Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Jumbie on May 04, 2014, 01:51:53 AM
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Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/BREAKING-NEWS---Dana-Seetahal-murdered-257834591.html
By Alexander Bruzual
At about 12:05 a.m. senior counsel Dana Seetahal was in her Volkswagen SUV proceeding north along Hamilton-Holder street, Woodbrook when upon reaching the vicinity of the Woodbrook Youth Club two vehicles pulled alongside her causing her to come to a stop.
One of the vehicles, a Nissan Wingroad, then drove ahead a short distance and pulled across the road, blocking it. The other vehicle which was described as a panel van pulled alongside and the occupants of that vehicle pulled out their firearms and opened fire on the SUV.
The two vehicles then sped off and made good their escape.
Residents of the area, on hearing the gunshots contacted the police and emergency health services. However, despite their swift response, when they arrived the senior counsel and Express columnist was dead --- slumped along her driver's seat.
The first responders notified their seniors and a party of officers including ACP Wayne Dick, Senior Superintendent Ishmael David, Acting ASP Williams, Inspector Thomas, Inspector Veronique,
Inspector Lawrence, and Inspector Rampersad, among others, visited the scene.
Crime scene investigators recovered several 5.62 shells at the scene.
Police are currently working on two theories as a result of this killing. The first, and most prominent, is that because of the nature of the incident it was a "hit" arising out of the Senior Counsel's involvement in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman case.
The other theory is that she allegedly was on her way home after spending some time in a casino. Up to moments ago officers were said to be still at the casino conducting inquiries.
Ag Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, when contacted by the Express a short time ago, said he was shocked.
"It's shocking. Crime is a concern especially violent crime. It's a shocking incident, one you least expect.
"I had a conversation with her at around 12.45 pm on Saturday and everything was fine.
"We need to work as a country together", Williams said.
The top cop said he had been apprised of the killing, and head of Homicide ACP Wayne Dick has been in constant communication with him.
Williams assured there will be a thorough investigation, and that his officers are on the scene doing a basic investigation.
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This is sad but maybe it will take high profile people like this being murdered before our politicians get serious about reducing crime and murders.
But then again are our politicians setting a good example regards not encouraging crime?
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Unsurprising, but still no less than another societal low. Opens an immediate void in civil discourse and independent thought. RIP.
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Sigh.
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This is just plain madness occurring for a small nation with all these murders. I actually wake up everyday expecting to hear someone got murdered, hoping it's not any of my family members. Change the system of politics and only then you will see a change in the country. Only The Lord knows, if I had the funds, I would campaign for a change in the system. People continuously blame the government for everything, yet they vote for the same damn people over and over and expect something different when their party wins.. Madness!!
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they ever found selwyn richardson's killer/s? we all know they will probably never find seetahal's killers. some of my friends on fb talking about colombia and mexico and how we on a path to get like those places...i really ent know what to think oui
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This is so distressing to hear... not only was Dana Seetahal a brilliant lawyer, but she was an excellent journalist as well. Crime in Trinidad is out of control and law enforcement remains woefully impotent or unwilling to do anything about it. I'm just stunned by this news.
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Shocking news... Will it have to get even worse before action is taken? And if action is taken, will it be of any effect, or just another bunch of raids and business as usual after?
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The criminals know that too many of our politicians and police officers are corrupt and also criminals themselves and so they know they are unlikely to pay for their crimes just like most of our politicians are criminally raping the country of its money and resources and are likely to get away with it while trying to blame the opposition party and claiming they were just as bad or worse than us.
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they ever found selwyn richardson's killer/s? we all know they will probably never find seetahal's killers. some of my friends on fb talking about colombia and mexico and how we on a path to get like those places...i really ent know what to think oui
We are not on a path..we are already there..but those who have orchestrated the murder and assassination of this Independent thinker have already spoken by accusing others of this crime.
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How long before a new election? I cyah remember it being this bad under PNM. To much death in T&T. These wicked spirits getting permission to do these things.
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How long before a new election? I cyah remember it being this bad under PNM. To much death in T&T. These wicked spirits getting permission to do these things.
This Gov't will never call an election....I wonder how many Guyanese and Surinamese will gain citizenship before next election. We have people who are intellectually and morally bankrupt running the country.
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How long before a new election? I cyah remember it being this bad under PNM. To much death in T&T. These wicked spirits getting permission to do these things.
This Gov't will never call an election....I wonder how many Guyanese and Surinamese will gain citizenship before next election. We have people who are intellectually and morally bankrupt running the country.
Help me understand the Guyanese and Surinamese reference. I would like more insight. Speak plainly.
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http://www.unesco.org/culture/caribbean/pdf/ghc_onlinechapter_vol5_chap6_en.pdf
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http://www.unesco.org/culture/caribbean/pdf/ghc_onlinechapter_vol5_chap6_en.pdf
Good stuff! :thumbsup:
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Another sad. Blow to tarnish our nation- blame? When the SOE exercise had the so called criminal elements under lock and key and two weeks later they walked free - one wonders at the mockery of a system who used the stringent measures at its disposals that resulted in a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing- now today we are witnessing the apparent liberty that these criminal elements are making just so bold face just so almost sneering at the law enforcement to do something.
It is appalling and disheartening to read day in and day out of these wanton killings- blame ?
It is a societal plague that has encompassed our nation of epidemic proportion without any seemingly available antidote. Rampant murders on our streets communities and our land has an aura of callouses existence- it is a sad day when people begin to see this as a norm - blame ?
Where does the blame lie? It is unreasonable to expect the law enforcers to be present and visible 24/7 in all cornea of our communities- these people who are committing these gruesome crimes are not without accessories or others with knowledge of- why is it that people are living with and know about yet does not have the moral or ethical fortitude to take preventative actions to deter the actions of others?- blame?
There is a collective thinking that has tainted segments of our society to live with and amongst those who dare live a life of violence- where did we go wrong? What led to this moral decay? How could we see things and know things in our neighbourhood yet be paralyzed by fear to report?
Why is it that each day one could almost predict the headline and live with a constant fear that innocent lives could be lost at a moment's notice.
Growing up long time the threat of a " buss head" was a big deal today it appears that threats are passé and that the reality of a violent death is norming. Some people are quick to dismiss many of these murders to " gang association" or drugs- what is it when it is high profile individuals? Are we back in the wild Wild West who hired "gunslingers" were part of how business was conducted?
It is shameful that we don't have enough. Harsh measures to deter the actions of these perpetrators of criminal activities- that people who engage in these criminal activities could do so without the fear of persecution? Blame? Are there elements in our legal judiciary law enforcement, government, that are connected to nefarious activities that assist in the perpetration of criminal activities? Blame? It makes you wonder ? When so called big crime happens like the juice can episode and still no transparent information is revealed as to the people behind this ? Ummm? Now this killing? Motive? Will we ever know what or who is really behind our nation's decay? Who do we blame?
My TRinidad and Tobago is not the place I use to know and yet there are so many things that are positive in the land- Complex issues are not solved with simple solutions- as a people it appears that our faith and trust in those entrusted to safeguard our well being has being dismantled- our leaders does not inspire faith or belief that the moral yardstick would strike out at those who chose to live alive of crime. What will it take? Money spent and time spent on ensuring that a minister picture be posted in every police station is not a measure to reduce crime- narcissistic and self aggrodanizing seems to be what some leaders are perpetuating as oppose to seriously looking at practical solutions - it's another sad day in the streets of our nation.
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Another sad. Blow to tarnish our nation- blame? When the SOE exercise had the so called criminal elements under lock and key and two weeks later they walked free - one wonders at the mockery of a system who used the stringent measures at its disposals that resulted in a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing- now today we are witnessing the apparent liberty that these criminal elements are making just so bold face just so almost sneering at the law enforcement to do something.
It is appalling and disheartening to read day in and day out of these wanton killings- blame ?
It is a societal plague that has encompassed our nation of epidemic proportion without any seemingly available antidote. Rampant murders on our streets communities and our land has an aura of callouses existence- it is a sad day when people begin to see this as a norm - blame ?
Where does the blame lie? It is unreasonable to expect the law enforcers to be present and visible 24/7 in all cornea of our communities- these people who are committing these gruesome crimes are not without accessories or others with knowledge of- why is it that people are living with and know about yet does not have the moral or ethical fortitude to take preventative actions to deter the actions of others?- blame?
There is a collective thinking that has tainted segments of our society to live with and amongst those who dare live a life of violence- where did we go wrong? What led to this moral decay? How could we see things and know things in our neighbourhood yet be paralyzed by fear to report?
Why is it that each day one could almost predict the headline and live with a constant fear that innocent lives could be lost at a moment's notice.
Growing up long time the threat of a " buss head" was a big deal today it appears that threats are passé and that the reality of a violent death is norming. Some people are quick to dismiss many of these murders to " gang association" or drugs- what is it when it is high profile individuals? Are we back in the wild Wild West who hired "gunslingers" were part of how business was conducted?
It is shameful that we don't have enough. Harsh measures to deter the actions of these perpetrators of criminal activities- that people who engage in these criminal activities could do so without the fear of persecution? Blame? Are there elements in our legal judiciary law enforcement, government, that are connected to nefarious activities that assist in the perpetration of criminal activities? Blame? It makes you wonder ? When so called big crime happens like the juice can episode and still no transparent information is revealed as to the people behind this ? Ummm? Now this killing? Motive? Will we ever know what or who is really behind our nation's decay? Who do we blame?
My TRinidad and Tobago is not the place I use to know and yet there are so many things that are positive in the land- Complex issues are not solved with simple solutions- as a people it appears that our faith and trust in those entrusted to safeguard our well being has being dismantled- our leaders does not inspire faith or belief that the moral yardstick would strike out at those who chose to live alive of crime. What will it take? Money spent and time spent on ensuring that a minister picture be posted in every police station is not a measure to reduce crime- narcissistic and self aggrodanizing seems to be what some leaders are perpetuating as oppose to seriously looking at practical solutions - it's another sad day in the streets of our nation.
Man you're missing the whole point this wasn't random....the fact that it is known that 2 vehicles were involved means there was either an eyewitness or she was on the phone... the fact that no mention of robbery motive makes it less than random....I don't know crap about guns but those shell casings indicate a military type assault weapon
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Man you're missing the whole point this wasn't random....the fact that it is known that 2 vehicles were involved means there was either an eyewitness or she was on the phone... the fact that no mention of robbery motive makes it less than random....I don't know crap about guns but those shell casings indicate a military type assault weapon
That was far from a random killing and anyone who believes that needs to put on their thinking cap before commenting.
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The woman get blast up like 'Training Day' Meps thanks for that resource. Have there been in any opinion influx of criminal elements from Guyana and Suriname?
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Who ever said this act was random? From what I read about the Mo and the specific target in the news articles, it would suggest otherwise.
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no random killing. a hit plain and simple. ordered by a suit. a suit that had vested interest in her death. an interest that was so crucial to
him/her that warranted her removal from the living world by any means. any means. alot was riding on her death to these people. who do
they use? contract and sub contract and sub sub sub contract this dirty work to the anti-social, morally bankrupt individuals in society. suits
have their henchmen who they would have already equipped with money, guns, contracts etc and who know where in the underworld to hire
or exploit. death penalty aint stoppin the actual low level perpetrators of these sorts of crimes with police detection and conviction rates so
disgustingly low. western division PCs etc know whats the deal but decide to hush their mouths and cash their cheques at the end of the
month and hope to make it out that career path fast and financially healthy.
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the country like a friggin run away train !!!!
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:thinking:
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Panday: A failed State
..."It seems to me that the whole country needs to be protected in some way or the other" (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Panday-A-failed-State-257866821.html)
By SUE-ANN WAYOW
Story Created: May 4, 2014 at 3:54 PM ECT (T&T Express)
"My God! What is this country coming to?"
Those were the first words from former prime minister Basdeo Panday when told of senior counsel Dana Seetahal's death today.
When the Express told Panday that his former legal colleague Seetahal was murdered, Panday was astounded.
He said: "I am shocked beyond words. I do not know the reason for this killing but if it has anything to do with the fact that she was doing her duty as a lawyer, all I can say is I don't know what this country has come to, not is coming anymore, but has come to. "
Panday said Seetahal was an exemplary lawyer.
" As a lawyer, we did not do any cases together but as a legal colleague we got along very well . She was a very good lawyer, I think she was determined, I think she is intelligent and she has done quite a lot of cases successfully, " he said.
Panday said if Seetahal, a prominent lawyer could be killed, nobody was safe in the country.
Seetahal was a State prosecuor in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman trial that resumes today.
Security has since been given to Justice Malcolm Holdip and other attorneys involved in the trial.
Panday said: "It seems to me that the whole country needs to be protected in some way or the other. If a lawyer who is doing a case can be killed because of that, I don't know, she might have been killed for another reason, if that is the reason, then you got to guard everybody. This country has reached to a level that is incomprehensible, it has sunk to a level which is unbelievable. We are now really a failed State."
And Seetahal's colleague, senior counsel Israel Khan said Seetahal will be sorely missed.
He said: "I am very saddened and I am shocked and astonished. We were very close. We graduated together. We were at law school together and she was in my law chambers for about 10 years."
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$1 million reward in Dana Seetahal murder (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/BREAKING-NEWS---Dana-Seetahal-murdered-257834591.html)
By Alexander Bruzual
Story Created: May 4, 2014 at 3:17 AM ECT (T&T Express)
A $1 million reward is being offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the murder of attorney Dana Seetahal. At about 12:05 a.m. senior counsel Dana Seetahal was in her Volkswagen SUV proceeding north along Hamilton-Holder street, Woodbrook when upon reaching the vicinity of the Woodbrook Youth Facility two vehicles pulled alongside her causing her to come to a stop. One of the vehicles, a Nissan Wingroad, then drove ahead a short distance and pulled across the road, blocking it.
The other vehicle which was described as a panel van pulled alongside and the occupants of that vehicle pulled out their firearms and opened fire on the SUV. The two vehicles then sped off and made good their escape. Residents of the area, on hearing the gunshots contacted the police and emergency health services.
However, despite their swift response, when they arrived the senior counsel and Express columnist was dead --- slumped along her driver's seat.
The first responders notified their seniors and a party of officers including ACP Wayne Dick, Senior Superintendent Ishmael David, Acting ASP Williams, Inspector Thomas, Inspector Veronique, Inspector Lawrence, and Inspector Rampersad, among others, visited the scene. Crime scene investigators recovered several 5.62 shells at the scene. Police suspect that because of the nature of the incident it was a "hit" arising out of the Senior Counsel's involvement in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman case.
Ag Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams said: "It's shocking. Crime is a concern especially violent crime. It's a shocking incident, one you least expect. "I had a conversation with her at around 12.45 pm on Saturday and everything was fine. "We need to work as a country together", Williams said. Williams said he had been apprised of the killing, and head of Homicide ACP Wayne Dick has been in constant communication with him. Williams assured there will be a thorough investigation, and that his officers are on the scene doing a basic investigation.
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Are these yet more empty pretty words from our PM?
PM: Dana's death must not be in vain
...This outrageous act of brutality cannot be concluded by mere expressions of regret and sympathy (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/PM-257864411.html)
By Multimedia Desk
Story Created: May 4, 2014 at 2:54 PM ECT (T&T Express)
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has issued a statement regarding the murder today of senior Counsel Dana Seetahal. The following is the statement is Persad-Bissessar -
It is with profound sadness and shock that I learned of the tragic death of a dear friend and colleague, Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal.
It is a reprehensible act which has robbed us all of one of our nation's best and brightest daughters. Even those who never met Dana Seetahal would recognise her through the life she lived and the proud legacy now left.
There is an abyss of loss and sadness for this brutal removal of a sister, friend, legal luminary and fearless, independent thinker on national issues.
As Prime Minister, I am resolutely committed to meeting the viciousness with which Dana Seetahal's brilliant life was cut down on the terms she would have wanted and fought so courageously and fearlessly for every day. Dana Seetahal would have uncompromisingly sought justice and made her voice known.
Dana Seetahal would have made her tragedy an impetus and symbol for sweeping changes. Dana Seetahal would have fought with her last breath to ensure justice was served. By our response, let us preserve that legacy.
This outrageous act of brutality cannot be concluded by mere expressions of regret and sympathy.
I have enjoined with the Minister of National Security to ensure that every resource of the law enforcement machinery of the state is utilised in relentless pursuit of apprehending those involved in this most dastardly and heinous act. Further, I have convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council of which I am the Head.
Yet, further I have spoken with the Honourable Chief Justice Mr. Ivor Archie and we have agreed to meet in order to devote urgent attention to necessary reforms in the criminal justice system and security issues connected there with.
Dana’s tragic passing brings to an end the work and life of a legal and academic giant whose contributions to our nation were far from complete. The legal profession, and indeed our country and region have lost a truly remarkable daughter of Trinidad& Tobago.
As a lawyer, her success and the high regard she earned from her colleagues were testaments to her determination to boldly uphold and defend the rule of law. As a former Independent Senator, she demonstrated the highest principles and values of independent thinking, grounded in her love and passion for the future of our country.
Dana also served her country and our citizens as a Magistrate, as President of the Law Association, as a State prosecutor, and as Assistant Solicitor General. Indeed, she was also a leading advocate for education and as a Fulbright Scholar and Lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School, became a guiding light to many young graduates.
She earned a sterling reputation as a leading opinion maker on national issues of law, constitution and criminal justice.
For the role she played in Parliamentary, legal and indeed national leadership, Dana will always be remembered fondly. We have lost someone who never allowed herself to be defined by the change she advocated, and whose courage and boldness will always stand as an inspiration for today’s and tomorrow’s legal professionals.
I send my most heartfelt condolences to her family and closest friends and wish them on behalf of the nation, God’s blessings and guidance in this time of deep grief and loss.
May her soul rest in peace.
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Do we have video monitoring at street intersections. Maybe some legislation needs to be passed requiring all businesses to have proper surveillance outside their store, every traffic light etc.
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That million $$$ reward sends the WRONG message !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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T&T in shock and disbelief: Fearless prosecutor Dana Seetahal gunned down
By Ria Taitt Political Editor
WHY?
