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02:19You know I love it with the D-R-E.
02:21A-N-D-R-E.
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03:29A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
03:47Welcome to Beyond the Tape.
03:54I'm your host, Marc Bessant.
03:55Welcome to our viewers across Trinidad and Tobago and our global viewers.
04:00It's Wednesday, and it's legally speaking Wednesdays.
04:04It's also day 45 of the state of emergency.
04:09With us today, in his new capacity as acting sergeant,
04:14Zahir Ali of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service,
04:17and attorney at law.
04:18Welcome, sir, and congratulations on your promotion.
04:22Thank you very much, Marc.
04:23Thanks for your kind introduction this afternoon.
04:27Good evening to Jackie and other family members of Beyond the Tape,
04:30the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,
04:32my colleagues in the law enforcement agencies,
04:34persons who are visiting our shores as well.
04:37It's indeed a pleasure and honor to be here this afternoon,
04:39and I'm humbled by your opening remarks as well.
04:43Having the opportunity from the ranks of the police service
04:48to continue to give my best in whatever area that I'm called upon.
04:52But again, this afternoon, Marc,
04:54I also want to take the opportunity to join with you and TB6
04:58and by extension Trinidad and Tobago
05:00to extend our condolences to the Honorable Director of Public Prosecutions,
05:05Mr. Roger Gaspard, and his family at this time.
05:08We know that the DPP is very much engaged with this particular matter
05:14involving the investigation surrounding the,
05:16and I want to repeat this for members of the public,
05:19the unlawful procurement of firearms and accessories
05:24that may lead us into misbehaving in public office.
05:27And the reason why I took the time to stress on that, Marc,
05:29I know a lot has been placed in the public domain,
05:32and if you notice, I have not gone into the context
05:34of distinguishing between prohibited weapons.
05:39I clearly indicated the unlawful procurement of firearms and accessories
05:43that may lead us into misbehaving in public office.
05:46So to Trinidad and Tobago, I think it's important as well.
05:48I know that most of you all, you know, seeing me here this afternoon
05:51may be eager to get an update,
05:53but I want to assure you that very soon, maybe a couple hours,
05:58the public of Trinidad and Tobago will get an update
06:00in relation to this investigation.
06:02But I want to assure you that we continue to conduct this investigation,
06:06and the police officers, the detectives have been advised
06:09to continue to adopt an expeditious and diligent approach
06:12to ensure that the public interest in this high-profile investigation
06:16is served and to ensure that the fundamentals,
06:20that there's a realistic prospect of a conviction on the evidence,
06:23and it's in the public interest for a decision to be taken by the DPP
06:29with reference to the possibility of initiating criminal proceedings.
06:32So I thought it was important to just indicate that,
06:34but you will get further information in a couple hours
06:37through the formal processes.
06:38But Mark, like always, I'm here to assist in whatever way that I can.
06:42All right. Well, certainly we will await that update
06:44as it pertains to the investigation
06:47surrounding the suspended Commissioner of Police, Eula Herewood.
06:51Christopher, it's day 45 of the state of emergency,
06:56and we want to take a quick look at the statistics.
07:01All right. The number of operations, 2,422.
07:05Priority offenders targeted, 2,032.
07:08Searches conducted, 16,414.
07:12Traffic operations, 2,118.
07:15Total persons arrested, 1,796.
07:19Traffic offenses detected to date, 8,295.
07:24Firearms recovered, a little bit more than yesterday, 85.
07:28Ammunition recovered, 1,836.
07:31Dangerous drugs seized thus far, 298,727 grams of cannabis
07:39and 1,239.4 grams of cocaine.
07:44And, of course, of particular note there is the firearms section there, 85 firearms.
07:52And I know the Acting Commissioner was on the show yesterday,
07:55and we spoke about these firearms coming in through the legal ports of Trinidad and Tobago
08:00and illegal ports.
08:02But one of the things that I was not able to bring to his attention
08:05because we had so many things going on,
08:07was that between the period 2018 to 2024,
08:11according to the Minister of National Security,
08:15when he spoke at the Upper House in July last year,
08:18he said that the number of illegal weapons that they caught during that six-year period
08:25was approximately 56.
08:29Well, again, Mark, before I make some brief comments on that particular matter that you brought,
08:35I think it's important in terms of the statistics,
08:37and thank you very much for reading the statistics.
