radio station to play your music.
01:51:59You have the world there, you know,
01:52:02so that's good for the artiste.
01:52:04But, Caleb, how has the response been?
01:52:08Yes, we have spoken about the touring,
01:52:10but how has the response been for you and your music
01:52:15as a Caribbean artiste in Canada?
01:52:21Sensational.
01:52:22I mean, in the grand scheme, Canada is a massive landmass.
01:52:27Yes.
01:52:28Technically not a lot of people, meaning for the size.
01:52:31So I have had to drive more than probably all Trinidadians
01:52:37that live in Trinidad combined have had to drive in their life
01:52:42just to go and play 10 shows, you know,
01:52:45to go from border to border.
01:52:48But when we reach, when we reach,
01:52:52it's like people tapping into something
01:52:55they didn't know existed for some of them,
01:52:58and then some of them you could see the response
01:53:00where they're like, oh, my gosh, where have you been all my life?
01:53:03Or where have you been the last 10 years?
01:53:06Different people, different reactions.
01:53:08But the festivals have been incredible.
01:53:11And because it's rare, especially out on the West Coast where I'm living,
01:53:16to have a Caribbean artist, you know, it's really good reception,
01:53:21especially for those who have been to the Caribbean
01:53:23or grew up with maybe Caribbean friends or parents or whatever it is
01:53:27and have it so far away that there's a disconnect.
01:53:30So I am connecting that.
01:53:32I have the honor of being the bridge, you know?
01:53:35Yeah, Caleb, we're playing your song Hustle and Bustle,
01:53:38and I don't mean to hustle and bustle you off, Caleb,
01:53:40but we just have about 10 seconds again.
01:53:43Anything else you'd like to tell us before you leave us this morning?
01:53:46Listen, just watch out for more.
01:53:49I'm constantly dropping music.
01:53:51I'm constantly doing work at I Am Caleb Hart.
01:53:54Yeah, it's a blessing.
01:53:55Always giving back, always paying tribute to Trinidad and Tobago
01:53:58no matter where I go.
01:53:59Yeah, Caleb, it was a pleasure speaking with you
01:54:01and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
01:54:03Bye for now.
01:54:05Okay, so we are going to a very short break.
01:54:07We're coming back, everybody.
01:54:09♪♪
01:54:17♪♪
01:54:36It's Tyler Owens.
01:54:37Calls himself Tornado Wrangler.
01:54:40If you feel it, chase it!
01:54:45Who thought you could destroy a tornado?
01:54:47We never had a chance.
01:54:48You want one?
01:54:51We got twins!
01:54:52Twins!
01:54:53♪♪
01:55:00Twisters.
01:55:03♪♪
01:55:13All right, so welcome back, everyone.
01:55:15So before we leave, let me say a special good morning
01:55:18and happy birthday to Sharla.
01:55:19Sharla is a member of our team here.
01:55:21I understand she doesn't like people to call her name on television,
01:55:24but that's too late, you know?
01:55:27See you right back here on Monday morning, everybody,
01:55:29including you, Sharla.
01:55:31Have a good weekend, everybody.
01:55:32Bye for now.
01:55:34♪♪
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