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00:00My baby.
00:30Beyond the tape, we'll be back after these messages.
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01:51Good afternoon.
02:18Good afternoon, Trinidad and Tobago, and welcome to Beyond the Tape.
02:21Officially now, hunting season is officially open to Trinidad and Tobago.
02:25The public is hereby notified that the hunting season officially opened from since October 1st and ends on February 28th, 2025, with the closed season running from April 1st to September 30th, 2025.
02:41So it's officially open.
02:43It's wild meat season.
02:45I cannot wait for it.
02:46I'm sure many of you already started, and those of you who are learning how to bubble a wild pot.
02:52Pot, please.
02:54Wild meat pot.
02:56Make sure you all know what you're doing, because sometimes you'll just destroy it.
03:00So learn as we go along.
03:02It's Legally Speaking Wednesday, so with us, we have our tenant at law, no stranger to the show, especially when it comes to our legal mind, Corporal Ali.
03:10Good afternoon to you, sir.
03:11And I hope that you're doing okay, because I know we had our game yesterday, TKR against the Barbados Royals, and it was very disturbing to see how the game went.
03:20Well, Whitney, you know, you were going well until you reach the area of the TKR versus the Barbados Royals game.
03:28And I'm sure that during the program this afternoon, I may have a couple of things to say, but pleasant good evening to you.
03:37Good evening to Trinidad and Tobago.
03:39Jackie, family MB on the tape, my colleagues in the TTPS law enforcement, those who are visiting us.
03:46You know, special good evening to you as well.
03:49Let me begin this afternoon, Whitney, and I know that you opened the program by referencing the hunting season.
03:56And I want to immediately, you know, take this opportunity to advise all those who may have applied for a hunting license through the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.
04:07My simple advice is to pay particular attention to the license that you have been issued with.
04:12And I'm saying that in a context where there may be things that you can do, and there are things that you are not allowed.
04:20And case in point, we have the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
04:25You know, I want you all to take notice of that particular legislation, which basically prohibits the hunting of particular animals.
04:32And also your license, pay attention as to what you are allowed in relation to the animals that you are pursuing.
04:38So just by way of reminders, just pay attention to your license and do not be reckless in terms of the exercise of your license.
04:45So I just want to make mention of that.
04:48Whitney, this afternoon as well in my introduction, permit me, this afternoon, 11 years ago in 2013,
04:56I established a non-governmental organization, non-profit, to look at youth and community development in Trinidad and Tobago since 2013.
05:05And may I say that it was a time where we were seeing a lot of school violence, youth delinquency.
05:12And I thought it was important at that time, sitting in the TTPS and, you know, with my sporting career,
05:17I joined some other professionals and we decided to establish legally that organization.
05:22And, you know, we ventured out with public bodies and private bodies to ensure that we play our role with reference from an NGO context.
05:29So I want to take this opportunity to, you know, say thanks to all the officers of that foundation, all the supporters,
05:37all the stakeholders that have participated and continue to participate.
05:41You know, I want to, on this anniversary date, you know, signal you, salute you, and tell you thanks.
05:46And also take this opportunity to call on Trinidad and Tobago, all those NGOs and civil society that play a very integral role.
05:54Sometimes they may not be mentioned, they call them the unsung heroes.
05:57But continue to play your role, continue to collaborate for the betterment of Trinidad and Tobago.
06:03So, you know, I want to take this opportunity to urge them as well on this occasion.
06:08And last in the introduction before I hand back over to you with the issue of, I saw after the budget and even before the budget,
06:16there has been some very strong calls from the various business chambers in Trinidad and Tobago.
06:22And why I'm going to mention this, I saw that they, you know, every time you hear or you listen,
06:31people always refer to an eagle or a lion in terms of animals to make a point.
06:37Or, you know, on this occasion, if I recall, it's an octopus.
06:42Octopus.
06:43And it's an eight hand, if we call it, or eight point animal.
06:50That's correct.
06:51And when they used that, immediately I sat and I pondered.
06:56I said, well, why the choice of this particular animal?
06:59Now, one may look at it in the context where we're looking at all hands on deck, notwithstanding that there's eight that are available.
07:08But when I look deeper into a study of this animal, you know what I learned, Whitney?
07:13What did you learn?
07:14This animal has, and I wrote it down just quickly because I thought it was very, very interesting.
07:22And Jackie, just to share this animal that they have used, and members of the public, it has been described as excellent in sight and vision.
07:33And let me repeat, excellent in sight slash vision.
07:38And lastly, it's among the most intelligent among the animals.
07:42So I thought it was important to share that this afternoon.
07:45Probably why the business chambers have basically alluded to that particular animal when they call for an all out attack in relation to where crime and criminality is concerned.
07:55So, business chambers, if you are listening to me this afternoon, I concur with the call.
08:01I feel your pain.
08:02I feel the passion.
08:03And we ask you as well to continue to play your role with reference to the challenge that we face with crime and criminality in Trinidad and Tobago.