08:39I think that when you read it, it protects the integrity of the statistics.
08:43So I think it's important where you sit.
08:46But again, I just want to add to those particular categories.
08:50It's important to be reminded of the preventative orders that are issued
08:55under the hands of the Minister of National Security.
08:57And I'm sure that those who are following the state of emergency
09:00will also see that there's a response from persons who are caught within the prevention order
09:09that they are now taking steps to have their detention reviewed by the tribunal.
09:13So it's a very interesting time in relation to the state of emergency
09:16because while the police and law enforcement and the state, by extension,
09:20is exploring the regulations,
09:21we are also seeing that due process is being followed and observed,
09:25and I think that's healthy.
09:26Definitely.
09:27And again, I want to also, you know, I've made mention on this platform,
09:31but, you know, I'll probably have a discussion with the executive of BTTPS.
09:35It's important for us, Mark, with these categories,
09:38to also indicate the number of persons that have been charged under the emergency regulations
09:43so that we have some level of completeness and a true picture
09:46of what's happening with the state of emergency.
09:48But back to that issue, the reference to those firearms,
09:51Mark, we have heard from many special report, you know, from intelligence agencies
09:56about predicting how many firearms that we have
09:58or may be circulating within Trinidad and Tobago
10:01coming from both illegal and illegal ports, as you were rightly indicated.
10:05And while, you know, we've seen some progress with reference to the number of firearms that have been seized,
10:11you know, it's important for us to continue to be persistent,
10:15to be able to, you know, retrieve particularly those high-powered rifles
10:21that really is a cause for concern in relation to the collateral damage
10:25and what would have prompted, in my respective view,
10:27the declaration or the proclamation of a state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago.
10:31You know, while there's commendable work by the police,
10:34I think that it is, you know, important that we continue, you know, to build on those statistics.
10:39So we want to get an idea of whether or not, you know, these scanners that they have on the port
10:45that they said they were procuring to bring onto the port is actually,
10:50or when is it coming and functionality-wise,
10:54when is it supposed to take effect in terms of getting and working
10:57so that we can have a better idea of what is coming in illegally?
11:01Well, I think that's a beautiful question, Mark,
11:03and I think that I hope that the Honorable, you know, Minister of Finance
11:07and the Minister of National Security and my extension, the National Security Council,
11:10you know, listening to you, you know, making or tabling this particular matter,
11:15I'm hoping that, you know, good sense would prevail with reference to that particular area as well.
11:19But what I can say is that while we may be looking at technology, Mark,
11:23I think it's important for the law-abiding custom officers, you know,
11:28to also play that due diligence that is required to ensure that they, you know,
11:32and I'm saying that I know that there are many hard-working custom officers,
11:36but I'm asking and calling on them to play their role.
11:39That human intervention is exceptionally important.
11:42Now to ensure that we weed out the corrupt persons within our law enforcement agencies
11:49who, if not for them, Mark, are going to be difficult for the criminal element.
11:52Yes.
11:53Because like in anything else, when you're talking about organized crime, it's a fact.
11:57You know, we have seen persons charged and the intelligence is suggesting that
12:00there's an involvement of public officials in the facilitating of these firearms and ammunition,
12:07especially through the legal port, and it's important for the customs officers, police officers,
12:12prison officers, and by extension, law enforcement, from a human resource capacity
12:16to step up and, you know, really exercise their due diligence.
12:20And if need be, you know, when we are exercising our due diligence,
12:27if our own are caught, that we, you know, bring them to justice.
12:31Most certainly.
12:32All right, we're going to take a look now at our headlines.
12:46Those were the headlines within the last 24 hours.
12:57Earlier today in the Mover area, apparently there were police officers on duty
13:02in the Port of Spain area conducting a roadblock exercise when they got a call
13:06about a shooting incident in the Paris Boulevard area in Mover,
13:12and they responded.
13:16A vehicle was shot up and one of the occupants there, he was critically injured,
13:22was taken by police officers.
13:24They were found in a nearby truck.
13:26Apparently they were being pursued by gunmen in another vehicle.
13:30That injured person has been identified as Jamil Maraj.
13:33He was in company with a young girl as well as a police officer
13:41there from the Blanche Shears area.
13:43So I don't know the particulars.
13:45These are police officers arriving here.
13:47You see that is a vehicle there, a Nissan Sentra.