Trinidad and Tobago trembled and the region reeled from the assassination early yesterday of Dana Seetahal, well-respected senior counsel (SC), an outspoken independent senator during her time in Parliament, and well-read Express columnist.
Jurists all up the Caribbean were texting Trinidadians to find out if it was true and the Trinidad and Tobago legal community staggered in disbelief.
Why did this happen? was the question everyone was asking.
It was the first assassination of a senior member of the criminal justice system, a major blow which threatens to reverberate throughout the system and strike it at its very heart.
Seetahal, 58, a fearless prosecutor who had prosecuted attempted-coup leader Abu Bakr in the past and successfully won the lawsuit which enabled the State to sell the former insurgent’s property, was currently prosecutor in another high-profile case—the murder trial of Vindra Naipaul-Coolman.
The mood of the country yesterday was one of overwhelming fear, worry and insecurity.
People were talking about it everywhere—in the churches, in the marketplace, on the streets.
Entertainer Machel Montano, whom Seetahal had defended recently in an assault case, sat on the pavement, holding his head and crying at the murder scene.
So shaken was the country that some people went so far as to say the last time the society had experienced this “what-the-hell-is-going-on-here?” kind of shock was when they saw Yasin Abu Bakr on their television sets on July 27, 1990.
No doubt about it—Trinidad and Tobago was disoriented, troubled and traumatised by the wanton act which occurred at Hamilton Holder Street at approximately 12.05 yesterday morning.
The obviously carefully-planned hit was executed, from all appearances, with precision, using military assault rifles.
Seetahal did not stand a chance as she drove from her regular “stress-reliever”—Ma Pau casino in Woodbrook—to her home at One Woodbrook Place, minding her own business.
No one could have survived the onslaught that she faced. The weapons of war employed by the assassins were designed to do maximum damage in a military setting, capable of penetrating the outer frame of her vehicle as well as a bullet-proof vest, not that she wore one.
Those who knew her personally and those who knew her by her “fame” as a lawyer, speaker, author and columnist, had the same thoughts, the same scenes being played out in their heads over and over yesterday.
They kept imagining how it all went down. How, in The Godfather style, her car was blocked from the front and behind. How scared and alone she must have felt as her life flashed before her in a terrifying instant before her body was riddled with bullets; 15 shots—five pierced her head, some of the others hit her upper torso.
What a horrible moment! What a tremendous loss!
Dana Seetahal touched a wide constituency of people—lawyers and judicial officers, politicians and parliamentarians, journalists and a broad cross-section of friends and, most importantly, a family of siblings, nieces and nephews.
Anyone who has passed through any of the law schools in the Caribbean in the last ten years learned criminal practice and procedure at the criminal bar from Dana Seetahal.
Her book, Commonwealth Caribbean Criminal Practice and Procedure, is a must-read, a virtual gospel for law students in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The best-seller is into its third edition.
As news of the murder trickled in from around 1 a.m., and then around 2 a.m. flooding the online versions of the daily newspapers and the social media, the country lost its capacity to sleep.
An emotional Pamela Elder, president of the Criminal Bar Association, said: “I just put my pillow over my head and screamed; screamed for the loss of Dana and for our country.
“We have lost a formidable advocate, who worked hard and tirelessly for the criminal justice system. We worked on opposite sides but there was no bitterness, because of our love for the system. Sometimes we might have disagreed... but eventually we worked it out because we understood that the ultimate goal was the good of the criminal justice system.”
Wayne Sturge was equally shaken, alternating between sorrow and anger.
“We used to call her ‘Sweetahal’. She was the life of the coffee shop where the lawyers hung out during court time.”
Seetahal’s incisive analysis was always sought by those in the media fraternity. She endeared herself to us media practitioners by her willingness to clarify complex legal issues and to offer her robust insight.
Fellow Express columnist and attorney Gillian Lucky said: “She always shared knowledge. She never kept it to herself.”
“Dana loved hanging out, liming, laughing and doing things that normal, down-to-earth persons would do. And she valued a good conversation,” another close friend stated.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar summed it up this way: “There is an abyss of loss and sadness for this brutal removal of a sister, friend, legal luminary and fearless, independent thinker on national issues.”
Seetahal was also interested in children’s issues and rights.
She had only recently taken pro bono the case of two young girls who were sent to the adult women’s prison because the State could not find accommodation for them in any other facility.
So the key question remains: did the death of this beloved attorney, Dana Seetahal, relate in any way to her job that she was so passionate about?
The country has grown accustomed to witnesses being murdered or intimidated.
But as Trinidad and Tobago processed the news of Seetahal’s death and its possible implications, the population wondered whether our nation had entered a new and more dangerous realm and whether new floodgates had been opened.
And if this is indeed so, what does it mean for those engaged in upholding the criminal justice system?
Trinidad and Tobago has taken the assassination of Dana Seetahal very hard indeed.
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May you rest in peace Ms Seetahal, you were a servant of the soil.
The seeds were planted years ago and coming into fruition now - a country is held hostage now.
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http://www.youtube.com/v/YA_jqnb7etg
...
I wanna know who, ah who responsible,
They don't give a damn, no, woo-woo!
They don't give a, don't give a ...
Brothers and sisters,
This plight we're facing,
Get involved, problems to solve, yourselves concerning,
Divided we are, so one by one we are falling.
The front line of the battle is hottest,
Your duty's calling.
I demand to know, who, ah who re-, ah who responsible?
I wanna know who, ah who re-,
I wanna know who's responsible!
They don't give a damn, no, woo-woo!
They don't give a damn, no!
...
(http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt60/jetticus/candle180px.gif)
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Ms. Seetahal's grisly murder at the hands of some cold, callous beasts (they are certainly not human) has certainly lowered our besieged country to a new nadir.
As Socapro said, perhaps it will take the assassination of a highly recognized figure in our society to spur all of the citizens of our country into action. I say, all of the citizens, because the burden of change should not rest on the powers that be alone; it will require a consistent and unflagging collective effort of all segments of our country to stop the moral rot and return our country to the days where, as my mother used to say, she could go out with her friends (albeit against her parents wishes) with nary a thought about potential thieves or rapists.
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T&T in shock and disbelief: Fearless prosecutor Dana Seetahal gunned down
By Ria Taitt Political Editor
It was the first assassination of a senior member of the criminal justice system, a major blow which threatens to reverberate throughout the system and strike it at its very heart.
Selwyn Richardson doh count?
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T&T in shock and disbelief: Fearless prosecutor Dana Seetahal gunned down
By Ria Taitt Political Editor
It was the first assassination of a senior member of the criminal justice system, a major blow which threatens to reverberate throughout the system and strike it at its very heart.
Selwyn Richardson doh count?
That fact that they have forgotten about Selwyn Richardson shows that they can't be taken seriously.
Has Selwyn Richardson's killers been found and brought to justice yet?!
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I didn't know Dana Seetahal personally, but she was an inspiration, she was the kind of renaissance woman that any young person could look to and pattern their life after. I rarely disagreed with her on legal issues, and when I did, it was clearly because I didn't know what I was talking about. She was a giant... that is a word that perhaps gets overused, but never was it more applicable than in her case. I long used to playfully profess my love for her, but I admired her intensely. There's nothing in this world like intelligence, especially when paired with common sense. Add to that her passion and activism for social causes, her contributions the continued development of the nation... and what we're left with today is a huge intellectual and emotional void. The people who orchestrated her death have very little idea just how much injury they have caused the nation. May God grant peaceful passage to her soul, and may she rest in peace.
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T&T in shock and disbelief: Fearless prosecutor Dana Seetahal gunned down
By Ria Taitt Political Editor
It was the first assassination of a senior member of the criminal justice system, a major blow which threatens to reverberate throughout the system and strike it at its very heart.
Selwyn Richardson doh count?
That fact that they have forgotten about Selwyn Richardson shows that they can't be taken seriously.
Has Selwyn Richardson's killers been found and brought to justice yet?!
I willing to give Ria Taitt a pass... one can only assume they were close and the emotion probably have her head foggy right now. She usually much, much better than this. She (and Lasana) is the one who single-handedly kept the pressure on Jack.
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T&T in shock and disbelief: Fearless prosecutor Dana Seetahal gunned down
By Ria Taitt Political Editor
It was the first assassination of a senior member of the criminal justice system, a major blow which threatens to reverberate throughout the system and strike it at its very heart.
Selwyn Richardson doh count?
That fact that they have forgotten about Selwyn Richardson shows that they can't be taken seriously.
Has Selwyn Richardson's killers been found and brought to justice yet?!
I willing to give Ria Taitt a pass... one can only assume they were close and the emotion probably have her head foggy right now. She usually much, much better than this. She (and Lasana) is the one who single-handedly kept the pressure on Jack.
I suspect the distinction she sought to establish is based on the following: DS was a public judicial functionary at the time of her death; engaged in private practice at the time of his death, SR was not.
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it was not a hit, it was a targeted killing....."
CoP Williams
"......we are at amber alert....." MoNS Gary Griffith.
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it was not a hit, it was a targeted killing....."
CoP Williams
"......we are at amber alert....." MoNS Gary Griffith.
is this CoP for real? once again he is just enunciating his ignorance
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it was not a hit, it was a targeted killing....."
CoP Williams
"......we are at amber alert....." MoNS Gary Griffith.
is this CoP for real? once again he is just enunciating his ignorance
And these are the people who think they deserve your votes in T&T?! :thumbsdown:
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Police working on three main theories (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Police-working-on-three-main-theories-257886591.html)
By Alexander Bruzual
Story Created: May 4, 2014 at 10:33 PM ECT (T&T Express)
Trinidad and Tobago lost one of its titans in the legal fraternity early yesterday morning, when 58-year-old senior counsel Dana Seetahal was gunned down in what police investigators have described as a “well-orchestrated hit” in Woodbrook.
According to police reports, around 12.05 a.m. Seetahal was in her Volkswagen SUV, licensed PCN 6, proceeding north along Hamilton Holder Street, Woodbrook, on her way to her One Woodbrook Place home when, near Woodbrook Youth Centre, two vehicles pulled alongside her, causing her to come to an immediate stop.
Within seconds, one of the vehicles, said to be a Nissan Wingroad, drove ahead of the senior counsel’s path and pulled across the roadway, blocking her from moving.
The other vehicle, which was described as a panel van, then moved alongside Seetahal’s car and the occupants of that vehicle drew their automatic weapons and opened fire on the SUV. The two vehicles then sped off.
Residents of the area, on hearing the gunshots, contacted the police and emergency health services.
However, despite their swift response, when the lawmen and medical officers arrived Seetahal was dead—slumped in the driver’s seat with bullet wounds to her head and upper body.
The incident seemed to have happened so fast, police sources said, that Seetahal’s foot was still on the brake-pedal, her hand brake was up, and the vehicle was still idling.
The first responders notified their seniors and a party of officers, including ACP Wayne Dick, Senior Supt Ishmael David, acting ASP Williams, Insp Thomas, Insp Veronique, Insp Lawrence, Insp Rampersad and Cpl Beckles, among others, visited the scene.
Hamilton Holder Street was then cordoned off and only relatives of Seetahal were allowed to come close to the caution tape to see the vehicle.
Crime scene investigators recovered fifteen 5.56 shells at the scene.
Police are currently working on three main theories as a result of this killing. The first, and most prominent, is that because of the nature of the incident it was a “hit” arising out of the senior counsel’s involvement in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman murder trial.
The second theory is that based on certain information the police received, her killing may have been orchestrated by known criminal elements, and investigators are expected to speak to individuals who are currently in custody, as well as who are under surveillance in areas such as Diego Martin and Central Trinidad, to see if there are any further leads.
The third theory is that she was on her way home after spending some time at a popular members club and there was a potential the incident could be linked to her actions at the business place.
When contacted late yesterday, police sources said, while remote, they still have not ruled it out.
Several members of the legal fraternity, including former justice Larry Lalla and Larry Williams, visited the murder scene and expressed their shock and disbelief over the incident.
A $1 million reward has since been offered by CrimeStoppers for information leading to the arrest and successful conviction of those involved in the murder of the attorney.
In an interview with the media yesterday, ACP Dick revealed the police have gathered footage from various CCTV cameras in the vicinity of the incident, including those from business places and residences, with the hope it would shed further light on the people responsible.
Dick said the police would leave “no stone unturned” and they will be looking into every lead that arises and he gave his assurance that those who orchestrated the senior counsel’s death would be caught.
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it was not a hit, it was a targeted killing....."
CoP Williams
"......we are at amber alert....." MoNS Gary Griffith.
is this CoP for real? once again he is just enunciating his ignorance
yuh seein every day why Manning refuse to appoint dat character............d other choice wasn't d brightest either, but it becoming quite clear he was d best of d hapless excuse for police leadership in dis country.
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RIP, Dana. Don't know what to say. God Bless!!!
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it was not a hit, it was a targeted killing....."
CoP Williams
"......we are at amber alert....." MoNS Gary Griffith.
Well I'm certainly glad that he cleared that one up.
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Did you guys remember doing word synonyms for Common Entrance. What's the synonym for a hit. targeted killing!!!
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:banginghead: @the CoP being shocked.........many families of innocents have been in "shock and awe" over the years but people now getting shocked Stupes............anyways........bands launching soon
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:banginghead: @the CoP being shocked.........many families of innocents have been in "shock and awe" over the years but people now getting shocked Stupes............anyways........bands launching soon
Can't compare this to any common killing... many of those can be explained by criminal activity on the part of the victim, or being a target of robbery, crime of passion etc. There is good reason why this shocks people... the manner in which it was carried out is reminiscent of the infamous Clint Huggins murder orchestrated by Dole Chadee... and also the high profile of the target and the apparent fact that she was neither involved in criminality, nor the target of a robbery.
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2. (10-12) God’s curse upon Cain.
And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.”
3. (13-15) Cain complains of the severity of God’s judgment.
And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear! Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me.” And the Lord said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him .
People who commit these kind or crimes will have know rest .
You live by the gun you will surely die by it ,if this killing shock you when the worse come you might die.
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This issue and others are being discussed now on Power 102.1 FM with special guest Ramesh Maharaj.
Here is link: http://www.power102fm.com/inception/Interact.aspx
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:banginghead: @the CoP being shocked.........many families of innocents have been in "shock and awe" over the years but people now getting shocked Stupes............anyways........bands launching soon
Can't compare this to any common killing... many of those can be explained by criminal activity on the part of the victim, or being a target of robbery, crime of passion etc. There is good reason why this shocks people... the manner in which it was carried out is reminiscent of the infamous Clint Huggins murder orchestrated by Dole Chadee... and also the high profile of the target and the apparent fact that she was neither involved in criminality, nor the target of a robbery.
it can be compared because there are those murdered who were not in any criminality just like it is presumed that she was not.........I personally don't put anything pass low profile to high profile folks.........you never know who doing what.........seems now that the high profile are now just as vulnerable as the low profile
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This action and successive talk shows have unearth some further thinking. I mean tell me something is it not limiting for a commissioner to limit the cause of action to three theories:
"Police are currently working on three main theories as a result of this killing. The first, and most prominent, is that because of the nature of the incident it was a “hit” arising out of the senior counsel’s involvement in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman murder trial.
The second theory is that based on certain information the police received, her killing may have been orchestrated by known criminal elements, and investigators are expected to speak to individuals who are currently in custody, as well as who are under surveillance in areas such as Diego Martin and Central Trinidad, to see if there are any further leads.
The third theory is that she was on her way home after spending some time at a popular members club and there was a potential the incident could be linked to her actions at the business place.
Judging by how this action was reported, it appears that someone or persons wanted to ensure that this lady was dead dead dead !!!!!!
So in my opinion to publicly state that the police working on three theories is limiting in thinking.
Could she have been set up by someone ? Could there be links to her last whereabouts? Could she have said something I that may have posed a threat to someone? To me the case she was working on is too convenient as a possible theory- maybe that is what someone wants people to think. Was she involved in the prison lawyers investigation? Did she know something that may have implicated someone? Someone REAL BIG?
You get the feelings that there must be more to this than a killing- the manner in which this was done just appears to be have a BIG NAME some where lurking in the connection-
So mr. Acting commissioner don't limit this investigation- lawd is a small nation how could these heinous murderers hide? Intelligence from all divisions and informants must call names and buss mark- the head of the hydra must leave its tentacles. Dragnet in all areas Bring on Regiment soldiers in all streets in all communities flush them out- if they had camera footage is it not possible to identify the make and model of vehicles and do a trace?
Come now- fight fear with fear- sometimes for change to occur it takes a cataclysmic event to occur- today we are reeling in the stench of a brutal murder that brings our nation to shame and should bring our law forces to arms and action to fight back. Theory is one think but action is the enactment of all the thinking- all of society today must rise up and spew the dregs of society to justice- there should be no harbouring of known criminals- persons who knowingly harbours criminals should become accessories to the said actions and be tried and feel the brunt of the law-
All this antiquated legal rumblings with criminals should be fast tracked once the burden of evidence has become evident- Criminals should know that paying high priced lawyers to escape punishment is not an easy alternative in this country. In my humble opinion the criminal elements seem to be at liberty to carry out their deeds because there appears to be a feeling that they are above the law or that their collections to the law has their back.
I pray for a cleansing for a return of morality and for those who are entrusted to serve and protect do so with dignity. Too many who are suppose to uphold the law have been transferred or got off with a reprimand - the heavy hand of the law must be felt. Police officers who have been released of duty should be on probation and monitored - yuh wonder if gangs eh recruiting trained personnel.
All this big time killing in a place that once was referred to as "sweet TNT" sad sad sad - another black mark on the island.
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Now a $2.5m reward? Ah not in agreement with that at all!
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I think Dana was being monitored while she was in the club, if the investigator was to go to the club and check the video tapes while she was there maybe they might come up with some leads .
Somebody knew her movements for that night ,that person was in the club that night and is somebody that she knew, that person follower her outside and make the call .
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Now a $2.5m reward? Ah not in agreement with that at all!