08:12So, Whitney, I want to thank you for allowing me to touch on those very significant areas and opening the show this afternoon.
08:17Yes, most definitely.
08:18And piggybacking on what you mentioned there where the president, which is Ms. Maharaj, was making a statement.
08:25And she broke it down.
08:26And it was one where it was very clear with the octopus.
08:29And I wanted to bring this to the attention also to the public.
08:32And with that being said, she was saying they need to launch an attack that addresses all the arms of the chaotic octopus.
08:40In my mind, I see eight arms.
08:43Socioeconomic factors, law enforcement, legislation and judiciary, prison system, community engagement, technology utilization, policy coordination, and education and youth prevention.
09:00So, apart from what they were discussing, yes, it's about business and economics in our society.
09:06Crime is affecting our economy.
09:09And she also mentioned the picture that is painted of our society and the stigma that is stuck with us when it comes to gang and crime activities.
09:20And how it's also affecting the business side of our economy and how we need to fix it with the octopus.
09:28And I want to thank you as well, Whitney, for expounding on probably the eight angles that we have seen.
09:35Maybe it's indicative of the areas that you have identified.
09:38Again, we can see the intelligent analysis and context in which they are speaking to Trinidad and Tobago.
09:45And most importantly, the decision makers in relation to how or what is required or are required as the case may be to be able to confront this major challenge that we are facing in Trinidad and Tobago.
09:56May I just say one more thing, Whitney?
09:57Yes.
09:58I think it's important as well, you know, just legally speaking.
10:01You know, while we have looked at eight particular areas.
10:03I think an area that sometimes we may miss and probably innocently sometimes or who knows, maybe intentionally.
10:09You see the human resource capacity in anything that we do.
10:13Sometimes we do not pay attention to the human resource capacity.
10:18And here's the word I'm using, the human resource capacity.
10:21And if I were to add anything to that particular list or the angles that they are taking, it's important to look at the human resource capacity and capability when you're having a problem that you have to deal with.
10:32I just want to add that to the equation.
10:34And wherever you may be, whether it be in a media context, a law enforcement context, a business chamber context, or in home, the human resource capacity may mean what?
10:43Two good parents.
10:44Or that could be the head of the octopus.
10:46That's correct.
10:47So I just wanted to share that as well.
10:48Sometimes we may overlook the importance of the human element in anything that we do.
10:52Yes.
10:53At this time, let's take a look at what made today's headlines.
11:02All right.
11:32And we are back.
11:49We saw some of the major stories that made today's headlines.
11:53So before we dive in any further, we'll have to take a break.
11:56And when we come back, we will touch on some of the major issues and some of the legal issues that some persons are faced with.
12:01We'll be back.
12:31We'll be back.
13:01Can you imagine what this wife and child are going through and what they will have to go through?
13:11They try to process what has happened.
13:13How can we begin to help?
13:15We can start right here at the Victim and Witness Support Unit.
13:19From investigation to counseling, to helping families find justice, to helping families find peace.
13:28This unit gives victims and witnesses hope to cope.
13:32We are the Victim and Witness Support Unit, bridging the service gap between the victims, witnesses, and the police.
13:58And we are back.
13:59Remember, you can give us a call at 623-1711, extension 1992, 1993, and 1997.
14:05With us today is our tenured law corporal, Ali.
14:08And we continue to discuss some of the headlines that we just showed a few minutes ago before we went to the break.
14:15And one that is, well, not just one, two of interest to the society is one of the missing teen's body that was found.
14:24So the search for the Valencia teenager, Maria Paul, missing since September 11th, has ended in tragedy.
14:32Her decomposing body was found buried in a shallow grave in Wallerfield yesterday.
14:37Days before, bits and pieces of her clothing were found nearby Barbera Trace.
14:42This led to a massive search led by hunter Shamsuddin Ayub.
14:48Paul, who was 19 years old, was last seen at her boyfriend's home in the height of Aripu in Valencia.
14:55In a Facebook post yesterday, Ayub stated his team made a discovery in a shallow grave in Wallerfield.
15:03They discovered an item, something that was discovered and is now under police investigation in a shallow grave, which he stated.
15:11Paul was reported missing by her mother, Ria Hussain Thompson, days after she last spoke with her daughter on a video call.
15:19In an interview last week, Hussain Thompson said, she called me from her boyfriend's house and said she was going to meet him to land that night.
15:28That was the last time I heard from her.
15:30Then six days later, the boyfriend came and dropped her clothes and said he couldn't find her.
15:35The mother said Paul had been in a relationship with the man for 15 months.
15:41So I know with that, the investigation continues.
15:45We're seeing more and more missing teens, not just females, but also males as well.
15:52And the tragedy of knowing that your child's life was taken away is something that no one can imagine.
16:00Well, Whitney, let me just join with you immediately and, you know, express my condolences, you know, to the family.
16:05And also extend it, you know, to all those who, you know, in recent times who have met the demise in, you know, unfortunate circumstances.
16:15But let me take this opportunity on a positive note.
16:17You know, we have heard about this Hunter's search team.