13:52Several bullet holes seen on the back and front windows there from this angle.
13:58And the truck just up there you would have seen police later went there
14:02and they would have found the wounded Mr. Maraj
14:05and the other two persons who escaped any kind of injury.
14:10He was taken to the hospital and police acting on information,
14:15acting Sergeant Ali, went to an area in Paradise Heights as well as Second Caledonia
14:20where they were told that there was a blue iconic Hyundai that was involved in the shooting,
14:26but they were unsuccessful in apprehending the suspects.
14:30Mark, this story based on intelligence continues to develop.
14:33What is important and I'm happy that you all are showing this particular vehicle.
14:39It's a clear indication that possession of a deadly weapon,
14:43but the act on the part of the alleged offenders,
14:49a clear intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm.
14:52And you have seen that very clearly.
14:54When you look at the occupants of that vehicle,
14:56we have a situation where a police officer was on board and also a child.
15:00So again, Trinidad and Tobago, we have seen that while we may be in a state of emergency,
15:04it's important for us to maintain our focus.
15:06We cannot lose our focus.
15:08Yes, our loss is happening in Trinidad and Tobago with other high profile sensitive inquiries,
15:13but it's important for us to continue to police and police within the length and breadth
15:18because the criminal element are still taking the opportunity to pursue persons
15:23who they may have gotten instructions to pursue or who there may be vengeance
15:28or whether in fact it is your conflict between gang activity.
15:32But again, it's a developing story.
15:34And, you know, members of the public who may have intelligence, Mark,
15:38with reference to this matter, we are asking you all to, you know, come forward,
15:41use the anonymous channels or if you have persons at your trust,
15:44you know, let's bring forward this intelligence quickly.
15:47And may I say in a state of emergency that we have the option now that if we receive intelligence,
15:52credible intelligence now that the firearms that may be used or other evidence that are available
15:57that can detect and solve this crime, we have the opportunity to use emergency powers regulations
16:03to do warrantless search.
16:05This is a situation that directly impacted public safety and security.
16:08This is a shooting in broad daylight on a public road.
16:11So I think that is important for us, for members of the public to bring forward the intelligence
16:15so that we can utilize our powers under the emergency regulations
16:19to be able to retrieve, secure, and preserve evidence that we need.
16:22All right. We're going to take a short break and we'll be back. Stay with us.
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18:03The Express celebrates the memories, moments, and milestones of Carnival
18:08with Chronicles of Mass.
18:10This commemorative publication features the iconic bands, portrayals,
18:14and creators that have defined the masquerade throughout the years
18:18and cemented Trinidad and Tobago as the mecca of the festival.
18:22Relive the competitive highlights and remember the stalwarts, savants,
18:26and innovators as we journey through history in celebration of Carnival.
18:31It's Chronicles of Mass, free this weekend with your Sunday Express.
18:44Chronicles of Mass
18:56Any time you leave your keys in the ignition when you pull up to your driveway,
19:01you make yourself an easy target for theft and robbery.
19:06Make it tough for criminals.
19:08Don't give them a chance.
19:10Switch off your engine, remove your keys, and stay aloot.
19:15A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
19:35Welcome back. It's Legally Speaking Wednesdays.
19:37I'm your host, Mark Bassan, joined today by Acting Sergeant Corporal Ali
19:41of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Attorney at Law.
19:44And we just wanted to bring you up to speed with the 39th homicide.
19:49Apparently a body was found in the Claxton Bay area this morning
19:54in the Diamond Cemetery.
19:56We understand, based on information, that that person was later identified
20:01as a 32-year-old man from the Guapo area.
20:05Of course, police are still trying to ascertain, Acting Sergeant Ali,
20:09what might have transpired and where he was sitting or a long way from home.
20:14Well, in these circumstances, Mark, all I'll share at this time,
20:17and again, that's another development story,
20:19the police is looking at the victimology of that individual
20:22and the mere fact that you indicated that he's far away from home,
20:25it's important to really have an understanding as to who this individual is.
20:28And there can be many, many considerations.
20:30And it's important for us to be circumspect as we approach the inquiry.
20:34But again, I'll just remind members of the public that your intelligence,
20:38your information is of critical importance
20:40in expeditiously progressing these matters.
20:43Right. And even now to an equally serious matter involving,
20:48you know, any time it comes to children and child abuse,
20:51it's really disturbing when you see videos like these on social media.