They need to also place $2.5 million rewards for each of the other 159 murders that have occurred for the year so far otherwise those other families are all being made to feel that the life of their murdered relative is not deemed as important in the eye's of the T&T government as Dana Seetahal's life was even though they are all entitled to equal treatment under the T&T constitution as citizens.
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Now a $2.5m reward? Ah not in agreement with that at all!
It so many ways this communicators that the law have ah clue!!!!! If this is was they are relying on to flush out the culprits- is there not a systemic method of investigation in each division throughout the island? Yuh cyar tell meh that there are no known informants and intelligence to begin building leads.
Yeah this reward thing comes out like an act of desperation and plead for help by people who he have a clue- and wait nah did the minister of national security just presented big plans for fighting crime?
Is ah matter of time that they go come out and blame PNM and listen to the which government official go be the first to bray?
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it can be compared because there are those murdered who were not in any criminality just like it is presumed that she was not.........I personally don't put anything pass low profile to high profile folks.........you never know who doing what.........seems now that the high profile are now just as vulnerable as the low profile
Right, but most of those others were target for robberies, victims of crimes of passion, innocent bystanders etc. People don't just target you just so for execution... especially if you're a high-profile person. The high-profile nature is important, b/c obviously that will attract greater scrutiny and police activity. In other words, these fellas made a calculation about all of that and just didn't care... amping up the brazeness of the act.
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I think Dana was being monitored while she was in the club, if the investigator was to go to the club and check the video tapes while she was there maybe they might come up with some leads .
Somebody knew her movements for that night ,that person was in the club that night and is somebody that she knew, that person follower her outside and make the call .
This was no robbery... not with them kinda guns and not without them even (from reports) sticking around to take anything. Robberies usually don't go down like this... shoot you 15 times then try and take yuh property. If they was motivated by money they mighta quicker kidnap she or force she to go to the bank or she house etc. This was an execution. All that to say them fellas wasn't inside the casino... they monitored her movements and knew her pattern and was just waiting for the right moment.
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I think Dana was being monitored while she was in the club, if the investigator was to go to the club and check the video tapes while she was there maybe they might come up with some leads .
Somebody knew her movements for that night ,that person was in the club that night and is somebody that she knew, that person follower her outside and make the call .
This was no robbery... not with them kinda guns and not without them even (from reports) sticking around to take anything. Robberies usually don't go down like this... shoot you 15 times then try and take yuh property. If they was motivated by money they mighta quicker kidnap she or force she to go to the bank or she house etc. This was an execution. All that to say them fellas wasn't inside the casino... they monitored her movements and knew her pattern and was just waiting for the right moment.
Where did zuluwarrior say or imply it was a robbery in his statement?! ::)
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Bakes i did not say it was a robbery , the hit was planed but someone was watching her while she was in the club and I believe is someone that she knew.
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Hit come from jail. 2 suspects on the run. So news say
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Now a $2.5m reward? Ah not in agreement with that at all!
They need to also place $2.5 million rewards for each of the other 159 murders that have occurred for the year so far otherwise those other families are all being made to feel that the life of their murdered relative is not deemed as important in the eye's of the T&T government as Dana Seetahal's life was even though they are all entitled to equal treatment under the T&T constitution as citizens.
Why no reward offered for my parents?
Son of murdered Cedros couple:
By Susan Mohammed
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Why-no-reward-offered-for-my-parents-258041041.html (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Why-no-reward-offered-for-my-parents-258041041.html)
Story Created: May 5, 2014 at 8:39 PM ECT
IF $1 million can be offered as a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer or killers of Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal, then rewards can also be offered in other unsolved murder cases.
Robin Ramdeen, the eldest son of Cedros couple Krishna and Radha Ramdeen who were brutally killed in their home in January, said he wished there was also a reward being offered for information that could solve his parents’ murder.
“In that situation (the killing of Seetahal), they are offering $1 million for someone who is close to them. Why don’t they offer some sort of reward for the simple man on the street also? The simple man is also paying taxes.
“Something might be able to come up. It does not have to be a million, it could be $20,000, but at least something that might lead to an arrest. We never know what might come out of it.”
The bodies of Krishna and Radha Ramdeen were discovered in a bedroom of their home at Beach Road, Fullerton Village, on January 7.
Krishna Ramdeen was chopped numerous times, with the fatal wound slicing into his skull.
Radha Ramdeen was suffocated and also chopped several times.
The killer or killers stole $50,000 in cash and jewelry from the couple who owned White Diamond Bar and Mini Mart.
The previous month, the Ramdeens spent $30,000 installing burglar proofing around their home, except for one window which needed to be changed, after thieves burgled their business place several times last year.
An arrest was never made in the killings.
Seetahal, a prominent attorney, former independent senator and Express columnist, was assassinated in Woodbrook on Sunday.
Yesterday, Robin Ramdeen said he sympathised with Seetahal’s family, since he understood the loss they felt.
“We know the feeling and trauma they have to go through. They will see...it will be hard to go out, to have entertainment with the family. Her life was about protecting the country for law-abiding citizens and, yes, my parents were also serving their community.
“It is just another example of people doing the right things and getting killed for it. What should the public do now?” he said.
Robin Ramdeen suggested that when rewards are offered to the public for information, that the authorities should state clearly how the money can be accessed anonymously.
“People will not trust the police and just come in and give information. You need to state how the money will be accessed, and educate the public so that they will feel comfortable to come forward and talk. There need to be a way to advise them publicly how they can do that. And that way people will come forward. It might help my parents’ case,” he said.
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Now the masses will know the difference between low life and high life .
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This is officially the most corrupt and incompetent government in the T&T's political history by some margin and the Lord knows that T&T has seen some bad governments in the past.
I guess they now realize that they stand little to no chance of being voted back into power come next elections (unless they believe that T&T citizens are all racial and dotish) and so between now and next elections they are going to fill their pockets as much as possible before they are voted out of power.
Let's hope the next T&T government can bring some of these corrupt politicians before the court for stealing T&T taxpayers money and force them to pay back the stolen money or face some serious jail time.
Worst government in T&T history and some of them deserve to make a serious jail for stealing taxpayers money and violating the T&T constitution.
PS: I believe members of the current government are all against Rowley becoming official leader of the PNM in the PNM leadership elections because Rowley is the sort of leader who will ensure that some of them make a jail or repay the taxpayers money they have stolen once the PNM wins the next elections.
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Suspect in hiding after policeman’s tip-off
Story Updated: May 5, 2014 Trinidad Express
ONE of the men involved in the murder of senior counsel Dana Seetahal was reportedly tipped off by a police officer that he was wanted for questioning into her killing and has since gone into hiding.
Intelligence officials who have been part of the large police team working on the case said the suspects were all from East Trinidad and that the hit originated from the Port of Spain jail. These suspects, police say, also have ties with a Muslim-based organisation.
“Hours after the killing, we had some persons of interest already on the radar but we later learnt that a police officer called (person named ) and tipped him off saying the police were asking questions about him and wanted to locate him,” revealed an intelligence source actively involved in the investigation to catch the killers.
The man from Curepe with the initials NM has since gone underground.
“We know he travels to Venezuela quite regularly and efforts will be made to monitor his movements by sea or air,” another police source indicated.
The other man with the initials DB from the Malabar area, police say, has also been fingered in recent kidnappings.
Police sources explained that contact was made with a Carapo man, who recently moved into the Laventille area, by an individual who is currently behind prison walls, and he was asked to spearhead the operation to kill Seetahal.
“The assassins had Ms Seetahal under surveillance for a few days monitoring her movements and patterns,” said an investigator. Sources noted that she had visited Ma Pau members club at the corner of Ariapita Avenue and French Street the night before (Friday) and left at exactly 11.55 p.m.
On the night she was killed she returned to the casino, and once again left at exactly the same time. On that occasion, she was escorted down the pathway on the side of the Ma Pau building with a security escort from the casino, to her Volkswagen Touareg SUV, where she regularly parked in the fourth spot on the left of the car park.
“That was a regular spot, and me and her was really good,” said the casino’s parking attendant who didn’t want to give his name, noting that on the said night he was not on duty.
From that scene, police are relying on CCTV footage from cameras set up along the roadway and from businesses along Seetahal’s journey including the Ma Pau members club, down French Street, across Wrightson Road, up Hamilton Holder Street, and onto O’Connor Street, where Seetahal’s vehicle made its final stop. This route, police said, is littered with CCTV cameras.
According to sources, in the footage, a vehicle which fit the description of one of the vehicles used in Seetahal’s killing was seen parked along Wrightson Road. After Seetahal’s vehicle passed the vehicle, it could be observed driving off apparently following the Volkswagen. The other, police sources said, was strategically parked near the crime scene waiting for the call “to move in for the kill”.
Police sources told the Express yesterday that in the seconds that her attackers opened fire on her vehicle at the boundary of Hamilton Holder Street and O’Connor Street, to the time that her vehicle came to a complete stop along O’Connor Street—an estimated 20 feet away—Seetahal displayed “tremendous strength” as she deliberately brought her car to a stop, by pressing on the brake-pedal and pulling up her hand-brakes. In fact, the engine of the car was said to be still running, with her foot on the break pedal, when the police arrived.
Some police sources have said due to the position of Seetahal’s body in the car, she appeared to have been reaching for a bag which was next to her at the time the vehicle came to a stop...a bag in which it was believed she kept her licensed firearm. However, this could not be confirmed.
Sources close to the investigation also said the killing bore trademarks of the highway heist that occurred last November. The said the Nissan Wingroad motorcar that pulled in front of Seetahal’s SUV seemed to have been fortified with cement bags placed in the trunk in case Seetahal decided to ram the vehicle.
Police sources explained, “The SUV Touareg was quite capable of hitting and moving the Wingroad and if you look carefully at the footage of the car that was captured from one of the businesses, you would see the Wingroad appeared to be lower that normal, this leads us to believe that they tried to ensure that it was heavy enough to withstand a hit without moving.”
Sources said images of Seetahal’s killing were also captured, showing a gunman sliding open the door of the van and opening fire, hitting her several times.
Efforts are being made by police to clean up the CCTV images to profile the gunman and his associates.
Police said they hope within the next few days to make a major breakthrough in the case. No motive has been established.
Sources said that half a million was paid up front for the hit, but they could not say exactly how much money, in total, the hit cost.
All 15 spent shells which were recovered at the scene of the incident were expected to be taken to the Forensic Science Centre in St James by yesterday to undergo ballistic testing.
—with reporting by Alexander Bruzual
Just came across this news article- many parts of this report of the investigation to date raises some concerns-
Again- yuh have ah police officer tipping off a criminal - what is the repercussion for this officer- I say lock he arse and have ah charge for aiding and abetting an alleged fugitive
Next- if as the report as they say know names and have an idea of who people of interest are- given the case Post picture on tv on papers and smoke them out - let people in the community know who could be amongst their midst .
All this affronting like the police on to something makes me wonde if this is another story like the juice cans- next thing yuh know in true Trini style this go blow over- do we really have the CIS type expertise to deal with all the overload of these cases? What are our methods for solving crimes? Is it like " listen nah ah hear......"
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Now the masses will know the difference between low life and high life .
ENTTTTTT
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This hit originated in prison and carried out by persons from Lavantille... yeah, I born yesterday.
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Seetahal’s Killers Tipped Off (http://www.tv6tnt.com/sevenpm-news/Seetahals-Killers-Tipped-Off-258048791.html)
Story Created: May 5, 2014 at 10:27 PM ECT (T&T Express)
The dramatic killing of senior counsel Dana Seetahal appears to have all the intrigue of a movie script:
Surveillance, interception, underworld connections and a payoff for the kill.
And, get this: Information obtained by TV6 News is that of two potential suspects one has been tipped by a police officer and is on the run.
Click link to view TV6 news clip video: http://www.tv6tnt.com/sevenpm-news/Seetahals-Killers-Tipped-Off-258048791.html
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True Silk
Posted on May 5, 2014 by The Pantomime
Dana Seetahal (SC)
If the assassination of Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal is a wake up call to you…..then something wrong with you.
If a little boy being raped to death in a swimming pool at a birthday party wasn’t a wake up call then, Dana’s assassination can’t wake you up to nothing. You in denial long time and using your moral panic over this latest killing to soothe your general inertia.
Or you could be a member of the cocooned and protected upper classes here who only get hysterical when they realize crime doesn’t just exist Behind D Bridge or along the distant edges of the East/West corridors in the Malabars and La Horquettas of their imaginations. And then, if you’re a member of that just awakened group….it must suck to be you: having all those resources and still can’t ward off death.
Seetahal’s gruesome and shocking death is a marker. The act, along with Hamilton Holder/O’Connor Street, will become a part of a macabre and grisly list of checkpoints that heralded our descent while we sat shell shocked and panicked waiting for someone else….not us….to take back our power in this country. It will join markers like the Scott Drug Report; the 1990 Coup and the subsequent court ruling in favor of the Muslimeen; it will join the rise of the Muslimeen as a group that was consistently awarded Government contracts as part of every sitting government’s secret crime initiative, whether PNM, UNC or PP; it will join the Crowne Plaza agreement; the illegal SoE; Section 34; EmailGate; Ish and Steve and a very long list of markers that all point to us descending in narco state fourth world hell.
You hear it on the lips of citizens all the time, “Here getting like Mexico”, “Here getting like Columbia”. We not getting folks, we reach. That is what Dana’s death means. Final destination point. When a State Prosecutor is murdered in cold blood like that, in a country that is already awash in drugs, arms and human trafficking and has a corrupt and compromised police force and government…know that we reach. We not heading to hell anymore. It is here. It takes only one high profile murder like that to happen and go unsolved and you know we have arrived. Trinidad now has two: Selwyn Richardson in the 90s and Dana Seetahal in the early decades of the 21st century.
This is not to minimize or negate the murders, assassinations and senseless killings of so many thousands of citizens in the last decades. But, let’s face it. As a member of the legal profession and the wealthier upper classes, a society assumes Ms Seetahal will be safer and more protected, for all manner of reasons. Her assassination in an upscale residential/commercial neighborhood at midnight is meant to send a message. And I’d vouchsafed from the social media reactions yesterday: message received.
We woke up Sunday morning knowing in a very concrete way, maybe more so than before, that a message was being sent to the legal profession, journalists, columnists, activists, anyone bold enough to question the criminal and corruption status quo. Toe the blasted line…or this will be you.
In assassinating Dana, we are very aware that persons with strong Independent voices are under attack. Dana, to my knowledge, never verbally lashed out at any entity , political or otherwise. But, she was a rare thing, a lawyer, who took elitist, legal jargon and made it accessible to the layperson. I didn’t know Dana personally, I knew her through her columns and media commentary. Dana helped me to understand this country’s legal system, without me ever having to meet her or pay her a red cent. You can’t downplay her contribution to this country just for the value of her column. Few lawyers or intellectuals here have been as lucid, accessible and relevant as she has been. That’s what made Dana true silk. She had a fearsome legal mind, and instead of keeping it to herself and her clients for handsome fees, she made it available to all of us for the price of a newspaper…less if you read her articles online.
This Hit will be a success not just because Dana Seetahal has been silenced, but because the wider public will silence itself, retreat further indoors, put more useless security systems in place…not understanding that in growing quiet and retreating indoors, that’s how we gave criminals control of this place. They have fed on and continue to feed on our fear and insecurities. Our very predictable response to violence, from enslavement to now has never been overt; it has been passive aggression. So we will lead trapped lives and break more laws in an unconscious lashing out at all that is wrong around us: more child abuse, more road rage, more petty crimes and more silences and looking the other way when corruption happens because suppose we end up like Dana?
I have no faith that the police going to really solve this crime. I aint mama guying myself. The first official response to Ms Seetahal’s murder was the AG…at 2 am he had a lucid statement prepared of how friendly he and Dana were, and how in the latest scandal involving him, she was actually in his corner, and, “I sorry Dana dead, but lemme take a selfie…” It was an extreme pappyshow on his part. A clear attempt at image management in the midst of what was clearly a national crisis. Then sometime after 2pm the PM roused herself fully to issue a bland cut and paste response from the government. Nothing to offer the victim’s family, or the shell shocked country consolation or hope. And then, by Sunday night, they were back in Media and PR mode. Whole television stations commandeered. Panels convened. Police press conferences, all over a background of National Security ads saying “Serious Crime is Down” despite the fact that we have 29 more murder in 2014 than we had in the corresponding period for 2013.
I expect that three or four bodies of victims of a murder will be discovered soon. Just like with the Selwyn Richardson murder. And whether we know it or not, those bodies would have belonged to Dana’s killers. It’s part of how here, a narco state, works. And the sooner we start noticing the patterns, the sooner we can either grow accustomed or fight back.
I’ve made the very conscious choice to keep fighting back. Dana’s assassination had me contemplative and sober yesterday, because I recognized immediately the threat to free speech and independent thinking this is for journalists, columnists, activists and bloggers like myself. But I’m not going to stop questioning this place and writing about the things that upset me. Dana’s Assassination is real….in fact, too real. We are in dangerous times. But silence and withdrawal has never been nor will ever be the cure for it.
This is it. This is it. This is it. She’s been hit….and Trinidad spread out on a wall bawling for the country it didn’t realize it sat by and watched go.
#TrueSilk
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The story below proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the current PP government is all about Class discrimination and looking after themselves and their rich friends and they are not in power to serve the interest and security of all T&T citizens.
I hope this story wakes up all the T&T citizens to the fact that this current T&T government does not care that much about the welfare of the average T&T citizen.
$3.5m REWARD
Govt, CrimeStoppers offer incentive leading to arrest and conviction of Dana’s killers (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/35m-REWARD-258045411.html)
By Carolyn Kissoon carolyn.kissoon@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: May 5, 2014 at 9:39 PM ECT
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said last evening that her Government is offering an additional $2.5 million to anyone who can help with information leading to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of those involved in the murder of senior counsel Dana Seetahal.
This is in addition to the $1 million reward being offered by CrimeStoppers.
And should the investigation require foreign resources and expertise, that too would be provided by the State, Persad-Bissessar said.