16:21I want to publicly acknowledge the continued good work of this Hunter's search team.
16:28It's not the first time that we have seen those individuals feature.
16:31And in this context, you know, most recent what you have just read.
16:34And I want to urge them to continue to support the national efforts.
16:38And I think the time has come to have a look at this particular group in a more focused way.
16:44I think that their actions is crying out for a deeper look in terms of exactly what they can do.
16:52And what investment or resources that they may be required in order to continue to do excellent work.
16:58So to the Hunter's search team, you know, publicly on behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the national community.
17:06You know, we want to urge you all to continue to keep up the good work.
17:08And maybe you all can share your passion and your experience and your knowledge with agencies and entities like the TTPS.
17:17So even if you have expertise and you can lend support to the anti-kidnapping unit, the child protection unit, you know.
17:23Feel free to reach out to the protocols to ensure that we open that window for you all to lend that expertise and assistance.
17:29Because we have seen them continue to do good work.
17:32With this issue of missing persons, it's not the first time I have heard that from you representing the public interest.
17:39The concern about missing persons.
17:41I don't want to go into the statistics, but it's an area that must be looked at.
17:46And must be looked at in a thorough way.
17:49And I say a thorough way in this context where that, even that definition of a missing person.
17:55We have spoke about that where when a person should be seen or heard from.
17:57And not the quote-unquote after 24 hours.
18:00I want to repeat for the parents, the guardians, family members.
18:04If there's a time that you should be hearing or seeing your loved one.
18:09Do not have any further delay in engaging the authorities.
18:13And I want you all to aggressively engage the authorities.
18:16And seek the necessary feedback as to how those searches and inquiries are going.
18:21With reference to finding those persons and doing the diligent inquiry.
18:25Whitney, we have, it's an established protocol that when we are speaking about a missing person.
18:32We should always be thinking in our mind that it may be a situation of ending up in a murder.
18:38So don't look at someone and just say, okay, they're running away from a home.
18:41Maybe because of a domestic issue.
18:43Let us treat it as the most serious offense that can arise out of that particular situation.
18:47So that will give us the impetus to be able to deal with this issue.
18:50But for the agencies that have responsibility, whether direct or indirect.
18:55Let us have a look at this missing person issue.
18:59And see whether in fact we need to now look at our processes in terms of dealing with these issues.
19:03Because if they are missing, yes, their situation unfortunately.
19:06We are finding some persons in three feet grave and so forth.
19:09But generally speaking, where are they going?
19:12And we need to really embark on our deep study with law enforcement and other experts.
19:18To determine exactly, you know, is it that you're looking for what?
19:21A person missing in terms of a particular age group?
19:25Is it of a particular area?
19:27Is it of a particular vulnerability?
19:29We need to start looking at this so that we can determine exactly what is really happening in Trinidad and Tobago.
19:34And we are not placed in a position where someday we are surprised to know that had we done what we're supposed to do.
19:40We would have known exactly what is this that is contributing to this issue of missing persons.
19:45So I just wanted to comment on that this afternoon.
19:46Thank you so much.
19:47We have a caller on the line.
19:48Let's take that call.
19:49Hello.
19:50Good afternoon.
19:51Good afternoon.
19:52Good afternoon.
19:53Good afternoon, ma'am.
19:54Good afternoon.
19:55How are you?
19:56Yes, how are you?
19:57I'm good, thank God, except for one thing.
20:01You'll know later.
20:02Officer, I'm Whitney.
20:04Yesterday, the officer that was there, you know, we saw where they came in and they took the car from the car wash.
20:12And what I noticed was that a woman was sitting in the back of the car.
20:16So, I don't know, she's sitting down there waiting, and this guy next to you, and nothing, nothing, nothing.
20:23And they just come out and they just make the guy leave the, you know, the first time they want the car.
20:29I know the officer said, all right, they will get a vehicle.
20:32They may get a vehicle.
20:33But what about the vehicle that they were in?
20:35We don't know whether that was a fake number or a number because, you know, all sorts of things happen with these people.
20:41They have fake numbers and all sorts of things.
20:43I missed this point.
20:44The second point is, just imagine, it seems as though, not it seems as though, that was said,
20:50it was the mother and the two children who found her.
20:53It seems as though, it's like it's a murder, you know, it's sad.
20:57It's sad because imagine, people say, I know one particular person when they were talking about it, I think it's her friend,
21:03and they were saying they know for sure she would not do something like that to her children.
21:07Because, you know, you'll be one, if it's one person or more than one person, I hope those persons,
21:13they don't get away in this country because it's sad, it's really sad because it is this mother and these two children.
21:19The third point is, just imagine, you're 79 years old.
21:24You have cancer.
21:26Before you talk to the Lord and ask the Lord to assist you, you took time to rape a 14-year-old?
21:33I mean, it's just, you know, something's wrong, you know, something's wrong.
21:36Some people like they're going mad or something.
21:38And you have to have two, three, five years.
21:41And then you have to put them on the list, you know, of sexual offenders.