20:56So on Monday night, apparently there was an incident in the Moruga area
21:01involving an elderly man and a child, supposedly a relative of the child,
21:07seen on the roadway being dragged by this man
21:12who apparently was armed with a knife of some sort, a sharp object.
21:19And, you know, people were quite disturbed.
21:22They saw there was a resident that apparently later took the knife
21:28out of the hand of that gentleman.
21:31And his name is Mr. Brenton Edwards.
21:33And he spoke with Express team Dexter Philip and Susan Muhammad today.
21:38Let's take a listen.
21:40The incident will take place.
21:42It's going on for the longest while.
21:45And nobody is putting a stop into it.
21:48He's drinking his rum, coming home right through,
21:51beating up the children and them
21:54and cussing everybody in the neighborhood,
21:57everybody fed up of what he's doing.
22:00So we like how all he takes step out of it
22:03because he could get innocent people in trouble.
22:06Sometimes I send my children to him in the shop,
22:08he's running them down with knives to stab them.
22:11And he will get me in trouble because I fed up of him
22:16and I like how all he takes step out of it.
22:19Yeah, I like how all he takes step out of it.
22:22Everybody fed up of him in the neighborhood.
22:25It's happening so long, I don't know how to say how long
22:27because it's happening, it's happening so long, right through.
22:31What happened that night?
22:33He come up the road, he drink his rum,
22:36like he drink his rum out the road, wherever, in the bar.
22:39He meet the children at home.
22:41He start beating the child up the hill.
22:44Where he is, we could see the house from where he is.
22:48He pelt the child out the gallery.
22:51Take him up, come down outside after.
22:53Take him up, walk down the road with him
22:56and have a long knife in his hand.
22:58And only, he is stabbing him, but he only make him
23:02attempt to stab him and beating him.
23:05That is what that guy do that night.
23:07No, we did nothing.
23:10I send my kids and them in the shop
23:12and they was walking, coming up the road
23:15and he run them down
23:18and I had to run down there and take the knife from him
23:21to save my kids and them.
23:24Was it that same night?
23:25That same night.
23:27How did y'all feel seeing the police come last night?
23:30We feel real proud about it.
23:33Everybody was glad because we fed up in the neighborhood.
23:37As I saying, there's something going on right through over and over.
23:41Even the family, they say nothing and do nothing about it.
23:47They don't even vex about it.
23:49How the police come last night or whosoever and go with them.
23:57So Corporal Ali, this is very troubling
23:59because if something like this is happening
24:01in a community or a village for a period of time
24:04and God forbid something worse had happened
24:07to that child or children
24:09and these adults are seeing this going on for a period of time
24:12they should have alerted or contacted relevant authorities
24:15a long time ago because of this individual state of mind when he drinks.
24:19Well Mark, this is a very sensitive matter
24:24and I can feel your passion and your emotion to this matter as well.
24:31What I will say is that I'm aware that it's subject to investigation
24:36but I will compound it by asking the Assistant Commissioner
24:39for that particular area and by extension all senior officers
24:42to ensure that they do a very diligent investigation
24:46and I'm saying diligent because the point that you made
24:49to ascertain when they're investigating this matter
24:52whether in fact this matter was reported to the police
24:55and if so, how many times?
24:57Whether this matter was reported to the Children's Authority
24:59if so, how many times?
25:01Because we're in a period where we're looking at misbehaviour in public office
25:04in another sphere.