Persad-Bissessar, who is also chairperson of the National Security Council (NSC), called an emergency meeting of the NSC at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital yesterday.
She convened the meeting in reaction to the shooting death of Seetahal on Sunday morning. Following the meeting, a media briefing was held at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital at 6.30 pm.
Earlier, Government ministers began arriving at the facility at 3.30 pm, among them Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, Minister of National Security Gary Griffith, Trade and Communications Minister Vasant Bharath, Justice Minister Emmanuel George, Works and Infrastructure Minister Surujrattan Rambachan, Housing Minister Roodal Moonilal, Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine and Legal Affairs Minister Prakash Ramadhar. Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, Chief of Defence Staff Major General Kenrick Maharaj, and Bisnath Maharaj, director of the Strategic Security Agency (SSA) also attended the meeting.
Persad-Bissessar said a “big investigating team” was assigned to the Seetahal murder case.
“The Government agreed we will contribute to CrimeStoppers.
For information leading to arrest and prosecution $1 million has been offered. The Government will now offer a further incentive in terms of getting human evidence - $2.5 million with respect to arrest, prosecution and conviction. It is all very well to get the information and intelligence but what is important is to sustain what comes forward into conviction,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar said the NSC was briefed on the status of the investigations into Seetahal’s murder by Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams. She said Williams had accepted the offer for foreign expertise to be sourced if necessary.
Persad-Bissessar added, “It will not be prudent for us at this stage of the investigation to go into the operational aspects of the investigations because that would be foolhardy and reckless on our part. It is the right thing to do at this stage of the investigation.”
She said the NSC was also briefed on the technological aspects of the investigations including audio and video aspects. “We had placed great priorities on the replacement of deficient CCTV cameras and through the legal operations of the SSA (Strategic Services Agency) there is audio evidence that will come forward,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar said the death of Seetahal was a direct attack on someone who has operated within the criminal justice system. “And therefore it goes far into the functioning of our country, nation and people,” she said.
Williams assured the public that everything possible would be done to ensure that the investigation was completed in the shortest possible time. He advised the media to refrain from using information not relevant to the case, including information that a panel van was involved in the killing.
Persad-Bissessar said that following an urgent meeting with Griffith, security would be provided to any member of the Judiciary seeking protection. She said several persons have already been provided with protection.
Asked why the high profile meeting was being held in San Fernando, Persad-Bissesar said the executive floor of the San Fernando Teaching Hospital was previously used for Cabinet meetings and the Government would continue to meet at the facility.
Autopsy: Two shots to head, one to chest
Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal was hit five times—twice to the right side of her head, once to her chest, and twice to the right arm.
This was confirmed yesterday by pathologist Dr Hughvon Des Vignes in a brief interview with investigative journalist Mark Bassant.
The injuries, the pathologist said, would have killed her almost immediately and were all caused by the same weapon. He however did not confirm if death was caused by 5.56 ammunition as previously reported in the media.
Fifteen spent shells were recovered along O’Connor Street, Woodbrook where Seetahal was murdered just after midnight on Sunday.
The autopsy was performed on Sunday morning at the Forensic Science Centre in St James, mere moments after Seetahal’s body was removed from O’Connor Street and took about two hours to be completed.
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I'm confident that the #1 detective in the history of T&T will solve this by the end of his next program...........Mr. Or Misses Ian Allen ladies and gentlemen
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After having spent some time inTnT early on this year, I have come to one conclusion that we as a people are often quick to offer opinions and at time solutions for any issue or problem. If yuh sick there are ump teems medicine to try- the all purpose remedy being to take ah panadol!!!!
Fuh ah the sore throat- ginger tea honey paregoric lemon line salt water gaggle warn water and warm soda- I mean you could add to the list. Yuh listen to -talk radio, and people call in with their opinions and declaration on what is acceptable and what is not. So it surprises me not that
when we begin to hear speculation about motives here that misleading propaganda could infiltrate the media and sooner or later it gets spread around like facts. Somehow I cyar see how are " hit" coming from the prison - what is the reason for that? The current case? Which of the 12 have a connection? Why the " hit"?
So leh we begin to add to the speculation- if ah man could allegedly pay 75,000 to avoid he name being tied to his wife killing could more be paid,to if he felt that part of the case was beginning to implicate him? But he would have to get rid of the entire team!,
Next speculation- what information did this lady have on someone - and what damage could that information have done to someone?
Me eh know but it just seems too easy to pin point it to two known people who are allegedly hiding out- it just seems to convenient to have this,happen during a high profile case- this could deflect the focus on the accused men and tied up investigators even more in pursuing a conviction of the accusers.
What if she was made a scapegoat? Did she receive prior threats on her life? Did anyone else receive a note telling them this was a warning?
All of which leads me to speculate that the possibility of this having more connections to another investigation could be a possibility - a high stakes issue seems to be the prisons and state lawyer allegations of collusion - was she a state lawyer? Me eh know investigator but as a Trini I have meh opinions and,is only mine but ah feel this have more big fish attach to it rather than a small man trying to escape,ah conviction.
Then again is there a' ghost' in the closet? - is there a side that no one knew? Casino? Gambling? Ah find it interesting how,that casino quick to call- like almost it wasn't me- me eh no investigator but I think every angle should be pursued. Who was in that casino that night?
Anyhow,ah go,leave allyuh tuh speculate- I eh ready to accept some ah them propaganda that ah reading- this case may need,some foreign objective investigations- ah boi upon Julius Ceasar' s death he utter étude Brutus - when discovering the ultimate betrayal- ah smelling ah rat here too- what if? What if? This seeming to much like a crime of convenience to possibly take away from something just as nefarious.
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SP I have to ask - Do you ever have thoughts of your "own" to start a thread? I've seen you post videos, articles etc, but where are your thoughts? Is it one of those things where you like getting confirmation from other sources before you can adopt it as your opinion?
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Now the masses will know the difference between low life and high life .
ENTTTTTT
Welcome to Earth!
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I agree with Socacrapo here Jumbie.
If this was a regular poor man no reward would have been made, over 130 people dead already this year and this was de first reward?
For example, Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Machel Montano live in de same area and is de same lawyer Dana Seetahal who hit Machel with a slap on the wrist after he and his body guard beat up some men and put them in de hospital.
They are all friends, rich friends.
Most of these killings in T&T is related in some way, drugs or politics.
Many more rich ones will suffer and die.
They play the game and have to pay the price.
The current T&T government is de most corrupted in T&T history.
The AG is a next one you have to watch.
Gary Griffith is a fart in a hurricane.
Vasant Bharath, Emmanuel George, Surujrattan Rambachan, Roodal Moonilal, Kevin Ramnarine, Prakash Ramadhar., Stephen Williams, Kenrick Maharaj, and Bisnath Maharaj is all waste.
Who have money in T&T gets away with anything.
They don't respect de law.
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SP I have to ask - Do you ever have thoughts of your "own" to start a thread? I've seen you post videos, articles etc, but where are your thoughts? Is it one of those things where you like getting confirmation from other sources before you can adopt it as your opinion?
No I have no thoughts of my own because I try to operate on the same IQ level as yourself.
I look up and try to emulate you! Are you okay with that?! Any more dotish questions?! :bringiton:
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well I hear a talk today from a somebody in the service apparently he here some talk, but is barber shop talk eh soooo.
Anyway, Small caliber weapon, double tap. Person know what they doing. Don't be to shock if is the same government that call that shot eh. Just putting it out there. That woman knew too much. That ain't no prison hit.
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SP I have to ask - Do you ever have thoughts of your "own" to start a thread? I've seen you post videos, articles etc, but where are your thoughts? Is it one of those things where you like getting confirmation from other sources before you can adopt it as your opinion?
No I have no thoughts of my own because I try to operate on the same IQ level as yourself.
I look up and try to emulate you! Are you okay with that?! Any more dotish questions?! :bringiton:
no surprise there.
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I agree with Socacrapo here Jumbie.
If this was a regular poor man no reward would have been made, over 130 people dead already this year and this was de first reward?
For example, Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Machel Montano live in de same area and is de same lawyer Dana Seetahal who hit Machel with a slap on the wrist after he and his body guard beat up some men and put them in de hospital.
They are all friends, rich friends.
Most of these killings in T&T is related in some way, drugs or politics.
Many more rich ones will suffer and die.
They play the game and have to pay the price.
The current T&T government is de most corrupted in T&T history.
The AG is a next one you have to watch.
Gary Griffith is a fart in a hurricane.
Vasant Bharath, Emmanuel George, Surujrattan Rambachan, Roodal Moonilal, Kevin Ramnarine, Prakash Ramadhar., Stephen Williams, Kenrick Maharaj, and Bisnath Maharaj is all waste.
Who have money in T&T gets away with anything.
They don't respect de law.
i think you got my comment wrong Sam.
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SP I have to ask - Do you ever have thoughts of your "own" to start a thread? I've seen you post videos, articles etc, but where are your thoughts? Is it one of those things where you like getting confirmation from other sources before you can adopt it as your opinion?
No I have no thoughts of my own because I try to operate on the same IQ level as yourself.
I look up and try to emulate you! Are you okay with that?! Any more dotish questions?! :bringiton:
no surprise there.
And with all your great independent thought processes you couldn't fathom an independent thought process to help you start this very thread as I did in starting this thread There is a saying which goes: If you fix Laventille you fix Trinidad & Tobago (http://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=62034.msg891577#msg891577) for example?
If you were not so focused on my threads/posts maybe you would have noticed that the majority of threads on this and most other forums are started by folks posting current news articles/items of interest that may spark discussion. I'll put your lame question down to boredom on your part.
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It's called sharing NEWS (factual - a servant of the country was killed)!..not someone else's thoughts and opinions.
Didn't mean to step on your maize. Save the bandwidth for youtube and not me and my observations.
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It's called sharing NEWS (factual - a servant of the country was killed)!..not someone else's thoughts and opinions.
Didn't mean to step on your maize. Save the bandwidth for youtube and conspiracy websites.
If you knew what it was then why waste time asking dumb questions as though you are mentally challenged or something?
My point is, what you accused me of doing is exactly what you and most others here do 99% of the time and it is the norm on discussion forums.
Anyway I provided you with a link to a thread I started expressing my own thoughts on on an issue to spark discussion. Now can you do the same pointing to ONE recent independent though process thread that you have started on this board? :beermug:
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It's called sharing NEWS (factual - a servant of the country was killed)!..not someone else's thoughts and opinions.
Didn't mean to step on your maize. Save the bandwidth for youtube and conspiracy websites.
If you knew what it was then why waste time asking dumb questions as though you are mentally challenged or something?
My point is, what you accused me of doing is exactly what you and most others here do 99% of the time and it is the norm on discussion forums.
Anyway I provided you with a link to a thread I started expressing my own thoughts on on an issue to spark discussion. Now can you do the same pointing to ONE recent independent though process thread that you have started on this board? :beermug:
well done! class is class I guess.
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It's called sharing NEWS (factual - a servant of the country was killed)!..not someone else's thoughts and opinions.
Didn't mean to step on your maize. Save the bandwidth for youtube and conspiracy websites.
If you knew what it was then why waste time asking dumb questions as though you are mentally challenged or something?
My point is, what you accused me of doing is exactly what you and most others here do 99% of the time and it is the norm on discussion forums.
Anyway I provided you with a link to a thread I started expressing my own thoughts on on an issue to spark discussion. Now can you do the same pointing to ONE recent independent though process thread that you have started on this board? :beermug:
well done! class is class I guess.
I provided you with a link to a recent thread I started using my own independent thought process.
Now where is your recent independent thread on this board? Or you now realise that exactly what you tried to accuse me of you are 100% guilty of yourself?
Why do you think my first response was that I am trying to emulate you? I was being factual with that response.
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Eh guys a very high profile person was shot in our country we cannot be fighting each other right now ,we have a case to solve .
We already have high profile ahsoul people telling us about hit from jail and police tip off( NEAL & MASSY) NM
and DM an who on the run to Venezuela a set of ahsoul bullshit .
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the country like a friggin run away train !!!!
Indeed.
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This wan't any hit that was planned in jail.....prisoners like to talk and hint of a threat to her would have resulted in leaks to her and her taking precautionary steps....a lot of smoke and mirrors..... this assassination was carried out with military style precision.....how many of those have we had in the country... up until now none.....how come no one is talking ballistics test ..then again incompetence is the order of the day.
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I provided you with a link to a recent thread I started using my own independent thought process.
Now where is your recent independent thread on this board? Or you now realise that exactly what you tried to accuse me of you are 100% guilty of yourself?
Why do you think my first response was that I am trying to emulate you? I was being factual with that response.
borderline childish..... how much more sarcastic "come backs" yuh goh butt yuh head into before yuh stop...leh we keep d thread on track nah
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I missing something ...
How we know that a cop leak the info to one of the shooters ...
So...who is this cop?
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I provided you with a link to a recent thread I started using my own independent thought process.
Now where is your recent independent thread on this board? Or you now realise that exactly what you tried to accuse me of you are 100% guilty of yourself?
Why do you think my first response was that I am trying to emulate you? I was being factual with that response.
borderline childish..... how much more sarcastic "come backs" yuh goh butt yuh head into before yuh stop...leh we keep d thread on track nah
You keep the thread on track by totally ignoring side tracking topics that you are not interested in so you have just unwittingly participated in a side tracking argument. :devil:
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I missing something ...
How we know that a cop leak the info to one of the shooters ...
So...who is this cop?
Yuh right the CoP leaked the info to the shooter.
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I missing something ...
How we know that a cop leak the info to one of the shooters ...
So...who is this cop?
Yuh right the CoP leaked the info to the shooter.
so they know who the cop is? lol what a joke... they know who did it and i bet the reason she was executed has to do with crooked cops that are in bed with the criminals and dana was on to it, when she was close to the conviction, so one of them woulda sing if they make the grove... so they send in they executioner to cover up the crooked cops involved in trinidad...
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I missing something ...
How we know that a cop leak the info to one of the shooters ...
So...who is this cop?
Yuh right the CoP leaked the info to the shooter.
so they know who the cop is? lol what a joke... they know who did it and i bet the reason she was executed has to do with crooked cops that are in bed with the criminals and dana was on to it, when she was close to the conviction, so one of them woulda sing if they make the grove... so they send in they executioner to cover up the crooked cops involved in trinidad...
From what I have heard, the CoP knows what's going on.
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I missing something ...
How we know that a cop leak the info to one of the shooters ...
So...who is this cop?
Yuh right the CoP leaked the info to the shooter.
so they know who the cop is? lol what a joke... they know who did it and i bet the reason she was executed has to do with crooked cops that are in bed with the criminals and dana was on to it, when she was close to the conviction, so one of them woulda sing if they make the grove... so they send in they executioner to cover up the crooked cops involved in trinidad...
From what I have heard, the CoP knows what's going on.
that's the sad thing about trini is that plenty people know what's going on and fraid to do something, either in the corruption or just don't care...
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I missing something ...
How we know that a cop leak the info to one of the shooters ...
So...who is this cop?
Yuh right the CoP leaked the info to the shooter.
so they know who the cop is? lol what a joke... they know who did it and i bet the reason she was executed has to do with crooked cops that are in bed with the criminals and dana was on to it, when she was close to the conviction, so one of them woulda sing if they make the grove... so they send in they executioner to cover up the crooked cops involved in trinidad...
From what I have heard, the CoP knows what's going on.
that's the sad thing about trini is that plenty people know what's going on and fraid to do something, either in the corruption or just don't care...
Maybe they eh know what going on. If Williams know what going on, then Kamla has to know what going on. I will temper my anger for a while. Let POS CSI do their work.
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With all this know-how one must wonder if there's some serious spying going on.
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D COP who eh know the difference between a hit and a targeted murder know something? DOUBT IT
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People starting to talk about how Certain Other People using the CG to do they business and that they have a hand in the nefarious activities in going on in T&T.
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Dana’s killer targets Cops (http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,194414.html)
By NALINEE SEELAL Thursday, May 8 2014 (T&T Newsday)
SENIOR Counsel and State Prosecutor Dana Seetahal’s suspected assassin has been fingered in a plot to kill a number of senior police officers and quick work by national security agents led to the detention of three men on Tuesday, who were said to be on their way to carry out a ‘hit’.
Well-placed intelligence sources yesterday revealed that they have in their possession info that Seetahal’s suspected assassin received instructions from within prison walls to eliminate head of Central Division Snr Supt Johnny Abraham, Inspector Terrence Williams, Inspector Linus Benjamin, Sgt Jitindra Toolaram and Constable Justin Abraham, son of Snr Supt Abraham.
Newsday understands information was gathered by an intelligence agency whose officers then passed on the information to Snr Supt Abraham and the four other officers. They were advised to take necessary precautions.
However, on Tuesday at about 4 pm, three men in a vehicle who are believed to be known associates of the suspected Seetahal assassin, were in the Caparo area seeking directions to Snr Superintendent Abraham’s home. One of those asked, later contacted Snr Supt Abraham, to inform him that men in a vehicle were asking for his address.
Abraham despatched officers from his Task Force to the area and the three men whose ages are 25, 26, and 27 were nabbed and taken to the Chaguanas Police Station where they remain detained.
Newsday understands with the detention of the three men some stringent security arrangements have been put in place in the Central Division. Contacted yesterday Snr Supt Abraham confirmed he was tipped off about a plot to kill him and other officers, but said, “the officers in Central are on higher than usual alert based on the information received that a hit has been put on me and some of my officers,
“But they must remember we are ready and waiting on them for any eventuality. As a matter of fact the entire Central Division team of officers have their eyes and ears to the ground and they are giving full support to officers whose lives are under threat and those threats will not send any shivers down our spines.
“We will continue to do whatever we have been doing,” Abraham said, adding that if anyone comes to Central to commit any crime they must be prepared to face the full consequences of their action.
Newsday also understands that a prisoner who has been issuing orders to carry out various executions continues to be under surveillance. However, investigators have decided to
hold their hands in taking him into custody, just yet. Sources also revealed yesterday that Seetahal’s assassin has not left the country and is hiding out at a particular location in Laventille. Officers said an arrest should be made within the next 48 hours and are confident of making a major breakthrough into the assassination of Seetahal.