21:44My last point is a little thing about cricket.
21:48I, this is just me, I'm just saying this.
21:51I find the non-offending team was placed at a disadvantage because of a so-called problem with life.
22:00Something seemed to be happening with that as far as I'm concerned.
22:03All the best to all of you, including Ms. Shafi. Bye.
22:08Thank you very much, Kola, for not three, but three.
22:15Three important issues and a miscellaneous issue, if I may say that, in relation to where the sport is concerned.
22:21With all I can say in relation to those three issues, in my respective view, I do not see it need a response, per se.
22:28But with reference to the issue in Tobago with the children, where the results came back in terms of the blunt force trauma.
22:37That is subject to an ongoing investigation.
22:39And I want to agree with you, Kola, and urge my colleagues and assisting agencies to ensure that there's an expeditious investigation with reference to bringing justice to that particular matter.
22:51And that miscellaneous issue, I promise that I may say a few words in relation to it.
22:59I want to say that I've heard in different quarters the expressions of the persons who are keen supporters of the Trinbago Knight Riders, and rightly so.
23:13And this is a situation, if one may say, okay, would we have foreseen such a situation occurring?
23:20You know, one may argue pro and con, as the case may be referenced to that issue.
23:25But I think it's important for us to, you know, I myself haven't gotten the opportunity to look and see exactly, you know, what is the protocol, or what are the protocols governing the tournament?
23:35To say, okay, if something like this happened, or if something resembling this happened, what may be some alternative?
23:41Should we, should they have applied what they applied in terms of saying, okay, you're going to reduce it to five over, as the case may be?
23:47Or should you say that there was a day that is reserved that you can now return and complete the match?
23:52So it's a very technical issue.
23:54I do not want to, you know, make assumptions or to presume anything, but it's something that we need to learn from.
24:02Because once we are looking at technology, Whitney, we are looking at games that are played in the night.
24:07Technology and lights can fail.
24:09So we need to look at that as we move forward to ensure that we don't have a repeat of these things that are occurring.
24:14But Trinidad and Tobago, you know, it's a game of sport.
24:17These things happen, and I want you all, most importantly, you know, we have good person become so passionate, Whitney, and they end up in conflict.
24:24And they end up and you see you wake up a morning and realize there's a murder, or there's a stabbing, or there's a shooting.
24:30My beautiful citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, my keen supporters of the Trinidad and Tobago Knight Riders, I'm asking you all kindly,
24:38do not allow your emotions to reach a level where you are engaging in conflict and you are now bringing the criminal law upon yourself.
24:45So, yes, express yourself, but be very cordial and be accommodating and patient in terms of your discussion that you are having.
24:53We need to take a break. We'll be back.
25:00Trinidad and Tobago
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26:05Morning.
26:06Morning.
26:07Listen, I just noticed something out.
26:10There are many people at the bureau there.
26:12What is that?
26:13Girl, the man is passing up and down in front of here with a set of women.
26:17I really noticed some women living there, you know.
26:20And they can't even say as much as good morning.
26:22Well, listen, I wonder if this human trafficking you think is that?
26:27So, how can you spot and identify perpetrators and victims of trafficking?
26:32Many victims are found living and working together in the same place and sleep in shared and inappropriate spaces.
26:39Victims work excessively long hours.
26:41They often sleep in the daytime and work long nights.
26:44They are often escorted everywhere they go and may appear to be malnourished.
26:49They may show signs of physical abuse, drug and alcohol use and may also appear withdrawn, fearful or intimidated.
26:56Victims who are migrants are often not in possession of their identity or immigration documents and have irregular immigration status.
27:04Perpetrators can be male or female and may appear to be managing or controlling the victims.
27:10And they may even at times appear to be the victim's best friend, boyfriend or employer.
27:17We are the counter-trafficking unit of the Ministry of National Security, Trinidad and Tobago, safeguarding human life.
27:36And we are back.
27:37And Iremiku gave us a call at 623-1711, extension 1992, 1993 and 1997.
27:44Now just a quick update where the caller called and spoke about, you know, the case where the bodies were found in a tank.
27:50And we want to update the public with regards to that.
27:53And the case is now a murder probe.
27:55Now with the information as given, the autopsies were performed at the Scarborough General Hospital on Monday
28:01and concluded that they all died as a result of blunt force trauma to their bodies.
28:08As a result, investigations remain ongoing according to a senior Tobago Division officer and have now been classified as a murder.
28:16So that's the update there and I'm sure we will be able to update the public even further with regards to what may happen if they have any suspects
28:24that I'm hoping that they get as quickly as possible.
28:28I'm not sure how the public can really assist here, but I know someone always sees something or knows something that can assist the police.
28:36Well, I want to thank you for that, Brittany.
28:38With reference to this investigation and any other investigation that's unfolding,
28:42since it's not true in Nantobago, if you have information, if you have intelligence, even if you can point us to where evidence may be,
28:48please exercise that option.
28:52You know, as I said, play your role to be able to solve these crimes and, you know, bring justice to persons who are in pursuit of justice.