25:06But I want to signal to Trinidad and Tobago and our public officials
25:09and I say this because our children are involved
25:13that public officials who took an oath
25:16or public officials where there's clearly enshrined responsibilities and duties
25:22be careful that you are not willfully misconducting yourself
25:25or neglecting to perform your duty with reference to matters like these
25:30because the trust that the public should have in you
25:34these office holders will be abused
25:38and in the public interest it will require investigation
25:41not only in the context of allegedly what this father may have perpetrated
25:45towards his children
25:46but also public officials who may have neglected to perform their duty
25:50so hence why I'm saying Mark
25:52that this matter should be diligently investigated
25:55to see whether in fact there's matters beyond this father
25:59and whether there are public officials who may be responsible
26:02because hats off to the individual who intervened
26:06and I know why it may be subject to inquiry
26:08he may have prevented further harm from occurring
26:12and he indicated as well that his children were also exposed to a level of harm
26:18so I think it's a very important matter
26:20and I'll close by saying that for Trinidad and Tobago
26:24let us be diligent, vigilant with reference to what children is concerned
26:30or are concerned as the case may be
26:32there are children who may be exposed to harm Mark
26:36or there may be children who are assaulted, neglected
26:39or in some cases I saw recently where they even spoke about children
26:43who are loitering and begging in the public domain
26:47and I saw a response state which was commendable
26:51but we may also be looking at children being exploited
26:54whether sexually, whether from a labor context
26:58and that leads us into issues of human trafficking
27:01so in totality our children need to be focused on
27:06and when matters like this, if we are aware of matters where children are exposed to harm
27:10members of the public, please report it
27:12we are the Children's Authority, we are the Child Protection Unit
27:15or we have all the anonymous numbers available to you
27:19or any trusted police officer to be able to respond
27:22to ensure that the children is prevented from any harm
27:26and there is follow-up investigation in relation to this matter
27:29but thank you very much for bringing that Mark
27:31to demonstrate where the community continues to have a role
27:35where our children is concerned
27:37so I just wanted to share that this afternoon
27:39Alright, we have a call on line, caller good evening
27:44Good evening caller
27:46Am I live at the moment?
27:48Yes you are, go ahead
27:49Alright, good evening Mr. Valsan and Mr. Ali
27:52Good evening sir
27:53It's always nice to see both of your professionalism
27:58and the inspiration
28:01and just a general statement
28:03it would be really nice if really soon we could make Trinidad and Tobago
28:07a country we are all genuinely proud of
28:10and where, just you know back in the olden days
28:15as they would say foundations, societal foundations
28:18but in place where respect for each other is a requirement
28:22so thanks, keep up the good work, all the best
28:25Thank you
28:30Just to acknowledge the caller Mark
28:32his kind comments to yourself
28:34and basically the team
28:36and it's important that this particular platform
28:39continue to be used to promote positivity in Trinidad and Tobago
28:43and if we are not highlighting these things
28:46to the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago
28:48you know you don't get the level of response
28:50so I'm certain now
28:52this may have been aired between 6.25 and 6.20 this afternoon
28:56I'm sure that immediately those who are tuned on
29:00probably thinking, well ok
29:02you know I'm aware of a child next door
29:04I'm aware of a child last week
29:06and this is the level of positive action that we require
29:09to ensure that we continue to take the necessary action
29:13for the well-being and the best interests
29:15of our children of Trinidad and Tobago
29:17bearing in mind Mark
29:18that they are the future of Trinidad and Tobago
29:20Well said, I couldn't say it better myself
29:23Alright, we're going to take a short break
29:25and we'll be back, stay with us
29:31What measures have you taken to protect yourself
29:34and by extension the people in your community?
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32:56I'm Sergeant Corporal Zuhair Ali
32:58Of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service
33:00As we continue our
33:02Episode
33:04Voice of the People
33:06In the Northeastern Settlement
33:08In Sanguigandi
33:26How long have you been living in this area?
33:28For about
33:3020 years
33:3220 years
33:34And what was life like before here became a hot spot to you?
33:36Life was very good
33:38You could go anywhere, you could walk anywhere
33:40You understand
33:42It didn't have no malice, everybody was one
33:44Yeah
33:46And what changed that?
33:48The Tobago gang leader
33:50He was the one who
33:52He was the one who
33:54And the Tobago gang leader in the area
33:56That
33:58Certain officers from
34:00The same Sanguigandi station
34:02They're covering for them
34:04You understand me?
34:06They know exactly what they're doing and they're covering for them
34:08You understand me?
34:10They're bringing drugs, they're bringing guns
34:12They're coming on this side and pressuring me and making me look like we're the problem
34:14But since I was a youth man
34:16Going to school, playing club football
34:18Playing all kinds of football
34:20Them men and them women are backing all in
34:22What measures have you taken
34:24To protect yourself and by extension
34:26The people in your community?
34:28Well
34:30To tell you the truth
34:32You don't know how most get away
34:34When it starts to get like this
34:36Certain men don't sleep
34:38We're outside just to make sure
34:40Anybody pass
34:42You know, in that kind of way
34:44And we have plenty of youths, we have plenty
34:46People that's been around
34:48And out here
34:50Do you think that the police
34:52Is doing enough in terms of engagement in this area?