Sources added that a man in charge of a gang in East Trinidad recently moved to Laventille after
another known gang leader was jailed under the anti-gang legislation. The East Trinidad gang leader is now controlling gangs in Laventille and Beetham and is believed to be the mastermind in the murder of Sentinel security guard Bert Clarke, 59, on Wednesday November 27, when millions of dollars belonging to various banks were stolen by the killer.
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Dana’s killer targets Cops (http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,194414.html)
By NALINEE SEELAL Thursday, May 8 2014 (T&T Newsday)
SENIOR Counsel and State Prosecutor Dana Seetahal’s suspected assassin has been fingered in a plot to kill a number of senior police officers and quick work by national security agents led to the detention of three men on Tuesday, who were said to be on their way to carry out a ‘hit’.
Well-placed intelligence sources yesterday revealed that they have in their possession info that Seetahal’s suspected assassin received instructions from within prison walls to eliminate head of Central Division Snr Supt Johnny Abraham, Inspector Terrence Williams, Inspector Linus Benjamin, Sgt Jitindra Toolaram and Constable Justin Abraham, son of Snr Supt Abraham.
Newsday understands information was gathered by an intelligence agency whose officers then passed on the information to Snr Supt Abraham and the four other officers. They were advised to take necessary precautions.
However, on Tuesday at about 4 pm, three men in a vehicle who are believed to be known associates of the suspected Seetahal assassin, were in the Caparo area seeking directions to Snr Superintendent Abraham’s home. One of those asked, later contacted Snr Supt Abraham, to inform him that men in a vehicle were asking for his address.
Abraham despatched officers from his Task Force to the area and the three men whose ages are 25, 26, and 27 were nabbed and taken to the Chaguanas Police Station where they remain detained.
Newsday understands with the detention of the three men some stringent security arrangements have been put in place in the Central Division. Contacted yesterday Snr Supt Abraham confirmed he was tipped off about a plot to kill him and other officers, but said, “the officers in Central are on higher than usual alert based on the information received that a hit has been put on me and some of my officers,
“But they must remember we are ready and waiting on them for any eventuality. As a matter of fact the entire Central Division team of officers have their eyes and ears to the ground and they are giving full support to officers whose lives are under threat and those threats will not send any shivers down our spines.
“We will continue to do whatever we have been doing,” Abraham said, adding that if anyone comes to Central to commit any crime they must be prepared to face the full consequences of their action.
Newsday also understands that a prisoner who has been issuing orders to carry out various executions continues to be under surveillance. However, investigators have decided to
hold their hands in taking him into custody, just yet. Sources also revealed yesterday that Seetahal’s assassin has not left the country and is hiding out at a particular location in Laventille. Officers said an arrest should be made within the next 48 hours and are confident of making a major breakthrough into the assassination of Seetahal.
Sources added that a man in charge of a gang in East Trinidad recently moved to Laventille after
another known gang leader was jailed under the anti-gang legislation. The East Trinidad gang leader is now controlling gangs in Laventille and Beetham and is believed to be the mastermind in the murder of Sentinel security guard Bert Clarke, 59, on Wednesday November 27, when millions of dollars belonging to various banks were stolen by the killer.
catch and release as they say... how come they detain before a hit but didn't know about dana hit? sounds like what i was alluding to earlier... some men was going to sing...
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Newsday also understands that a prisoner who has been issuing orders to carry out various executions continues to be under surveillance. However, investigators have decided to hold their hands in taking him into custody, just yet.
Confidence-inspiring.
Sources also revealed yesterday that Seetahal’s assassin has not left the country and is hiding out at a particular location in Laventille. Officers said an arrest should be made within the next 48 hours ...
???
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Lol reminds of the state of emergency hit story with robocop and the Muslims
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There is a certain policeman that is mentioned in that hit list a very, very bright guy (LB) i did not know he was that big of a fish ,i mean real big fish ,by now he must have a lot of young ones swimming with him .
These are the men of the law we have looking for bandits ,in other words big fishes looking for small fishes.
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PNM wants foreign investigators for probe
Published: TRINIDAD GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Geisha Kowlessar
People’s National Movement (PNM) public relations officer Faris Al-Rawi says he has no confidence the assassination of Dana Seetahal, SC, will be solved by local law enforcement officers. He is urging Government to bring in foreign help with immediate effect. His comments come in wake of the fact that the police are yet to make a breakthrough in Seetahal’s killing. There have been calls from all sectors of the society for swift action to bring the killers to justice. It has been four days since Seetahal was killed.
Al-Rawi said the basis for the PNM’s lack of confidence in the Police Service lay in the dramatic fall in the detection and conviction rate of murders from 36 per cent to under ten per cent.
He noted: “Other issues which must be taken into consideration are the Police Service’s lack of conclusion in the e-mail gate issue, its lack of conclusion in the $17 million heist and murder of a security guard which took place last November, its lack of conclusion in the importation of chicken well seasoned with marijuana and its lack of conclusion in the matter of cocaine in juice cans.
“The Police Service does not boast of any form of track record which will encourage confidence in the citizens that they are capable of bringing home a conviction in Dana Seetahal’s assassination.” He made it clear his statement was not an attack on police officers but rather a serious criticism of the People’s Partnership Government which was responsible for dismantling all of the country’s security systems in 2010.
“That has left us in a position where I do not have faith this matter would be dealt with without the assistance of foreign expertise. “In the circumstances, I pray that the Government and the country will make available the necessary expertise to bring home a solution in the Seetahal’s assassination and more particular every serious crime,” Al-Rawi said.
He added that Government had refused to accept the PNM’s invitation to amend the law to allow for an immediate appointment of a police commissioner and had refused to conduct a manpower audit of the organisation. He said: “The combination of the Police Service’s dismal record and the Government’s abdication of its role of creating an enabling environment for the Police Service to better itself, left alone to function, equals to a tragic result for T&T.”
UK ready to assist
National Security Minister Gary Griffith says apart from the United States, the United Kingdom also was ready to join with local law enforcement officers to hunt down Seetahal’s killers. However, he reiterated he did not believe it was necessary at this time for T&T to call in foreign help.
He said: “I have spoken to acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams today (yesterday) and we have met with relevant officials through the US embassy. I have also made contact, through the British High Commission, and a specially assigned unit able to support our law enforcement agencies is already on standby.
“But I do not think at this time it is necessary. This is a mammoth investigation. It is not just pinpointing an individual and grabbing the person. You have to look at every single angle.” He said he already had received confidential reports from the intelligence agencies and was hopeful a breakthrough would be made in the quickest possible time. What is more critical, he added, was developing human intelligence where information was passed on to the police from members of the public.
Evidence must stand up
Former assistant director of public prosecutions, attorney Indra Ramoutar-Liverpool, says it was not just a matter of arresting perpetrators but rather getting evidence which could stand up beyond a reasonable doubt in court in the Seetahal case.
“In a criminal case you must have evidence to stand up beyond a reasonable doubt. You have to have witnesses who are willing to come forward and must be afforded some sort of protection.“They also need to bring the matter early to court because if they don’t it will simply die a natural death,” Ramoutar-Liverpool said.
On if she believed the witness protection programme was efficient, she said there were rules which must be followed and in some instances people had been placed in the programme and did not subscribed to the rules.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------IN my humble opinion..........
The resolution of serious crimes in this country is puzzling given the size of the country and the way people like to macco- yuh go tell me that them police eh have top notch intelligence to bring these high flyers to justice? If they allegedly know or have people of interest- yuh go wait on a system that is relying on people to come forth while man walking about freely? nah something wrong. PUBLISH NAMES PUT UP PICTURES- IF YUH EH WANT TO ACCUSE THEM SAY THEY ARE PEOPLE OF INTEREST that yuh want tuh talk to. FLUSH the SHEEET out ah the ceptic tanks whey they hiding. I know easier said than done.
What I believe is happening is that even among those upholding the law, there may be a payroll that safeguards justice from infiltrating and capturing these corrosive elements in our society. Who do you trust? can the public now trust the keepers of the law to do the right thing?
will all citizens turn out in force and bring those who are perpetrators to justice? will mothers stand up and say 'yuh is ah good boy but what yuh doing eh nice; yuh have tuh stop today?"
How can a man live a good long life (and watch his children grow up if he have any) with a good conscience after committing such a crime?
How long will a public keep hearing ' we know who behind all these incidents' yet never see a captive an arrest or a public declaration that these case are resolved? why ARE WE ACCEPTING the ineptitude of those in charge?
Is there a constitutional clause for a nation to rise up and impeach a government for lack of competency?
Why is an 'ACTING' commissioner of police- ( the term acting is a real interesting one we- is like he eh the real thing he just acting like) reluctant to seek foreign intervention in helping to solve some of these big cases? What if a foreign independent objective investigative team came in and found that many high ranking officers and ugghhhh politrickians are connected to half ah what going on at some level?
woe is we shame and scandal in we country- but yuh know we have a cultural history of 'bobol' pay ah man ah little money and yuh get what yuh want. As long as we continue to subscribe to this mentality, we will keep seeing the level of slackness and subjection of unresolved pains, suffering and fear that families, and a nation has to endure.
TIME TO TAKE BACK THE NATION FROM -FEAR- CRIME- BRIBERY- AND INCOMPETENCE. Collectively let's MARCH in every village in every community in every street stand tall in houses of drugs in houses of gang leaders flush them out call them out send photos of then doing they crap to tv newspapers - lets be vigilant in watching out for the youths before they deviate from the path of right. REPORT all those who are suppose to be upholding the law!!!! Lets have the COURAGE AND CONVICTION to stand up for what is right about TnT!!!
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PNM wants foreign investigators for probe
There is a simply reason why the PNM's is calling for foreign investigators to probe into Dana Seetahal's murder.
They are fully aware of the rampant corruption in the TTPS due to low wages and lack of proper training meaning that many police offers fall prey to bribes from crime bosses in T&T to turn a blind eye or even to aiding their criminal operations.
It is quite clear that certain police officers are well aware of exactly who killed Dana Seetahal and some may even have been paid handsomely to help protect the killers or as a last resort to take out the killers to help protect the identity of exactly who ordered Dana Seetahal's murder.
The only safe way to guarantee a thorough investigation is to hire foreign investigators but will the police who the foreign investigators will need to rely on for gathering their evidence and intelligence be willing to honestly cooperate?
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Sad to say but this country has created its own demons and monster. This murder whilst tragic just demonstrates how far we've allowed ourselves to fall. All of our institutions have been compromised and the sad thing about it is the most accomplished and qualifies people in our society have allowed it to be compromised. There will never be another Dana Seetahal. She was a bright candle flickering in a never ending darkness. With her death I also feel like all hope is lost. The killers couldn't have taken a more honest, innocent and selfless person. I pray for this country but in all honest I have no hope.
The scary thing about our country is that the generation now and the ones to come, the real monsters haven't even ascended to power as yet. It's laughable that the President of our republic could concern himself with giraffes and demanding more honours for ANR Robinson. My generation and the one coming up we don't have time to care or concern ourselves with what Robinson did or didn't do for the country. We are a generation in crisis. We are just trying to make it to the age of 25. We are at war and we are fighting and being haunted by our parents' demons.
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Ah watch the telecast of the funeral ceremony and was deeply moved. Prior to this weekend I never knew of this giant of a lady among us today ironically it was an unconscionable act that brought her to light.
How do killers live and sleep at peace? We have a generation where there are many are being raised without moral conscience or a moral compass as a guide- makes you wonder what is the real story behind this dastardly deed?
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correct me if i am wrong but i was just told a reporter or media rep was also shot in the car with dana? ??? ??? who is this person? ???
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Siblings struggle with emotion
Published:
Friday, May 9, 2014
Text Size:
Seetahal’s sister, Susan Francois, who delivered the eulogy, read a tribute to Seetahal sent by her colleague of many years, former DPP Geoffrey Henderson, who is now a judge at the International Criminal Court in the Hague. Francois said Henderson was extremely close to Seetahal and had sent the tribute, entitled “A National Treasure”. Henderson, in the tribute read by Francois, stated that Seetahal had a deep love of T&T and a huge desire to give back to T&T and make it a better place. “She loved public service,” Henderson stated. He said Seetahal had done a lot of work for the DPP’s office at peppercorn rates and had mentored lawyers, young and older, and shared her experience freely. “We marvelled at her tremendous work ethic... she was formidable in court,” he said.
Henderson said when Seetahal took “silk”, assumed the status of senior counsel, none questioned the decision and many thought it should have been given sooner. “Dana’s silk was true silk,” Henderson noted. His tribute noted Seetahal was also a good resource to the Caricom criminal justice system. Henderson said Seetahal had loved writing the newspaper columns she did and gave careful thought to each and their selection, clarifying complex issues and those which were obfuscated by others. He said her nickname was “Seets” and though sometime rough, she didn’t have a bad bone in her body. “She was honest, loyal, fair and fearlesss. Her murder by gutless cowards has left a deep void,” Henderson said, adding Seetahal’s parents had given T&T a national treasure.
Francois, after concluding Henderson’s tribute, said up to last Sunday morning she had five sisters, “Now I have four.” Saying Seetahal was the family’s guiding light, Francois added: “I can speak words of the loss and devastation we feel but they would be woefully inadequate. “We will shed tears that she has gone, but we will smile because she has lived. We will open our eyes and see all she has left and we will cherish her memory and let it live on.” Francois, though looking strained, maintained her composure through the delivery. But when Francois concluded her contribution in a slightly shaky voice, “Go with God, my sister ...,” her bespectacled brother in the pew behind hers, broke down and held his head in his hands. Seetahal’s law school mate, Merlin Boyce, elicited smiles when she related how Seetahal enjoyed facials, designer clothes and hair styling.
Boyce spoke about how both might have ended up at the Red House on July 27, 1990 to see former schoolmate Joseph Toney, but Seetahal had said the Parliament was “too boring...”
Rev Daniel Teelucksingh, delivering a stirring sermon, elicited nods including from the Chief Justice Ivor Archie when he said: “T&T is no easy place to govern.” Also on the programme were prayers by RC priest Fr Clyde Harvey and Pundit Rhandir Maharaj. Attendees comprised a who’s who of the legal, political and law enforcement hierarchy. Among the PP and PNM leaders were Senate President Timothy Hamel-Smith, former president George Maxwell Richards, Foreign Affairs Minister (Tunapuna MP) Winston Dookeran, Planning Minister Bhoe Tewarie, National Security Minister Gary Griffith, acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams, PCA head Gillian Lucky, UWI principal Clement Sankat, Justice Vashist Kokaram, attorney Martin Daly, PNM’s Dr Keith Rowley, Amery Browne, Nafeesa Mohammed and others.
News
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Heartbreaking. I honestly don't think it's any exaggeration to say that this is the biggest loss TnT has ever suffered in its history, in the form of one person. She made contributions in so many ways, across so many fields, and of such immense quality to the country... Justice Henderson said it best, she was a national treasure. I sincerely hope to God that they find not only the perpetrators of this act, but the ones behind it as well.
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I was speaking to a friend yesterday and he said that the precision with which the hit was carried out appears to be people with military or security experience. He also said that there may be a link with an armored car robbery a couple months ago. This was done with military precision. But it real hard to digest this situation in TT. >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
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I was speaking to a friend yesterday and he said that the precision with which the hit was carried out appears to be people with military or security experience. He also said that there may be a link with an armored car robbery a couple months ago. This was done with military precision. But it real hard to digest this situation in TT. >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
Read the same thing in an earlier article.
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Heartbreaking. I honestly don't think it's any exaggeration to say that this is the biggest loss TnT has ever suffered in its history, in the form of one person. She made contributions in so many ways, across so many fields, and of such immense quality to the country... Justice Henderson said it best, she was a national treasure. I sincerely hope to God that they find not only the perpetrators of this act, but the ones behind it as well.
Too much corruption in the police force and even if they catch the shooters they will probably be taken out before they have a chance to give information on who exactly is the big fish that ordered Dana's murder.
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Mark 8:36
King James Version (KJV)
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
One week and no news!! Amazing - is like they looking for an invisible ghost!!!!!! They eh have no one of Interest to flash over the news?
Furthermore I eh read nothing to suggest possible motives? Is that not one of the fundamental starting points in an investigation? Finding motive?
Another one to add to the unsolved list of major crimes:
-17 million heist
-Chicken laden with marijuana
-Juice cans
-Now this?
If we scoring points who winning the war? Where is the public outcry for resolutions? How does a seemingly innocent person's life fall to such tragic outcome? It eh like these arses going and shooting up each other? If they could come after such a high profile individual and just wander off into the wilderness then no ones life is safe no one is immune to the possibility of these atrocities- frustrated, disillusioned and disappointed with the direction of all ministries.
Waiting and relying on the public to come forward with names to me is suggesting that there is not a concrete lead as was reported- more lies and deflections- just like the DEA from the USA fiasco - up to now we still eh know for sure if they were in TNT or not investigating? Big ole talk from minister about how they help with the break through of solving that case and then brap just so that gone cold- makes you wonder if we eh being given a bag of stones to pull. How does this record of us solved cases build public faith in a system?
Who in governance has the moral fortitude to call out names and stand up against others who are propagating and throwing out misleading directions? Every one ah them national security minister like they raid to stand up- everyone ah them polic commissioners acting like puppet of the government like them cyar STAND up and take on the corruption- each one of them have a standard line to feed the public " the matter is being investigated" "At this time we eh have much details- "
This should not be about loyalty and leadership but about moral conscience-
Time for someone to step up and do what is right? If Dana led a life of fighting for that the she paid the ultimate price- we need others to follow her example before we all begin to live like rats cowering to the whims of the lawless, thrives, launderers , gangsters, and those morally corrupt among us.