28:59So I want to thank you very much for reminding members of the public.
29:01We have a caller on the line, so let's head to the phone lines. Hello, good afternoon.
29:06Yeah, good afternoon.
29:07Good afternoon, sir.
29:08Good afternoon.
29:10Yes, Kobarawi, I'd like to make a contribution.
29:13Yes.
29:14Sometimes I speak in such a high end and it was a very, very interesting topic.
29:21Now, we have a problem for the longest while.
29:25Now, our problem we have in Trinidad here is that we're not competing murder cases on a timely basis.
29:40Now, I want to make a contribution here.
29:45In my view, I believe that we should have a special court to deal with murder cases so that we would be able to complete those murder cases within the five year period.
29:58Because that is the problem we have.
30:01We have this problem there with the judiciary that they're not attending to cases speedily.
30:12We're in the behind time.
30:14So if I could make a recommendation that we have a special court to deal with murder, that we can try murder cases every day.
30:25We would be able to complete those cases within, let's say, two years.
30:31Within a two year time frame.
30:34And we could be able to hang those people without any hiccups.
30:38Because we will give them sufficient time to exhaust their rights and so on.
30:45But right now the state is making a contribution towards that.
30:50Not being able to hang anybody.
30:53Because due to the process they're going through.
30:56Because normally what I observe in the 60s and the 70s, that especially the attorney general and so on need to be monitoring cases.
31:10Making sure that those cases completed before the five years time.
31:16Right now we don't have anybody doing that anymore.
31:20A case will go before the court and that case will take up to ten years.
31:24So when that case take up to ten years and so on, we are unable to hang anybody.
31:31And then we want to blame the system.
31:33We want to blame the system that the system have us in that position.
31:39And say that we are unable to hang people.
31:41And when we really check it out, we go to the basic and think that the state is responsible for this relief.
31:47So that is my contribution.
31:49Thank you sir.
31:50Corporal Lally.
31:51Thank you very much for your submissions.
31:53Again, a healthy submission, Whitney.
31:57Excellent support to the submission.
32:01I want to look at it in two contexts quickly.
32:03One, the speedy trial in the first instance.
32:08Whether it be for murder or whatever offence before the court.
32:11Speedy trial.
32:13We should be endeavouring to promote speedy trial.
32:17Legislatively, we saw that there was the Administration of Justice Indictable Proceedings Act,
32:22which should be assisting in achieving speedy trial.
32:28And to couple it with what the chambers call for a legislative context.
32:33Yes, they did.
32:34And they spoke about a judicial context.
32:36So they are also on endpoint in relation to the COLA and the COLA submission.
32:41Where the COLA is going, Whitney, and where we spoke about last week.
32:44When there is in fact the conclusion of a matter, and a person is found guilty for murder,
32:49it is important for us to effectively manage the appeals that may be associated with that conviction.
32:55Whether it be the appeal from, let's say for example in Trinidad and Tobago,
32:58we are going to our Court of Appeal to the United Kingdom Privy Council.
33:01Or whether we are going basically to the human rights bodies as we discussed in the last occasion.
33:06It is important to have that.
33:08And even if we have to legislate to have an established committee
33:11to be able to now facilitate those appeals quickly.
33:14So there is a correspondence between the various appeal bodies,
33:18whether it be a human rights body or one of the hierarchy of courts.
33:22At least we are working those systems quickly and efficiently.
33:25So COLA, I want to thank you for joining in the call.
33:27And I agree with you, speedy trials.
33:29And then when there is a conviction, that we must ensure that those appeals are exhausted
33:34within that five-year period so that we can have the option of looking at the death penalty once it was imposed.
33:41By a court of competent jurisdiction.
33:43Now, with the female caller who called a few minutes ago,
33:46she made reference to license plates.
33:49And I am so glad she mentioned it because I really forgot and it brought it back to me.
33:54Can we do something where the law is concerned,
33:59where we limit the number of persons who could produce license plates
34:03and also change the way in which persons may get their license plates,
34:08not just go in and say, okay, I need a license plate now.
34:11And they just put it together.
34:13And they should have like a code or a barcode that is attached,
34:16like a chassis number towards the vehicle that you may have.
34:20You should have that also for your license plate.
34:22So you can identify where the person purchased the license plate
34:26and there is a limited number of persons allowed with a license to do so.
34:29Beautiful inquiry, Whitney.
34:31On behalf of the public's interest and furthering the COLA's submission.
34:36I do not want to take the honor and privilege on this platform.
34:40I want to leave it with the Transport Commissioner
34:43and the Deputy Commissioner Intelligence and Investigations
34:45and to a certain extent operations to be able to speak to that issue.
34:50But what I'm aware of, there's the move, and it should be happening soon,
34:57where that call that you are making for that regularization of persons
35:01who are authorized to manufacture and issue number plates.
35:07And also to ensure that there was a part of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act
35:11where we are speaking about the red lights.