34:54Well, it have
34:56It have plenty of hard working officers
34:58Plenty of them, but this squad
35:00This squad is a hard working squad
35:02If they catch you wrong, you're wrong
35:04It have no set up
35:06It have no harassment
35:08Them not on that, you understand me?
35:10But it have a specific batch
35:12A task force, including gang unit
35:14You understand me? Running rail racketing
35:16You understand me?
35:18It have them, running rail racketing
35:20They bringing drugs, they bringing guns
35:22And the pressure on the youths on them, who trying to fight
35:24Who trying to fight oppression
35:26You understand me?
35:28How can the trust of the public
35:30Be, in terms of how they
35:32Perceive police officers be
35:34Regained, in your own opinion?
35:36Well, literally
35:38Granny station only have one
35:40Batch of crooked dogs
35:42You understand me?
35:44And that same task force batch
35:46If they get rid of that batch, that is it
35:48You understand me?
35:50In terms of police wise
35:52In terms of
35:54Up in the back here, if they get rid of that
35:56Gang leader down in the back there
35:58Because he's a gang leader since I was small
36:00And he's still there, doing rail thing
36:02Shooting innocent people, family
36:04Shooting all kind of people and
36:06They're covering for them
36:08What would you like to see
36:10Done in this area, to turn things around
36:12For the betterment of the community?
36:14Well, where I
36:16Just be down in the back there in New Settlement
36:18It's a plenty vacant land
36:20And, just last year
36:22I spent some money on the excavator
36:24And cleaned down that spot
36:26I'm trying to get my own recreational ground down in the back there
36:28Understand man, I believe
36:30It's a plenty youths
36:32That's engaged in a little football and things
36:34Plenty of them have plenty of skills
36:36So I hope that, if we get our little grounds
36:38Down in the back there, plenty of them youths
36:40Go engage themselves in our little football activities
36:42Our coach willing to come and
36:44Coach them every day, for nothing much
36:46You understand, may I get them back into something
36:48Because it's a plenty little league coming
36:50Fishing pond starting in March
36:52It's a one-up Granifair
36:54It's a one-up Mearrow
36:56It's a one-up Manson
36:58All this is a little football league and things
37:00I'm trying to get the youths back into
37:02Because I have a passion for football
37:04Football I really love, you know
37:06I don't like no bad man thing or no ranking thing
37:08Do you believe that we need to have stiffer penalties
37:10Involving this kind of illicit activity
37:12Whether it be gun running, drug running
37:14Shooting, murders
37:16I believe we need a stiffer penalty for the police
37:18You see the crooked one of them
37:20Who could do real shit
37:22And then just sit down for 6, 8, 10 months, 12 months
37:24And then come back out to work
37:26It's like alright, you kill a man
37:28You sit down for 2 years and then come back to work
37:30When I come back to work, I'll kill her
37:32I'll kill her next man again
37:34Because I could go and sit down again and get paid
37:36You know, in that kind of way
37:38It's not stiff enough for the police and them who enter the crookedness
37:40You understand me?
37:42It's always some kind of mistake
37:44It's always some kind of paper, some file gone missing
37:46When it's time to deal with them case
37:48You understand me?
37:50Police is the police, I don't know where those go
37:52But they need more stiffer penalties for the officers and them who enter the crookedness
37:54I was watching a police man from up
37:56From up Matura the other day
37:58Stab up a girl, walk down by the bar drinker
38:00And then walk in the station and give up his head
38:02Look he's outside, he's walking, taxi up and down the road
38:04He spent about 2 years
38:06And might have been in jail 25 years
38:08And still didn't come out yet
38:10What would be your
38:12One message to youths
38:14Across the country who
38:16To an entire life of crime
38:18What would you encourage them to do differently?
38:20Well
38:22It's to tell somebody
38:24To try to engage something positive
38:26And try to instill it
38:28And pull the youths towards it
38:30If nobody is trying to instill nothing positive
38:32It will never have nothing positive
38:34It's either the coke they've seen selling
38:36Or it's gone they've seen
38:38Like all of them having their head coming up
38:40But if it's somebody who can try and build every child a football
38:42Every child a basketball
38:44This thing is respect
38:46You have to have
38:48Respect when you're playing these sports
38:50So it can change the way you're thinking
38:52It can change the way you're talking
38:54They can build a love
38:56You just end up building a love with sports
38:58The people are wrong
39:00You might cross your P.A. every day
39:02You understand me?