Is it time to ask for foreign assistance? What were the real reasons for getting rid of the last two foreign commissioners? Allyuh remember who was the national security minister of the time? Allyuh remember what big international investigation was going on? Allyuh remember all the allegations and the calls for a police investigation? Well that and all gone through and the apparent impartial commissioner and he deputy hightailed it outta here- yuh could imagine if they had stood up and had to bring down ah whole government? Look nah this eh no easy times nah but is like the devil winning out on collecting souls
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so ah week gone..... we still in de rum shop?
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Newsday
SUSPECT HELD AT ARIMA HOUSE
Sunday, May 11 2014
The man captured on video footage pulling the trigger and firing several shots which ended the life of State prosecutor Dana Seetahal last Sunday was held at an Arima house last night by a large contingent of heavily armed police officers shortly after 7 pm.
Police, acting on information went to the Arima house, cordoned off the area and held the suspect who offered no resistance.
The 30-year-old man was immediately handcuffed and taken to an unmarked police vehicle and placed in the back seat with two heavily armed police officers on either side of him.
The man was then driven into Port-of-Spain with a convoy of police vehicles providing security on the way.
Shortly after 8.30 pm, the vehicle with the suspect arrived in Port-of-Spain and he was taken to a police station and placed in a cell with instructions that he be guarded round-the clock.
Sunday Newsday understands that the footage provided by an unknown person who was at the scene and filmed the shooting was instrumental in identifying the killer, as well as other video footage from CCTV cameras in the area.
On Friday night, a large contingent of police officers raided homes in Petit Valley, Carapo and Enterprise in search of suspects identified in video footage of the shooting death of Seetahal.
A special team of investigators probing the murder had secured warrants and intensified their search at the three locations.
This news of a suspect being held comes as the Ministry of National Security yesterday said Trinidad and Tobago’s national alert state has been returned to Green — ranked as “vague threat.”
A release from the Ministry yesterday said the National Operations Centre has advised that after assessing the risks and threat factor, the national alert state should be de-escalated to Green.
TT was on Orange Alert — ranked as “high chance of threat” — following the murder of Seetahal last Sunday and following subsequent investigations by the Police.
The release did not give any reason for the de-escalation of the threat.
Click here to send your comments on this article to Newsday's Ch@tRoom
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Wow! Great work by the police if true. I can't help but wonder at the serendipity of the the witness being there to record the shooting though. I still support the call for an independent investigation, they need to thoroughly investigate that eyewitness... including monitoring their bank account/s. Call me a conspiracy theorist on this one.
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3 million is an insentive. But I still holding meh breath.
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I can't help but wonder at the serendipity of the the witness being there to record the shooting though.
I sit down here debating that one too......since earlier in the week I heard about this person who captured the whole thing on video and I cyar make the scenario work in mih head no matter how hard I try.......one's first instinct on hearing something like gun shots is to run or hide.......you eh pulling out no cell phone/video camera to record nothing.....
In any event, if this report is true good work police but ah still eh expect nutten to come of this..........I'm that cynical.............
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As sinister as this action it gets more sinister to think that someone recorded this- maybe as proof that the act was committed. His camera / recording derive must have a range or one has to conjecture his role as an accessory.
Given how things work with this government of propaganda - they must have all had to read and study Animal Farm by George Orwell, I eh putting much credence in this report until further concrete conviction and tangible mark buss with all kinda big name calling.
I am skeptical that this may be another deflection to placate the public outcry. I wondering how come the other news outlets are not reporting out on this capture?
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Apparently the CoP is saying the reports in the media are not true. I'm going based on a post in the Facebook group "Speak Out T&T". He is supposed to have made the comments in an interview on I95.5 fm......I didn't hear his comments myself so I can't say for sure exactly what he said.......
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The farce continues- these people does want to accuse the opposition of trying to destabilize them, well ah think this government has done a good job of destabilizing them selves- darn they were never stable to begin with. Look how confusing this report is- they hold some people but nothing becomes of it? Like what is the real story here?
More news - this time
Trinidad Express
Cops: No arrests yet in Dana’s murder
Story Updated: May 11, 2014
Senior officials in the Police Service and the Ministry of National Security yesterday denied media reports that suspects had been arrested on Saturday night in connection with the death of senior counsel Dana Seetahal. It was widely reported yesterday that four people had been arrested in Diego Martin and Arima during a series of police exercises on Saturday night, in connection with the senior attorney’s killing eight days ago. However, while sources have confirmed that four persons were indeed detained during exercises, senior officials, including Minister of National Security Gary Griffith, acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Wayne Dick, have all firmly denied that they were held in relation to police enquiries into the senior counsel’s death. This therefore means that even though today marks eight days since Seetahal was brutally killed along O’Connor Street, Woodbrook, her killers are still at large. “Contrary to any reports, as of this time, no one has been held, detained, arrested, and certainly not charged in relation to the investigation into the death of the senior counsel. I have been in communication with the investigators on a daily basis, and I can assure you with full confidence and accuracy, that at no time has anyone been held by the police. What I can tell you is that the investigation is still ongoing and at this point it has reached a crucial, but sensitive stage,” explained Griffith. The acting Commissioner chastised the media, saying that due to the incorrectness, the reports were only causing more “trauma” to an already traumatised public. “Right now my head is busy with thoughts on the media for the misinformation which has been sent out into the public domain. The information I heard and read yesterday is false, and all it is doing is inflaming the public. The country is already going through a traumatic moment with the death of a prominent member of society, and with the misinformation which was circulated, this trauma is only worsening,” Williams said. ACP Dick, in a brief interview with Express, said he was not aware of the developments as reported throughout the media. However, he reiterated previous calls from the police for the public and the media to exercise patience, saying that as soon as he was aware of any significant developments, he would personally call the various media houses and inform their representatives himself. The senior policeman did reveal that “progress was being made” and that enquiries were being conducted, even up to late yesterday, for a fruitful outcome. Griffith also told the Express he has been liaising with international policing organisations regarding potential assistance into the enquiries. “As of this time, I don’t think our Police Service needs foreign assistance yet, as I believe they are on top of their game. That said, should it become necessary, I have already been liaising with the relevant international organisations, and they have indicated their willingness to assist,” Griffith said. Around 12.05 a.m. on May 4, Seetahal was gunned down along O’Connor Street, Woodbook, in her Volkswagen SUV. Less than 15 minutes prior, the senior counsel had left the Ma Pau casino, made her way on to French Street, then on to Wrightson Road, before turning on to Hamilton Holder Street. Upon reaching the vicinity of the Woodbrook Youth Facility, Seetahal was attacked by unknown gunmen. It is believed that one of the vehicles pulled in front of her blocking her path, while another pulled alongside her and its occupants opened fire on the senior attorney, before they both fled the scene. During the course of these incidents, her vehicle slowly made its way about 20 feet north on to O’Connor Street. Seetahal has since been cremated following a ceremony on Thursday at the Aramalaya Presbyterian Church in Tunapuna which saw an overflowing of mourners headed by President Anthony Carmona, and included Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Chief Justice Ivor Archie, among several politicians, judges, magistrates, and members of the public, who all came out to say their final farewell to the vibrant and outspoken senior counsel.
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CTV REPORTS
T&T's National Security threat level has been reduced from Amber to green. This was confirmed by Minister of National Security Gary Griffith. The Minister says however this reduction has little to do with the status of the Dana Seetahal murder investigation.
LAWD FADDER WHEN WILL THIS NIGHTMARE END.
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I wonder what's the latest with the the police officer who tipped off a suspect that he's being wanted? Haven't heard anything about that since, shouldn't that at least be obstruction of justice? Anyway this investigation is starting to drag, it's been over a week and nothing.....
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Almost everything this PP government does is for pappyshow!
It is sickening and embarrassing! :-[
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Ah cyar help to think some where behind this - this lady may have known or started to suspect real big name colleagues were being paid large sums from the treasury- just a sneaking hunch after reading about her life and her principles- it it a possibility that colleagues close to her and some who jump out first to proclaim friendship could be ...........ummmmmm I eh want to believe that possibility . boi reading between the lines makes for real investigative skills ; Look nah in a strange twist of fate her sister from what I read may have access to financial audit and could trace all who have big money and accounts by all kinda means- revenge here could be ah real BITCH- never a dull day without DRAMA in TNT.
If motive for this killing and I speculate is to cover something bigger could you imagine if this woman had the last breath and knowledge to decipher what and who was behind it all?
"Et tu, Brute?" (pronounced [ɛt ˈtuː ˈbruːtɛ]) is a Latin phrase meaning "and you, Brutus?" or "and you too, Brutus?". The phrase is often used poetically to represent the last words of the Roman dictator Julius Caesar to his friend Marcus Brutus at the moment of his assassination. The quotation is widely used in Western culture to signify the utmost betrayal by an unexpected person, such as a friend.
They say keep your friends close at hands and yuh enemies closer- following this case has been intriguing to say the least- interesting discovery is that the article from the Newsday proclaiming that the police had arrested a suspect did not have a journalist name attached to,it. How could a newspaper publish such an article without an author?
This whole issues is turning out to be utter madness in the land we. Ah get ah email about ah Facebook page call Speak out TNT - I eh have access to it but ah hear it have an article that call out some big names and big money that pass fuh so with this prison gate. Ah go have tuh try tuh maco we.
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A.B you know what you are saying there I thought about it , one man i do not trust is that AG guilt could make you say some things sometimes.
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Inter-American body calls for full probe into her murder
Story Created: May 12, 2014 at 9:52 PM ECT
Story Updated: May 13, 2014 at 8:51 AM ECT
• WASHINGTON
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has called on law enforcement authorities in Trinidad and Tobago “to fully investigate and prosecute” those responsible for the murder of prominent Senior Counsel, Dana Seetahal.
Seetahal, a former state prosecutor and magistrate, was shot and killed on May 4 as she made her way home from a casino.
The body of the 58-year-old former president of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago was cremated last Thursday.
The IACHR said it appeared Seetahal’s murder could be linked to her work as prosecutor in several high profile cases.
“The IACHR calls to mind that it is the State’s obligation to proactively investigate acts of this nature and punish intellectual and material authors. In particular, the Commission calls the State of Trinidad and Tobago to conduct an investigation that takes into account whether Seetahal’s murder was committed in retaliation for her work as a prosecutor.
“The Commission also urges the State of Trinidad and Tobago to immediately and urgently adopt all necessary measures to guarantee the rights to life, integrity, and safety of human rights defenders in the country, particularly of justice operators,” the IACHR said.
The IACHR, an autonomous body of the Organisation of American States (OAS), said it also “notes that an assault against a justice operator because of his or her functions is a particularly serious matter, not just because it is assault upon a justice operator’s person but also because it has the effect of intimidating and instilling fear, which can spread to other justice operators.
“The risk is that cases involving human rights violations could go unpunished,” it said, adding “in this sense, acts of violence and other attacks perpetrated against human rights defenders not only affect the guarantees that every human being must enjoy, but also seek to undermine the fundamental role that human rights defenders play in society and leave all those for whom they fight defenseless.
“The work of human rights defenders is essential to building a solid and enduring democratic society, as they play a leading role in the pursuit of the full attainment of the rule of law and the strengthening of democracy.”
Previous Article
No one for Dana
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Imagine the notion of turning police to " bounty" hunters with the suggestion toay them the reward for doing what they suppose to be doing? Where is the logic here? So in all cases police who supposed to be trained and have a duty to do will only garner results if they are given a sizeable monetary reward? Wow look at incentive tuh wuck? Well studies have shown money is not the sole motivation for job performance.
In this case, sadly we may have to bring in some foreign investigators - darn shucks we tried that before with the juice case and that yielded the same results- faith in a system faith in leadership has failed us once more and sadly the corrupt and the evil (live) prevail once more - our beloved nation is bleeding with crimson tears from the natives who continually succumb to utter incompetence. Shame shame that we have to endure this madness.
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Isn't that the the suggestion of some business people? But I agree that the reason they are police is that they arrest people for wrong doings.
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Ah cyar help to think some where behind this - this lady may have known or started to suspect real big name colleagues were being paid large sums from the treasury- just a sneaking hunch after reading about her life and her principles- it it a possibility that colleagues close to her and some who jump out first to proclaim friendship could be ...........ummmmmm I eh want to believe that possibility . boi reading between the lines makes for real investigative skills ; Look nah in a strange twist of fate her sister from what I read may have access to financial audit and could trace all who have big money and accounts by all kinda means- revenge here could be ah real BITCH- never a dull day without DRAMA in TNT.
If motive for this killing and I speculate is to cover something bigger could you imagine if this woman had the last breath and knowledge to decipher what and who was behind it all?
"Et tu, Brute?" (pronounced [ɛt ˈtuː ˈbruːtɛ]) is a Latin phrase meaning "and you, Brutus?" or "and you too, Brutus?". The phrase is often used poetically to represent the last words of the Roman dictator Julius Caesar to his friend Marcus Brutus at the moment of his assassination. The quotation is widely used in Western culture to signify the utmost betrayal by an unexpected person, such as a friend.
They say keep your friends close at hands and yuh enemies closer- following this case has been intriguing to say the least- interesting discovery is that the article from the Newsday proclaiming that the police had arrested a suspect did not have a journalist name attached to,it. How could a newspaper publish such an article without an author?
This whole issues is turning out to be utter madness in the land we. Ah get ah email about ah Facebook page call Speak out TNT - I eh have access to it but ah hear it have an article that call out some big names and big money that pass fuh so with this prison gate. Ah go have tuh try tuh maco we.
Ah wonder if she was one of them that figure out which big player using the CG to get they stash in.
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ah guess solving this murder suffers the same faith as many others despite the assurances from the Prime Minister and the Police. we cyar find murderers in ah 1,980 sq miles place smaller than Delaware.
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ah guess solving this murder suffers the same faith as many others despite the assurances from the Prime Minister and the Police. we cyar find murderers in ah 1,980 sq miles place smaller than Delaware.
Don't be surprised the same government involved in it.
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Maybe we should bring in the foreign Trini:
From Digital Divide newsletter
Trini makes US Top Cop list
By Donstan Bonn
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Scott Pulchansingh and US Attorney General Eric Holder
How does one go from being born in a rural district of a third world country to being honoured by the president of the United States of American (USA) at the White House.
For Trinidadian-born Scott Pulchansingh it happened because of his commitment to duty and the bravery displayed in the carrying out of his duty.
Pulchansingh was one of 17 law enforcement officers from the Boston Police Department who were presented with the TOP COPS Awards® by US president Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House on May 20.
Born in the village of Endeavour in Chaguanas and a past student of Presentation College Chaguanas, Pulchansingh was honoured for the role he played in the captured of Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev after the pair shot and killed 26-year-old Sean Collier, an MIT police officer.
The Tsarnaev brothers were the principal suspects in the setting off of two bombs during the running of the Boston Marathon on April 15 last year, which led to the death of three persons with hundreds injured.
Pulchansingh shared with Digital Divide a brief account of the Tsarnaevs apprehension and his subsequent nomination to TOP COPS®:
“After responding to the slaying of Officer Collier we actively searched for the Tsarnaev brothers.
“Along with members from the Youth Violence Strike Force (commonly called The Gang Unit) we chased the Tsarnaev brothers in Watertown and were engaged in a firefight. During the chase shots were fired and bombs were tossed out the window at us.
“I searched Tamerlan Tsarnaev after his brother ran him over for a suicide vest,” Pulchansingh said.
He said as a result his department honoured him with the Schroeder Brothers Memorial Award last December and nominated him for Top Cops®.
Scott Pulchansingh with his wife and two children
He added that though he was elated upon learning of the top cop award and the acknowledgement from his colleagues he was still remembering those who paid the ultimate price and the survivors who continue to struggle with a life of normalcy.
Pulchansingh, who has 19 years’ service as a law enforcement officer, said he loves what he does.
“After migrating to the US in 1985 I became a Health Inspector with the city of Boston and a Constable, during which time I worked closely with the Mayor’s office and all agencies including the Police Department. I would later become a full time member of the Boston Police Department.
When asked if he finds his career to be satisfying he replied, “I would say doing a job that makes you happy is important. I go to work to help others and impact their lives positively and I get my satisfaction from the outreach I am able to generate.”
Pulchansingh added that while there were many notable events during his years as an officer, serving the citizens of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on a daily basis and preventing youths from joining gangs and seeking alternate options to improve their lives is what he enjoys.
“Law enforcement is a respected career and like many other professions, it’s what you put into it is what you shall reap. I'm well respected in my profession by my peers and superiors and I am mindful that a great communicator is a great listener,” he said.
He added that young people today should seek out role models in the field of their choice and focus primarily on education.
In delivering the feature address President Obama said: “The 53 officers, detectives, patrolmen, special agents, and troopers that we celebrate today are America’s finest -- the best of the best. They hail from different parts of the country, and different events brought them here today. But they share one important thing in common. When the moment came -- when the shooting started, or a bomb went off, or a hostage was taken, or a child screamed for help -- they did not hesitate. They went into action. They ran toward the danger -- not away from it. And they risked their lives to save the lives of others.
“Having said that, even if these guys won’t admit it, there is something special about them. Some of the officers here today sustained serious injuries in the line of duty. They were shot or stabbed. Some lost friends, even a partner. Some are still recovering.
“So what these officers do is dangerous. They do it because it’s important. Maintaining the public safety is the foundation of everything that is good that happens every single day in America. It’s why parents can send their kids to school and adults can head off to work, and community centres and houses of worship can open their doors to one and all, and businesses can start and thrive. And that’s why people can cast their votes and express their views without fear. It’s one of the reasons people travel and do business in these United States.
“And that’s why Americans everywhere owe a debt to our nation’s law enforcement. So on behalf of all the American people, thank you. God bless you. God bless your families, and God bless the United States of America.”
In addition to President Obama, US vice president Joe Biden, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Attorney General Eric Holder were among the dignitaries present at this year’s TOP COPS Awards® ceremony.
Editor’s Note: The TOP COPS Awards®, since being inaugurated by the National Association of Police Organisations (NAPO) in 1994, have paid tribute to outstanding law enforcement officers in federal, state, county, tribal and local agencies from across the country for actions above and beyond the call of duty during the preceding year.