35:13And when your vehicle is traversing the road of Trinidad and Tobago,
35:16if you should breach a red light, that's correct,
35:19the number plate will come into contact with the cameras
35:23and the whole process kicks in.
35:25So I want to leave the honor and privilege to those two offices.
35:28But I can assure you, Whitney, that it is very close in the reference
35:32to that sort of implementation with the development of the license plates
35:36with the reference of the motor vehicles in Trinidad and Tobago.
35:39I'm just thinking we should even make it so that persons will say
35:43it will not move as quickly as possible.
35:45But not privatize, but the licensing should have a department strictly
35:49dealing with license plates and producing of license plates.
35:53But that's another discussion.
35:55But I'll respond to you in relation to that.
35:57I didn't go to say, okay, we leave it solely in a public sector context.
36:03Again, the DCP and the transport commissioner will give further detail.
36:06But when we are looking at efficiency, if need be,
36:11and we need to have authorized, vetted private institutions to do it,
36:15then so be it.
36:17But I'll leave that in terms of where the regulation is going in terms of
36:20who can and who cannot manufacture and issue number plates.
36:23I hope they do that quickly.
36:25I know that the budget read the third highest the national security received
36:29with allocations of funds.
36:32Your thoughts on it?
36:34Is it going to assist within the security arms?
36:38Before I answer that, Brittany, I want to urge you kindly this afternoon.
36:42I asked your alternate, if I should say that, Mr. Bassant,
36:46on the last occasion as to what's the role of the media in reference to
36:51this whole issue of crime fighting.
36:53I want to urge you.
36:54That call you make for the number plates,
36:56I want you to continue within the rule of law to continue to advocate so that
37:00we will push those officeholders to understand that there's an urgent call
37:04for the implementation of the number plate issue.
37:07With regards to the budget, where I stand,
37:10I have to be very circumspect in how I respond to it.
37:13As a member of the state and most of I sit,
37:18I'm a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
37:21What I can say is that when we see a budget and we see allocations,
37:26it is always inviting on one end.
37:30You can also attract a lot of critical analysis in relation to what the
37:34budgets are concerned.
37:35We have seen that.
37:36What is important in relation to it is that we action the items in the budget.
37:45That's all I'll say, that we action the items in the budget to ensure that it
37:49is serving the best public interest.
37:51That's all I'll say.
37:52Because of where I sit, I don't want to give too much on the budget.
37:55As swiftly as possible, which is most important.
37:57We'll be back.
37:58Take a break.
37:59We'll be back.
38:29We'll be back.
38:30We'll be back.
38:31We'll be back.
38:32We'll be back.
38:33We'll be back.
38:34We'll be back.
38:35We'll be back.
38:36We'll be back.
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38:44We'll be back.
38:45We'll be back.
38:46We'll be back.
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38:55We'll be back.
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38:59We'll be back.
39:00We'll be back.
39:01We'll be back.
39:02We'll be back.
39:03We'll be back.
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39:05We'll be back.
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39:09We'll be back.
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39:12We'll be back.
39:13We'll be back.
39:14We'll be back.
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39:17We'll be back.
39:18We'll be back.
39:19We'll be back.
39:20We'll be back.
39:21We'll be back.
39:22We'll be back.
39:23We'll be back.
39:24We'll be back.
39:25We'll be back.
39:26We'll be back.
39:28My Parents and my guardians should know all my rights.
39:32Our government should ensure that we enjoy our rights.
39:43Children have rights.
39:57And we are back. We have a call on the line. Let's take that call. Hello. Good afternoon.
40:04Hello. Hi, good afternoon. Good afternoon, Miss Whitney. Good afternoon, sir. I'm the
40:12police officer, Corporal Ali, I believe? Yes. All right. Let me bring up Corporal Ali first
40:19off. I'm not being facetious, I'm genuine. Corporal Ali, you and how you present yourself
40:27and you present the police service, you are one of the better officers that could lead
40:36and, honestly, lead the police where they have to go with respect to customer service,
40:44customer care, and knowledge of what is the requirement of the police service. Now, Whitney
40:55said something a while ago. What you see, basically tell us, and I'm going back into
41:03history to show where the police service has not demonstrated that to me as a citizen.
41:13And I'm going to reflect on the Joint Select Committee investigation into the TTPS on the
41:25Day of Policing. That has been a damaged report on several senior officers in the police service
41:34who have now been elevated to the leadership of the police. And during that investigation,
41:40and I think you should read it and come back, and I will engage you in it. In that report,
41:45the Joint Select Committee said the senior police service officers were reticent, meaning
41:53that they were uncorrupted, they were serious with respect to the Day of Policing. They
41:59identified the GEB, they identified the special branch, they even identified a previous host
42:09of the show who had been elevated. So that tells me that the service has collapsed. The
42:21JSC passed on the report hoping the police service and the commissioner would have totally,
42:29seriously investigated to find out what really happened. Nothing came out of that. And the
42:36fact that they identified in that report, the head of the special branch at that point
42:43in time had some issues that they wanted, and she was not forthcoming. Now she's the
42:48police commissioner. The other branch, Susan Martin was the head of another division in
43:00that. And what they were saying, the police, the senior police, apparently was not aware.