39:04So you see that missing link being sports
39:06Yeah sports
39:08Yeah sports
39:10Yeah cork is right
39:12Alright
39:14Thanks a lot
39:18So voice of the people there
39:20Northeastern Settlement
39:22Acting Sergeant Ali
39:24Well Mark again
39:26A very interesting video
39:28There are so many things that I want to say about this particular video
39:30But you know
39:32Please allow me just to make some very overarching
39:34Statements
39:36One
39:38Again while one person may have spoken
39:40And it needs to be checked
39:42Again the importance of police legitimacy
39:44Very very important
39:46As a law enforcement agency
39:48That if you are losing your legitimacy
39:50By failing to uphold the rule of law
39:52And police the place within the rule of law
39:54You're going to be losing the trust and confidence
39:56Of members of the public
39:58While it may be subject to inquiry
40:00This is what we have to work with at this time
40:02I really hope that the
40:04Senior Superintendent and the Assistant Commissioner
40:06For the Sandy Grandy District
40:08Is paying particular attention so at least
40:10They themselves can do their due diligence
40:12Do their inquiry and ascertain whether in fact
40:14There's any merit in the position
40:16Adopted by this particular individual
40:18Secondly very important
40:20This individual when we were looking
40:22And you were going through
40:24I'm seeing that there's a need to revisit the infrastructure
40:26I'm seeing decaying
40:28Facilities and you know when you
40:30Want to attract persons to have a healthy
40:32Life or healthy community you have
40:34The importance of ensuring
40:36That there's proper infrastructure
40:38So this call for a governmental
40:40Approach you know maybe the regional authorities
40:42To look at these playing fields
40:44Look at these particular parks
40:46To see whether in fact they are conducive
40:48Or are they inviting for adults and children
40:50So we are seeing that
40:52There's a need for intervention from other
40:54Arms of state and you know
40:56When the individual you know made mention
40:58Of sport mark you know to have
41:00Our young people understand how to
41:02Compete and compete properly
41:04Not picking up firearms and associating themselves
41:06With criminal gangs so again
41:08The power of sport for community and from
41:10A national context you know I don't want to go into
41:12When you see a football a national
41:14Game or a test match or
41:16CPL you see that the stadium
41:18Is packed and if you look at the cross section of the
41:20Stadium it have persons from every
41:22Length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago
41:24Who can sit and you know
41:26Enjoy a game together so again
41:28The power of sport will call for
41:30The ministry of youth development
41:32The ministry of sport the ministry of education
41:34To look and see where they can now
41:36Look at the development of that area
41:38From a sporting context and I want to take this
41:40Opportunity mark
41:42From a sporting context we have spoken about
41:44These sporting organizations
41:46Like the cricket board
41:48The basketball association the footballer federation
41:50This is when these entities
41:52Need to step in when we are looking at our
41:54All out society approach to dealing with crime
41:56But again we have heard it and it's important
41:58For us to respond
42:00Not only listen to these videos but the stakeholders
42:02That are impacted to respond immediately
42:04So that we can really feel
42:06The voice of the people and see the positive action
42:08In these matters. Thank you so much for that
42:10Acting Sergeant Ali
42:12We're going to take a short break and we'll be back
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49:50and your children, you know, it's so unfortunate.
49:53So let us look at it in a balanced way,
49:56but it's not a defense to be acting in a way
49:59that is alleged in the video that was shown
50:01in relation to where these children are concerned,
50:03where you are threatening someone with an offensive weapon
50:06to purportedly inflict harm.
50:08You don't know what you're doing with that child.
50:10That child may never recover
50:11if that child don't get the necessary intervention.
50:13So very important issues, Mark.
50:14Well, we're glad to know that.
50:16I think our team of officers on the ACP,
50:18Wayne Meister, would have detained that suspect
50:23since that incident on Monday night.
50:25I believe they went down there and they made,
50:28they were in a very short space of time
50:30able to detain that suspect
50:32who is now assisting the police.
50:35All right, we're gonna take a short break,
50:36and when we get back, we'll have more.
50:38Stay with us.
50:39Look behind us, take cover!
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53:53Welcome back to Beyond the Tape.