The Schroeder Brothers Memorial Medal is named in honour of Detective John D. Schroeder, who was shot dead in the line of duty on November 30, 1973, and his brother Patrolman Walter Schroeder, who suffered a similar fate on September 24, 1970.
It is the highest award given by the Boston Police Department and it is awarded once a year at the Annual Awards Presentation Ceremony to an officer whose conduct in some situation is judged by the Department Awards Board to be the highest form of valour exhibited during the previous year. It is accompanied by a Letter of Commendation from the Commissioner setting forth the reasons for the award.
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I know this Trinbagonian woman she was a lieutenant in the NYPD, when she retire I asked her if she was given the job as COP of T &T if she would take ?
She said the only way I would take that job is if I could come with my own staff .
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I know this Trinbagonian woman she was a lieutenant in the NYPD, when she retire I asked her if she was given the job as COP of T &T if she would take ?
She said the only way I would take that job is if I could come with my own staff .
:beermug: having worked in d organization the system worse than d staff.
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So tell meh nah mr minister and Mrs, PM - all yuh ask allyu head man to leave no stones unturn- that all yuh sure tuh get the bad men and toady ah read the COP stating ' the police eh have nothing to report' like the investigation reach ah stalemate.
All the talk and affronting ; we go get them' we have identity from video tape; we go call in foreign investigators- now all things cool down:
PRESS - MEDIA like they manners allyuh arses as well- One man get buff up and threaten and all yuh done with ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!!
What happen to PRISONGATE investigation?
Juice CAN? and all teh USA DEA agents wha happen they liming in ah room 201?
The chicken ganja- wha happen?
And this lady's death? no motives? all ah reading is that all the initial hype was speculative- about prison set up lawd allyuh good with propaganda- People making fools out ah the press- and it eh have real journalist with substance to CALL people out?
all kinda talk about high tech policing equipment - yuh think that alone go do it? yuh eh think them police need high tech policing techniques/ some ah them need to know what it takes to hold that position. All kinda talk was reported about police man leaking information firt about an alleged suspect in the murder then another police leaking information about the journalist- WHAT EVER REPRIMAND DID THESE OFFICERS RECEIVE/ Instead I read where the COP denounce the threat by saying the man look fur that(sic).
LOOK NAH LOCAL MEDIA allyuh see the piece the foreign journalist come and do? allyuh cyar go there I understand is allyuh life at stake but hear nah allyuh eh feel like a steady dose of leading DAILY PUBLIC DEMANDS fuh answers go help? nah tell meh all yuh MEDIA HOUSES eh done sell out as well!!!!!
When will the bleeding stop? when will the public be safe walking the streets ? when will the soldiers be on the streets in every nook in every cranny stopping every car disrupting the rouge elements till we purge this land of the corrupt elements among us?
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Dude, TT finest are working deligently to find the killers.
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I have no doubt bout that- just make it evident AND MY BEEF IS WITH THE HOW THE MEDIA picks and choose WHO TO PUT THE HEAT ON.
Secondly the lack of action aganist apparent incompetent and immoral leadership in positions that should be exemplars .
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US envoy: Dana’s hit ordered by foreign player...
Drug cartel has strong T&T ties
By Curtis Williams (Guardian)
Special state prosecutor Dana Seetahal was murdered by a trans-national drug organisation with operations in T&T, says the United States Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield. Speaking from Washington, DC, in a teleconference with Caribbean journalists yesterday, Ambassador Brownfield said: “Those in Trinidad would know that I visited your country two months ago and two days after I left there was the brutal murder of Ms Dana Seetahal. She was murdered by a trans-national drug organisation.”
Asked by the T&T Guardian to elaborate on this suggestion, Brownfield, who has responsibility for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs, said: “I stand by everything I have said. This was clearly not a crime of passion. “It was not a crime of opportunity where someone felt they should steal her handbag and then found they had to shoot her.
“This was a well planned and orchestrated hit. “This is not something you plan easily. It is organised crime with an international player that has a crime organisation with presence in T&T.”
On May 4, Seetahal was shot dead just outside the Woodbrook Youth Facility on Hamilton Holder Street as she was on her way to her apartment at One Woodbrook Place after leaving the Ma Pau casino on Ariapita Avenue, Port-of-Spain. Residents reported hearing a volley of gunshots followed by screeching tyres. By the time they contacted police and ran outside to check, they found Seetahal slumped over the steering wheel of her light blue Volkswagen Touareg. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams has publicly said the police knew how and why Seetahal was killed but thus far, 53 days after her killing, no one has been charged with her murder. Yesterday, Brownfield said Seetahal’s murder could not be seen as “just another statistic,” explaining that Seetahal had partnered with the US government on several issues, had been the beneficiary of a Fulbright scholarship from the US government, and was, in his words, “a star, a woman of tremendous courage.”
Reached in England last night National Security Minister Gary Griffith said he preferred not to comment.
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US envoy: Dana’s hit ordered by foreign player...
Drug cartel has strong T&T ties
By Curtis Williams (Guardian)
Special state prosecutor Dana Seetahal was murdered by a trans-national drug organisation with operations in T&T, says the United States Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield. Speaking from Washington, DC, in a teleconference with Caribbean journalists yesterday, Ambassador Brownfield said: “Those in Trinidad would know that I visited your country two months ago and two days after I left there was the brutal murder of Ms Dana Seetahal. She was murdered by a trans-national drug organisation.”
Asked by the T&T Guardian to elaborate on this suggestion, Brownfield, who has responsibility for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs, said: “I stand by everything I have said. This was clearly not a crime of passion. “It was not a crime of opportunity where someone felt they should steal her handbag and then found they had to shoot her.
“This was a well planned and orchestrated hit. “This is not something you plan easily. It is organised crime with an international player that has a crime organisation with presence in T&T.”
On May 4, Seetahal was shot dead just outside the Woodbrook Youth Facility on Hamilton Holder Street as she was on her way to her apartment at One Woodbrook Place after leaving the Ma Pau casino on Ariapita Avenue, Port-of-Spain. Residents reported hearing a volley of gunshots followed by screeching tyres. By the time they contacted police and ran outside to check, they found Seetahal slumped over the steering wheel of her light blue Volkswagen Touareg. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams has publicly said the police knew how and why Seetahal was killed but thus far, 53 days after her killing, no one has been charged with her murder. Yesterday, Brownfield said Seetahal’s murder could not be seen as “just another statistic,” explaining that Seetahal had partnered with the US government on several issues, had been the beneficiary of a Fulbright scholarship from the US government, and was, in his words, “a star, a woman of tremendous courage.”
Reached in England last night National Security Minister Gary Griffith said he preferred not to comment.
tell us something we don't know TT Guardian...
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I know this Trinbagonian woman she was a lieutenant in the NYPD, when she retire I asked her if she was given the job as COP of T &T if she would take ?
She said the only way I would take that job is if I could come with my own staff .
why would ex pats come back home and risk their lives with corrupt local police officers, that would set them up? you think she is putting her family at risk? plus if she brings her staff, then she will get real fight down from the locals...
if ex pats were allowed to run the nation then it would make a difference but the powers that be would not allow that to happen.. things running too smoothly and they don't want to lose that money to an ex pat..
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The 2nd part of that article is missing from Flex's post but here it is....
Drug, crime problem growing (http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2014-06-25/drug-cartel-has-strong-tt-ties)
Pointing out that there was a correlation between the increase of drugs flowing through the region and the crime and violence on the regional streets, including those of T&T, US Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield said the increased use of the Caribbean as a trans-shipment point for drugs had led to the increase in murders. He predicted that the level of violence was likely to get worse over the next few years, warning that even arms of the State can be challenged.
He added: “Drug traffickers have to have the firepower to defend their turf. They eventually have to be prepared to take on institutions of the State, whether that is the police, border guards, customs or the Judiciary.” Brownfield said drug cartels were well organised and targeted countries where there were weaknesses, which could range from poorly paid public officials to unprotected borders.
He repeated his statement, reported in the T&T Guardian last month, that the US estimated the quantum of drugs being trans-shipped through the Caribbean to the US had increased, saying it had risen between 2011 and 2013 by over 300 per cent. He listed three major routes in the Caribbean. The first, he said, was through Jamaica and then onto the United States, the second through the Dominican Republic/Haiti and the third through the eastern Caribbean.
Brownfield said the US government was partnering with Caricom governments to help deal with the crime challenge, including the challenge of guns coming into the region from the US.
He said the reality was that the US had its own laws relating to gun control but had put in place a system where law enforcement could trace a gun in real time, determine if it was in the country illegally and if the ballistics showed it had been used in any other crime. The ambassador admitted that was not enough but said the US was operating in a situation where its legal system was different from those in the region.
On the issue of extra-judicial killings, he said if there was evidence that the police service was involved in such killing in any country, by law, the US would have to discontinue co-operation with the organisation. He explained that was currently the situation with the St Lucian police and that was why co-operation with that country had been suspended. Brownfield said that was unfortunate because the move not only hurt St Lucia but the region as a whole.
Allegations of extra-judicial killings have been made against the T&T Police Service by members of the public after the recent spate of police shootings. So far this year, 29 people have been killed by the police in T&T.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A Drug Cartel being responsible for Dana's murder sounds plausible so until the ones directly responsible for Dana's death are held and brought to justice drug cartel relate crimes and execution style killings will get worse in T&T.
The young black boys who are caught up with gang related shootings and killings in Laventille and other areas are not the ones bringing in the guns and the drugs and making big profits from the deaths of poor people in sort after "ghetto" areas.
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DANA MURDER PLOT (http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,196766.html)
By Nalinee Seelal Thursday, June 26 2014 (T&T Newsday)
The Dana Seetahal murder investigation reached a critical high point yesterday with the revelation that two men — one of them a witness to the killing — coming forward to provide details of the plot and the actual assassination of the prominent attorney.
In fact, Newsday has been told by highly credible sources the statements that were given by the two men to a special team of investigators, and which were recorded, will enable police to bring closure quite soon to the probe which is already 53 days old. A $3.5 million reward has been posted for information from anyone which could lead to an arrest and conviction in the matter.
The two witnesses, one of them from Tobago and the other associated with a Trinidad-based religious organisation, are said to have provided investigators with a clear picture of why Seetahal was assassinated, who ordered the hit, who executed the killing and how many persons were involved.
Sources confirmed to Newsday yesterday that the two men decided to come forward and assist the police because they felt that their lives are now in danger. Newsday also sought to ascertain if the two men who are now providing the information are in protective custody but it has been confirmed that they have opted to not seek any protection.
Newsday was told that one of the men went as far as confessing to the officers that he was actually present when Seetahal was murdered, but he is reported to have said that he was not the shooter. The other indicated to investigators that while he was not on the scene on the night of the killing, he was privy to the plot to execute the Senior Counsel.
According to well-placed sources, the shooter in Seetahal’s killing is not in hiding but is under constant surveillance by law enforcement officers.
Newsday reported exclusively last week that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) are in the process of cleaning up video footage capturing the killing. Crime investigation officers of the United Kingdom are also assisting local authorities in their efforts to solve the murder. Minister of National Security Gary Griffith has already stated that the police have no problem using foreign assistance to bring closure to this investigation.
Most of the investigations is said to have already been completed, and Newsday has been reliably informed that when the processed video footage is delivered to ACP Wayne D!ck at least seven persons are to be detained in connection with the high profile murder.
Seetahal was driving her vehicle along Hamilton Holder Street in Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain, after midnight on May 4 following a casino night out when she was attacked and killed. Her vehicle was sandwiched between a panel van and a Wingroad wagon. A gunman is said to have alighted from one of the vehicles and fired four shots which ended the Senior Counsel’s life. Late yesterday sources revealed to Newsday that Seetahal’s killing had no international connection.
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She would have been 59 today.........2 months plus now, no arrest........hhhhhmmmm let me go back to World Cup football eh......when its done I have to find something else to distract me..........
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Keep the fire burning fuh Dana!
This is a front-burner issue in the war of conscience in Trinidad & Tobago. Doh sleep on it. It's the vertical axis to the horizontal axis of political instability.
In time to come, we will suffer for our collective inaction.
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Keep the fire burning fuh Dana!
This is a front-burner issue in the war of conscience in Trinidad & Tobago. Doh sleep on it. It's the vertical axis to the horizontal axis of political instability.
In time to come, we will suffer for our collective inaction.
Well said, we cannot sleep on this!
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More conspiracy theory:
Ah wonder what stance madam DS honourable QC would have taken with this Constitutional reform? All things fall into place- if this construction was being drafted for some time did she have strong opposition to it? Ummmmm
Next since her passing, what ever became of the litigation surrounding the AG role with the prison gate lawyers issue? Ummm that gone by the wayside too? I thought the PM had ordered a probe or investigation into that as well? U,mmmmmm?
Either people have short term memories or the propaganda machine putting up one deflection after another to avoid some deeper issues of corruption?
Is one set ah conspiracy I does be reading about every day but why the media eh hammering at these issues? Ah boi the payroll must be massive. Ummmmmm silence the detractors ummmmm
What is becoming what has become of TNT? Bleeding for restoration of sanity good will harmony peace and kindness- let no one rest until justice regains his sight until everyone refrain from casting blind eyes to the vile evil and morally corrupted elements in society.
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Dana’s Seetahal killer unmasked and killed
Darren Bahaw
Published: Guardian
Friday, August 22, 2014
(http://s30.postimg.org/g7yx3x86p/Scene.jpg)
FLASHBACK: Crime Scene Investigators at the murder scene of Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal at Hamilton-Holder Street, Woodbrook, in May. PHOTO: ROBERTO CODALLO
The man who pumped five bullets, at close range, into the head and body of Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal has been identified as one of three men killed in a police shootout at Freeport on Wednesday. Senior police officers who are directly involved in Seetahal’s murder probe confirmed yesterday that David “Junior” Baker, 28, was one of the key suspects involved in the well-planned assassination.
The officers spoke on the strict condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to disclose the sensitive information relating to the case. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Glenn Hackett offered no comment when questioned about Baker’s involvement in Seetahal’s murder yesterday. But police said Baker’s death has not seriously affected their investigations into the murder.
Commenting on the development, Seetahal’s sister, Susan Francois, the director of the Financial Intelligence Unit, said: “If he (Baker) was one of the persons involved then I would hope the police would move speedily to get the others involved and bring them to justice.
“Do they want a repeat of the Selwyn Richardson result?” she asked.
Richardson, 59, a former attorney general and minister of national security, was shot dead by two hitmen in his Cascade driveway on June 20, 1995.
Two men identified as his assassins, Jamaat al Muslimeen members Abdul Quadir and Curtis Felix, were both themselves murdered days after Richardson’s killing. No one has ever been brought to justice for Richardson’s killing.
Seetahal, 58, who worked closely with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as the lead prosecutor for several high-profile cases, was ambushed shorly after midnight on May 4 along Hamilton Holder Street, Woodbrook, as she made her way to her One Woodbrook Place apartment.
She also worked closely with the United States Embassy giving advice on key proposals to reform the criminal justice system.
Seetahal’s murder sent shockwaves across the criminal justice system, crippling key office-holders with fear and prompting acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams to assemble one of the most diverse and experienced investigative teams to solve it.
Williams is on record as saying Seetahal’s murder is the number one priority of the Police Service. The team includes personnel from the Homicide Bureau, Criminal Gang Intelligence Unit, Cyber Crime Unit, Special Branch and the Strategic Services Agency. The investigators are being assisted by data analysts and other technical experts, including agents from the US Federal Bureau of Investigations and other experts from the United Kingdom.
Within hours of Seetahal’s murder CrimeStoppers offered a $1 million bounty for information leading to the successful arrest and prosecution of those responsible. That figure was increased to $3.5 million by the Government. That reward remains unclaimed.
Details of hit
Investigations have so far revealed that Seetahal was followed after she left the Ma Pau casino on Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, and was ambushed near the Woodbrook Youth Facility and killed.
Police said a panel van, which had been parked near the youth facility blocked her path, and two men, one armed with an assault rifle and another with a handgun, walked up to her Volkswagen Touareg.
The man with the machine gun fired several shots in the air, leaving behind close to 15 spent 5.56 ammunition shells, while the other, now identified as Baker, stood near the driver’s door and fired repeatedly at his target.
Forensic analysis revealed that the shots were fired so close that gunpowder residue was found on Seetahal’s face and clothing.
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[/color]
The man who pumped five bullets, at close range, into the head and body of Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal has been identified as one of three men killed in a police shootout at Freeport on Wednesday. Senior police officers who are directly involved in Seetahal’s murder probe confirmed yesterday that David “Junior” Baker, 28, was one of the key suspects involved in the well-planned assassination.
Insp Alexander: Dead Freeport bandit not Dana’s killer
Story Created: Aug 22, 2014 at 9:28 PM ECT
Story Updated: Aug 22, 2014 at 9:28 PM ECT
Despite reports yesterday that 28-year-old David Baker, who was killed in a shoot-out with police on Tuesday night in Freeport, was fingered as the shooter in the killing of senior counsel Dana Seetahal in May, police sources maintained this was not the case and investigations were still ongoing into the attorney’s murder.
Among those who spoke out against the Guardian report was head of the North Eastern Division Task Force, Insp Roger Alexander.
“This person, the person involved in this, I can say openly now, that the information that the police has...there is no information on what was printed today in a newspaper report. I am not taking away from anybody, I understand and appreciate journalism in this country, but just because something is printed doesn’t make it so. Once you say a senior officer in your story, people will believe the story to be true, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be so,” Alexander said.
Other sources conceded that Baker’s name came up when investigations began into Seetahal’s death, but the Express was told there was no direct evidence to link Baker to the murder.
Baker, police said, was indeed a murder suspect, but for other homicides committed in the Northern and North Eastern Divisions and that was the reason that officers of the North Eastern Division Task Force, led by Alexander and Cpl Sunil Bharath, made their way to the Freeport home on Tuesday.
Baker, a father of two, was killed alongside Reuben Richins, 23, and 19-year-old Kareem Edwards.
At about 7.30 p.m., officers attempted to execute a search warrant at Koorban Ali Drive, Calcutta No 1, Freeport in search of Baker.