43:05And I am saying if the senior police was not aware of the Day of Policing, they should
43:10never be elevated to any serious position in this country if we want this country moving
43:18forward. So what I'm saying, we're packing, for my part, we're packing the leadership
43:23of the police service, a lot of them, with questionable paths. And the recent police
43:29promotion with a lot of ACPs and senior superiors, it's the same thing too. You had some senior
43:35officer who was retired, came back to interview those, a couple of people. He promoted some
43:42of them who was in the Day of Policing. So apparently he didn't even really join the
43:46select committee and he was part of it, showing that his lack of sense and purpose in that
43:52whole fiasco. Go back, that is one of the most damning report I have seen come out of
43:57the joint select committee. And we allow it to happen, the police service commission
44:02by appointing them and the leadership of the country for putting that, because they probably
44:06have an agenda in sync with the political party about having an ACP.
44:12Corporal Ali.
44:13Thank you very much, Kola. First let me acknowledge your kind comments at the beginning of your
44:18contribution. Thank you very much for that. I use that to continue to inspire me, to continue
44:23to serve the people of Trinidad and Tobago. But Whitney, this is a platform that persons
44:29express themselves and my hope that there's mature receipt of the comments and the statements
44:37that members of the public make. And if there's any way that we can channel it to ensure that
44:44we have a better society and better organizations, they are best placed in relation to some of
44:53the calls that the callers are making. But again, Trinidad and Tobago, this is our country.
45:00We need to continue to play our role and that freedom of expression, let us respect that
45:05freedom of expression and let the freedom of expression manifest itself for the betterment
45:11of Trinidad and Tobago. So I always urge persons to speak up. And I said many times on this
45:18platform, three things. If you are seeing things in a society that needs to be addressed,
45:23speak up on it. If you, or I should say before speak up on it, if you can fix it, fix it
45:28with your hands. So if the decision-making believe that it makes sense and they need
45:32to take action, they have the opportunity. If you're not fixing it with your hand but
45:36you can speak up on it to, you know, bring alive the issue, bring it alive for the betterment
45:40of Trinidad and Tobago. Respectfully that is. And last, if you cannot, speak up on it.
45:45Hate it in your heart as the lowest of faith, you know. So again, we must always remember
45:50as well, Whitney and Pandolin's sister, you know, one of our colleagues who, Mr. Brandon
45:55John, you know, yeah, who was cremated yesterday. You know, I want to remind not only the law
46:00enforcement officer, but every citizen, you know, there's a famous saying, I should say
46:05famous, but a saying that, wa inna ilahi, wa inna ilahi rajiun, from a Islamic context,
46:11which simply means, from him we came and to him shall be our return. So when we are
46:16conducting ourselves, when we are making decisions, when we are treating with people, when we
46:21are treating with the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and vice versa, they are treating
46:24with each other. Remember that a day will come that we all will have to leave this beautiful
46:29Trinidad and Tobago and this world. Just be reminded of that. Hence why we have things
46:33like, unfortunately, death. That is to remind us and teach us so that we can now get our
46:37thoughts in context. You all would have listened to Mr. Benjamin, DCP, at the funeral, when
46:43he spoke at the funeral, a lot of great things about the officer in terms of during his time.
46:48And, you know, I want to also encourage that when persons are alive, you know, let us,
46:52let us reward them. Let us give them what they require. Let us urge them to continue
46:56to do well for Trinidad and Tobago. So, you know, I know I may have come across a little
47:00passionate there, but I think that I need to remind Trinidad and Tobago and myself as
47:03well, that we would not be here forever, regardless of who we are.
47:08Alright. So, at this time, we will take a short break and when we come back, we'll wrap things up.
47:34Transitions with Designer Frames for $14.99 at Seaview Optical. Affordable eyewear for everyone.
47:39Athletes, coaches, administrators, and public. We need to find the desire to work together.
47:47Join us on iSports on i95.5 FM to find out more.
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48:10This is Mary. Mary has bills to pay and takes a chance parking in front of the building at the no parking sign.
48:26Mary returns to her car and this is what happens.
48:31Mary decides to call when she's five minutes away to let her daughter know that she is close by, but Mary forgot one thing.
48:46After two tickets, Mary just isn't paying attention to her speed.
48:59You have to pay 15 kilometers.
49:13Don't be like Mary. Obey the laws of the road. A message from the TTPS.
49:29And we are back. We have a call on the line. Let's take that call quickly before we wrap things up.
49:34Hello. Good afternoon. Good evening, sir.
49:40I just want to complain about the police recruitment system.
49:47The police recruitment system, I mean, I'm talking to some youth and I'm really, really disappointed.
49:56Imagine you're doing an exam. You come to the exam in 2022.
50:01You do a polygraph. You take about 11 months to get a result.
50:08And up to this day, you're still waiting to go for medicine. You're still waiting to go for polygraph.