53:55I'm your host, Mark Bassan.
53:56Joined today by acting Sergeant Zahir Ali of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
54:01Also a Tinnie at law.
54:03So we just have a couple minutes left.
54:05And of course, if there's anything you would like to educate the public on, feel free.
54:10Well, Mark, I want to use the opportunity to educate the public.
54:13I know that, you know, the public, they themselves are very educated.
54:17And I want to thank them.
54:19They themselves are very educated.
54:20And I want to thank them this afternoon.
54:22And I want to thank them for the interest that they have shown in, you know, many, many matters.
54:29And, you know, when you have a public that is engaged, and I must also extend it to the media as well,
54:33that through you all that the public is engaged, I think that creates a healthy democracy.
54:37And, you know, when you are governed by the rule of law, it's important for us to live and uphold the rule of law.
54:45And I think that I want to continue to call on members of the public to continue to play their role
54:50to uphold the democracy of Trinidad and Tobago and to promote the rule of law.
54:53And, you know, at times, sometimes I know that we may become passionate,
54:57but let us continue to be responsible citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
55:01Let us continue to be always in an informed position before, you know, we generate our statements.
55:06And let us also appreciate, especially with this present matter involving the police commissioner and others,
55:11that these are matters, as I said before, on many occasions, it's not something that you see every day.
55:17And the public interest will require that there's a realistic prospect of a conviction
55:23if the decision is made to initiate criminal proceedings.
55:26So this is what you members of the public would want to see.
55:29You would want to see something that is frivolous and vexatious.
55:32So the public interest, when you look at it in both contexts,
55:36one, to ensure that there's a diligent inquiry, to ensure there's fairness and due process,
55:40but at the same time to ensure that there's a realistic prospect of a conviction on the evidence.
55:46So, you know, just, you know, stay tuned.
55:49Continue to play your role, play your support.
55:51Continue to hold law enforcement accountable.
55:53And to members of the media, as always, you know, I ask for that patience as well, Mark.
55:57Continue to be responsible in relation to how we are reporting on these sort of matters.
56:03But again, this afternoon, two excellent videos that, you know, I will continue to ponder on
56:08and perhaps have some discussion with other agencies with a reference to how we can respond positively
56:13to videos and concerns like we have unfolding.
56:17But all in all, I think that we are in a state of emergency and we need to keep our focus
56:22that we still have a mammoth task and evidence today that we're still seeing the violent encounters.
56:31We're still seeing murders being recorded.
56:33We're still seeing concerns from members of the Republic where gang leaders and gang members
56:37are still governing communities, which shouldn't be at all.
56:41So, it's important for us to maintain our focus on Trinidad and Tobago.
56:44Continue to exercise your due diligence.
56:47Play your role.
56:48You know, hold TCPS accountable.
56:50You know, it's a very, very sensitive time in the police service,
56:54but I'm asking you all to join hands with us to ensure that we continue to protect
56:59and preserve Trinidad and Tobago and our children, Mark.
57:03Last but not least.
57:04Yes.
57:05We all were children once.
57:07If we were treated like that, you think that you probably would have had a Mark Basant
57:11representing the public's interests?
57:13You think you would have had a Jackie as a producer ensuring that the public is educated?
57:18You think you may have had a Zahir Ali on the platform trying to assist
57:22and make a meaningful contribution to Trinidad and Tobago?
57:25So, you know, hats off to our parents and our family,
57:28but our children, we must continue to give them the focus, give them the attention,
57:32and the state agencies that are set up to ensure that the best interests of our children are served
57:38must ensure that the importance of that responsibility that they have.
57:42So, I just want to close with that this afternoon, Mark, and thank you very much for having me.
57:45I just want to reiterate what you were saying and to all the parents out there.
57:49It doesn't even have to be your child, but you've seen something wrong in your community,
57:55in your village, considering a particular parent or parents, as the case may be,
58:01please reach out to relevant personnel who can assist the Children's Authority,
58:06the community policing unit, you have the gender-based violence unit, and so on,
58:11who can make that intervention.
58:13If you are afraid or if for some reason you don't want to get directly involved,
58:17it's extremely important that you do that so that your children and other children can remain safe.
58:24Remember, we run tonight at 11.30, we run tomorrow at 11 o'clock.
58:29The TV6 News is up next. Stay with us.
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