50:15And when some of the applicants call me, all of them told me, when you're ready to be a coach, when you're ready to be a coach.
50:24And yet, there are people who came after, after, and getting in like a free pass and they get through everything okay.
50:35And they get through, but there's some people near me.
50:37It's either me, so they tell people like, look, they didn't make it, they didn't do it.
50:43But up there around me, you find them and keep that, hey, hey, man, hey, hey, man, hey, hey.
50:48They really have a big deal. They need to improve on the communication in the recruitment section.
50:54Call her. Call her. Call her. Call her.
50:58So, so, so, listen, Corporal Ali, you want to start your question. Listen.
51:03Yeah, not, not very often do I interject, call her, but again, it's the second time I'm hearing this particular concern.
51:11And please, before we lose time, please leave a number that I can call you so that we can really, you know, aggressively pursue this issue.
51:20And at least try to get an understanding as to what's happening down at that training college.
51:24You know, it would be remiss of me not to deal with that frontal this afternoon.
51:28So please leave a number. Because of the interest of time, leave a number.
51:32And I want to show you, I'll call you and we'll see where we need to take it and what feedback that needs to be given with reference to your matter and maybe other persons.
51:40So sorry to interject. Yes, thank you so much, Corporal Ali.
51:43It's just a follow up they need, you know, to know if they got accepted or not.
51:46The floor is yours. OK, well, I see we in terms of the interest of time, Whitney, I want to again thank you for a very good evening in relation to dealing with some very serious issues.
51:56Thanks to the caller for their submission as well. Whitney, I'll close by saying that, you know, within the last 24 hours to 48 hours,
52:03I was approached by an individual who has identified that with the number of things that we have seen with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service,
52:10unfortunately, in the in the public domain. Miss Ali, do you see yourself leaving the police service?
52:17And, you know, I immediately say to them that not because we are seeing the negativity in some instances with the police service.
52:24I cannot disassociate myself from an organization that has a very serious responsibility to protect and serve with pride the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
52:33And I mean that in my heart. And I want to call on my brothers and sisters in the police service over the last 24 to 48 hours.
52:39We are seeing some headlines. There are serious allegations. Remember your oath, your calling and police the place for the betterment of Trinidad and Tobago.
52:48And you yourself do not be putting yourself in a position where you are contributing to criminal law. The citizens is depending on you.
52:55So I just wanted to close with that. And Whitney, continue. Jackie, continue. As I said, we do not know what life has.
53:04You do not know who will be here tomorrow, but you will continue to provide that necessary support and platform for the people of Trinidad and Tobago
53:11and for the TTPS to be able to have that engagement with members of the public to build that trust and confidence, which we are in dire need of to move Trinidad and Tobago.
53:20Yes. Thank you. Now, the word of the day, we're leaving with octopus. Oh, yeah.
53:26We remain with you, Whitney. Yeah, it is. It is one where it was really interesting to see.
53:32And I'm hoping that the other stakeholders in society, not just the business chamber, that they had a discussion after the budget.
53:40Yes. Could also find ways, as we spoke of, ways where persons in community could really step in to assist because the search, the hunters, search and rescue,
53:51where we were asking persons to come forward, persons in the business realm, you could use this to your advantage to help any society with these individuals and take a proactive approach.
54:04When it comes to dealing with issues in our country and not just wait till something happens then to see, let's see how we could figure it out.
54:12Yes. You know, it is not just on the hands of the TTPS and we see the government is there like is our mother or father.
54:19But we also have to find a way to come together to make things change.
54:25We are the change and we are reflection of our society regardless of what position certain people hold.
54:31And we see them and hear them and they have certain abilities to control certain decision making policies that may be put in place.
54:42We need to figure out also how we could change the way in which we operate as a society.
54:49And those who sit in those positions understand the importance of where you sit and the responsibility that you have.
54:56Your role and function is one way you have to bring some sort of change.
55:01Our economy is evolving. We are changing every single day.
55:05I'm not sure if you all are paying attention that a war is taking place in Iran and Israel is happening back and forth and it is going to affect us just like what happened with Russia and Ukraine.
55:15And we saw what went on with Palestine. Also with Israel, it will affect us and it is trickling down.
55:22Just because we are in the Caribbean, all that will come and affect us.
55:25We have eyeballs and our young persons are observing everything that we do as adults in this society.
55:32So those of you who could really bring change, we ask. We beg. I am begging.
55:37Let's make a real change and because it didn't fall in your garden, you're not affected because it will come.
55:42I always say that. It may not come right now but you don't wait until it reaches you then to say we need to change things.
55:50That's correct.
55:51I know we haven't heard the bell as yet but you went into international context and I want to urge the international community.
55:59Peace, peace and peace.
56:01More peace. All the way even here.
56:03Corporal Ali, thank you so much for being here with us.
56:06We'll be back tomorrow at 4.45.
56:08Get ready for news. Cricket is up next.
56:10Always remember, be pure and just and have God in your life no matter what.
56:14We're out.
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