When they entered the house, police said, they were greeted by gunfire.
The officers returned fire and the three men were shot. They were rushed to Couva Health Facility where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
Police say they recovered a revolver and three rounds of ammunition, as well as a Ruger .45 and two rounds of .45 calibre ammunition. They also found two bullet-proof vests which had a security logo.
However, relatives of the three men have maintained the police opened fire on the trio unnecessarily, killing them in cold blood.
Today marks 111 days since Seetahal was killed by unknown assailants while driving her Volkswagen SUV along Hamilton Holder/O’Connor Street, Woodbrook.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Insp-Alexander-Dead-Freeport-bandit-not-Danas-killer-272378131.html
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What is the latest on this?
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What is the latest on this?
No latest she dead that's it.
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What is the latest on this?
No latest she dead that's it.
weary, ah bet yuh did get slap plenty as a yute.
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What is the latest on this?
No latest she dead that's it.
weary, ah bet yuh did get slap plenty as a yute.
From who boi that person eh born yet and d persons who would have had the authourity like Dana dead.
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Shock Over Dana (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Dana-deserves-highest-award-273354891.html)
By Michelle Loubon
Story Created: Aug 31, 2014 at 1:14 AM ECT (T&T Express)
Murdered senior counsel Dana Seetahal should have received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s highest award, her family believes.
Instead, Seetahal has been posthumously awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) for her service to the country, the Office of the President announced yesterday.
Her sister, Susan Francois, director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), said Seetahal should have been conferred with the ORTT at today’s Independence Awards ceremony at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
She expressed shock yesterday that Seetahal did not received the ORTT.
As the country commemorates its 52nd anniversary of Independence today with the presentation of national awards, no one has been listed to receive the ORTT.
Sources close to the awards said yesterday the Office of the President was unable to contact or interview former prime ministers Patrick Manning and Basdeo Panday as is procedure and therefore could not list them as awardees.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had previously announced that they would receive the ORTT.
Seetahal was killed on May 3 in her car as she drove to her One Woodbrook Place apartment minutes after she left Ma Pau Casino at Ariapita Avenue, Port of Spain.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Francois said: “I know she was nominated for the nation’s ORTT. While I appreciate all the positive feedback on Dana’s life and contribution, and we appreciate the award, I think when it comes to official national recognition from her country anything less than the nation’s highest award is shocking. It is shocking given the fact she knowingly risked her life and paid the ultimate price for her contribution and service to this country. She fought for order and justice in this society and paid for it with her life.”
Paying tribute to Seetahal’s legacy, Francois said: “She knowingly risked her life. Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has also commented on the fact she did what she did knowing the risk she took in her fearless contribution and commentary that is well recognised by people in all walks of society.”
Yesterday the National Awards List which was released by President Anthony Carmona’s office said Seetahal, an attorney at law, will be conferred with the (posthumous) Chaconia Medal (Gold) for long and meritorious service to Trinidad and Tobago in the sphere of law.
President of the Powerful Ladies of Trinidad and Tobago (PLOTT) Gillian Wall said they had nominated Seetahal for the prestigious award.
Asked if she will be attending today’s ceremony, Francois said: “Unfortunately, I am not able to attend. At this time, I can’t get confirmation from my family if anybody will be attending. We are still working on it. It’s not possible for another member of the family to attend. So it would have to be another day.”
To date, it has been 120 days since Seetahal was gunned down.
The police investigation into her killing is ongoing.
She said: “The days speak for themselves. We are aware there have been no arrests.”
PLOTT: Dana paid ultimate price
The Powerful Ladies Association of Trinidad and Tobago (PLOTT) which nominated Seetahal for the ORTT said Seetahal paid the ultimate price for her country.
In a telephone interview yesterday Wall said: “She was nominated for the nation’s highest honour. Any recognition Dana gets is well deserving. But we were looking for something consistent with her having paid the ultimate price. We submitted a detailed document and we submitted appendices. (ORTT) was what she was nominated for. And that remains the level of recognition that she should get.”
Asked to share her sentiments on the delay in catching Seetahal’s murderers, Wall said: “It’s taking too long. We received feedback the investigations are ongoing. Very often the witnesses disappear and that’s the concern.”
Wall added: “There is the concern whether accountability will be achieved. The biggest concern is the duration of the investigation which could result in the disappearance of witnesses. It is the length of time that concerns us.”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar could not be immediately reached for comment on her mobile phone yesterday.
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She needs justice more
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I really not sure what to think of this.
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Media is reporting the family is appreciative of the award
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Media is reporting the family is appreciative of the award
Shock Over Dana (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Dana-deserves-highest-award-273354891.html)
By Michelle Loubon
Story Created: Aug 31, 2014 at 1:14 AM ECT (T&T Express)
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In a telephone interview yesterday, Francois said: “I know she was nominated for the nation’s ORTT. While I appreciate all the positive feedback on Dana’s life and contribution, and we appreciate the award, I think when it comes to official national recognition from her country anything less than the nation’s highest award is shocking.
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$18.4m estate of murdered senior counsel to be shared among family, staff and friend
By Anika Gumbs CCN Senior Multimedia Investigative Journalist
DANA’S LAST WILL
The estate of murdered State prosecutor Dana Saroop Seetahal is valued at $18,411,682.89.
The estate is bequeathed to her siblings, nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, a friend and the entire staff at her El Dorado Law Chambers at St Vincent Street, Port of Spain, which she once headed.
The will, obtained by the Express, was dated and signed by Seetahal on August 24, 2010.
The two witnesses who signed the will are listed as attorney Cherrise M Nixon and administrative assistant Darryl Lewis. Seetahal was never married.
Among the assets valued were her townhouse in St Augustine; her interest in One Woodbrook Place; property at 120A St Vincent Street, Port of Spain; parcels of land in Mayaro and Tamana; savings; law books and jewelry.
Seetahal’s friend, attorney and former government minister Christine Sahadeo, is listed as the sole executrix.
An application for grant of probate was made on August 6 at the Hall of Justice.
The will—registered as No L 1844 of 2014—was proved in the High Court on September 5 and received by the Registrar General Department on September 26.
And while Seetahal did not indicate her exact savings lodged at Republic Bank Ltd and General Finance Corporation, her wish was that after payment of her debts—which include a mortgage, funeral and testamentary expenses—all monies standing in the accounts are to be equally divided among her ten nephews and nieces—namely, Janine Seetahal, Leanna Seetahal, Lendl Seetahal, Danielle Francois, Philippe Francois, Davenand Persad, Shivanand Persad, Melissa Persad, Roma Seetahal and Shivam Seetahal.
Her shareholdings at the Unit Trust Corporation go to her sisters, Cynthia Rosey Seetahal, Elaine Teemul and Amelia Seetahal Persad.
Seetahal also did not forget the tedious hours staff toiled to ensure she was well prepared in court matters and instructed that any vehicle she owned at the time of her death is to be sold and the proceeds divided among staff who have been employed for more than a year, with 40 per cent going toward her personal assistant, 30 per cent to her chief clerk and the balance to be divided among the rest of staff.
The vehicle Seetahal was driving at the time of her death has been impounded by the police.
Her friend, Merlin Boyce, was also left the sum of $25,000.
To her sisters, Marilyn Seetahal and Susan Francois, who is the director of Financial Intelligence Unit, Seetahal left the property located at St Vincent Street, Port of Spain, to be shared equally between them.
The law books, legal material and all office furniture and furnishings go to Seetahal’s niece, Leanna Seetahal, as well as the rights to the text book Commonwealth Caribbean Practice and Procedure.
Brothers Omar and Kenrick Seetahal were given a parcel of land situated in Mayaro to be divided between them; while Seetahal’s brother-in-law, Roodal Persad, is to be allowed use of a parcel of land in Tamana. The land is to be left for Persad’s son.
The townhouse located at Gordon Street Villas, St Augustine, was left for niece Janine Seetahal; with her other niece, Danielle Francois, being allowed to remove any furniture (including paintings) or personal possessions that may benefit her.
Seetahal also instructed that her interest in One Woodbrook Place is to be sold and divided equally among her nieces, Leanna Seetahal and Danielle Francois, and her nephew, Philippe Francois.
Her jewelry was left to niece Danielle Francois.
Dana Seetahal, SC, was shot dead on May 4 while driving her Volkswagen SUV along Hamilton Holder Street in Woodbrook.
She had just left the popular Ma Pau Casino nearby, when gunmen opened fire, shooting her five times.
No one has been arrested for her murder.
At the time of her murder, Seetahal was one of the prosecutors assigned to the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman murder trial, which is still ongoing.
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What is the latest on this?
No latest she dead that's it.
weary, ah bet yuh did get slap plenty as a yute.
From who boi that person eh born yet and d persons who would have had the authourity like Dana dead.
:) ... both ah allyuh in fine form. But ah will preserve the solemnity of this thread :-X
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I find the Express so disgusting for publishing the details of the will and exactly who getting what. Poor, poor taste. At least make it difficult for the criminals nah!
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I find the Express so disgusting for publishing the details of the will and exactly who getting what. Poor, poor taste. At least make it difficult for the criminals nah!
Really really poor. Almost sensationalism
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I find the Express so disgusting for publishing the details of the will and exactly who getting what. Poor, poor taste. At least make it difficult for the criminals nah!
While I don't see the purpose of publishing it... yuh realize a will is a public document, right?
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I find the Express so disgusting for publishing the details of the will and exactly who getting what. Poor, poor taste. At least make it difficult for the criminals nah!
While I don't see the purpose of publishing it... yuh realize a will is a public document, right?
I know it's public, I just expected them to have some taste.
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I find no issue with the Express devoting space to the will. I read the article and found nothing intemperate or salacious about it.
I understand the sentiment regarding the environment of criminality in the country, but find also that media outlets need not rely on a standard of "erring on the side of caution" in assessing newsworthiness vis-a-vis speculative future criminal conduct. There is an appropriate location at which to apply the brakes on criminality, and it is not the editor's desk.
The data on crime in South Africa has been well-documented, yet no cold water was thrown on the dissemination of Nelson Mandela's will (also published with sobriety and responsibility).
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Mandela wasn't brutally murdered though, but ok if you didn't find it in poor taste. No scene (and I'm not being sarcastic).
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Mandela wasn't brutally murdered though, but ok if you didn't find it in poor taste. No scene (and I'm not being sarcastic).
... none of the original comments identified cause of death as a basis for opposition to the article. And, I don't find cause of death to be material regarding whether to publish the article or not. Emotionally, I get it ... but we're also dealing with information accessible to the public ... regarding public figures.
Moreover, the Express article properly treats the will in the context of Ms. Seetahal's murder, the present status of the investigation, and her public function at the time of her death. To significant degree, the article also reflects her thoughtfulness and humanity.
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Mandela wasn't brutally murdered though, but ok if you didn't find it in poor taste. No scene (and I'm not being sarcastic).
... none of the original comments identified cause of death as a basis for opposition to the article. And, I don't find cause of death to be material regarding whether to publish the article or not. Emotionally, I get it ... but we're also dealing with information accessible to the public ... regarding public figures.
Moreover, the Express article properly treats the will in the context of Ms. Seetahal's murder, the present status of the investigation, and her public function at the time of her death. To significant degree, the article also reflects her thoughtfulness and humanity.
They could have done all that without detailing exactly who got what and how much. That was just crass. And information that's accessible to the public is different from say, taking the furth step and publishing said information in a widely circulated newspaper.
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Mandela wasn't brutally murdered though, but ok if you didn't find it in poor taste. No scene (and I'm not being sarcastic).
... none of the original comments identified cause of death as a basis for opposition to the article. And, I don't find cause of death to be material regarding whether to publish the article or not. Emotionally, I get it ... but we're also dealing with information accessible to the public ... regarding public figures.
Moreover, the Express article properly treats the will in the context of Ms. Seetahal's murder, the present status of the investigation, and her public function at the time of her death. To significant degree, the article also reflects her thoughtfulness and humanity.
They could have done all that without detailing exactly who got what and how much. That was just crass. And information that's accessible to the public is different from say, taking the furth step and publishing said information in a widely circulated newspaper.
I with Toppa on this.
they coulda just phrased it in a way where she left all her worldly possessions to her loving nieces and nephews etc...and her coworkers etc...end of story
they just end up broadcasting info to kidnappers and bandits as to who to strike next in a couple weeks.
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A lady called power 102fm and said the man who killed Dana is sitting in parliament and I ask myself how many people is thinking that.
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A lady called power 102fm and said the man who killed Dana is sitting in parliament and I ask myself how many people is thinking that.
Lots as she died people say he did it.
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A lady called power 102fm and said the man who killed Dana is sitting in parliament and I ask myself how many people is thinking that.
Lots as she died people say he did it.
Allyuh talking about the man who was able to give a completely lucid, eloquent statement...so heartfelt that you would swear it was well prepared about 2am..when she was killed minutes to one? Unfortunately..while I cynical and could probably be suspicious....more than that needed.
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Who's the man? Dan?
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Who's the man? Dan?
&&
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Who's the man? Dan?
&&
clever :D
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Who's the man? Dan?
&&
:rotfl: u not easy
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Who's the man? Dan?
&&
Yuh get Rhoda permission? lol
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Foreign help now!
http://www.tv6tnt.com/sevenpm-news/-FOREIGN-AGENCIES-TO-PROBE-DANAS-MURDER-280874572.html (http://www.tv6tnt.com/sevenpm-news/-FOREIGN-AGENCIES-TO-PROBE-DANAS-MURDER-280874572.html)
FOREIGN AGENCIES TO PROBE DANA’S MURDER
The Dana Seetahal murder investigation has reached a point where local police don't have the capacity to analyse the evidence at hand.
and the expertise of foreign crime-fighters has been engaged.
The Police Commissioner and his crime-fighting sidekick, Glen Hackett, were updating the public on investigations at the weekly police briefing at headquarters.
And among other announcements: don't expect any charges from the LifeSport investigation, at least not soon.
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:o
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Who's the man? Dan?
&&
Yuh get Rhoda permission? lol
She shoulda trademark that yuh know......... :)
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With fresh allegations spewing all over social media, and reading all the news stories I wonders ow those in charge really pursing the connection of the dots?
Use to be a familiar ploy in movies about crime and arriving at a conviction- follow the money? In this case it appears from the news story by Marchand that the dots are connecting with Life Support program and name officials. If this is the case why does it appear that our Acting COP is apparently shying away from proving a decisive comment on actions which may lead to a resolve?
We keep getting the routine - cannot comment due to an investigation. Yet in this "little" country where maccoing rules where Commess is king and where everybody have an opinion or an idea, this case cyar resolve? Nah ah smelling big cover up- but for who?
Ah boi TNT ah weeping for the way in which fear has taken over the land- fear of corruption , fear of violence, fear of people, fear to speak, fear to do what is right. Fear appears to have paralyzed a nation the same way I use to fear jumbie and all the old people talk of spirits, how I use to fear the village "badjohn" today all that is replaced by a higher order of- guns for bottle and buss head , from jumbie to corrupt officials ,from neighbourly watching out fuh you to territorial Gang warfare- our ability to resolve disputes with ole talk and threats are now solved with bullets and lead.
A serious bush bath and cleansing will not even appear to suffice. Not until someone has the "balls" and moral imperative to stand up and take on the wrong doers without fear of reprisals.
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New developments shed light to a possible connection between Dana Seetahal murder and Life Sport
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2015-01-22/griffith-marchan-still-sport-ministry-payroll (http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2015-01-22/griffith-marchan-still-sport-ministry-payroll)
Marchan has been at a “safe house” in “protective custody” since June 2014 after the Life Sport controversy broke. Her bodyguard, Curtis “Tallman” Gibson, was killed around that time, prior to suspension and eventual closing of the programme, now under a police probe. The programme was shut down in July last year by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in the face of mounting allegations of fraud, corruption and funds being used to finance criminal gangs.
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It now is clear to all with common sense that someone in the PPG was responsible for Dana Seetahal's murder but the government obviously believes it can buy people's votes and use the help of regularized Guyanese voters in the marginals to still win the next general elections so that the corruption can continue and no one in government will get locked up for their crimes.
The modus operand is that all ah we guilty so if one of us goes down then all of us go down so we better protect each other even if he it means T&T is going to the dogs for the cause... :(
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Interesting that there has been no public speculation published as to probable motives?
- is there a money trail?
- was she not working on a case where about seven men are accused of killing the owner of a grocery store? Is this case still ongoing? One day lawyer getting sick then jurors taking turns getting sick?
Look do we not have the intellectual capacity to connect the dots? Why is it that such time and money is expended on the guilty? People making a mockery of the same law that this SC upheld!!
I am perplexed by the apparent lack of decisive action once more by our experts. How much " hush" money has to pass ?
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Alphonso: I don't know what's happening in the Dana murder probe
By Gyasi Gonzales
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Alphonso-I-dont-know-whats-happening-in-the-Dana-murder-probe-292227101.html (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Alphonso-I-dont-know-whats-happening-in-the-Dana-murder-probe-292227101.html)
AMID yesterday's revelry of Jouvert and Old Mas competitions in down-town Port of Spain recently installed National Security Minister Retired Brigadier, Carlton Alphonso admitted that he was unaware about the status of the investigation into Dana Seetahal SC's murder.
Speaking to reporters at the scene of downtown Jouvert celebrations at South Quay, Port of Spain Minister Alphonso said, "I have not had any report on Dana Seetahal as yet but maybe now that you (media) have raised it somebody will hear this interview and probably will submit a report."
Acting Commissioner of Police, Stephen Williams indicated recently that investigators had sought foreign assistance with regards to the Seetahal case but when Minister Alphonso was questions as to why he felt that the investigation was still on-going the Minister said, "the short answer is I really don't know. I can find out because I am sure there is some reason why it is taking so long."
On the morning of Sunday May 4 last year, Seetahal SC was killed when she was ambushed along Hamilton-Holder Street, Woodbrook as she drove towards her One Woodbrook Place apartment.
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CONTRACT KILLING
By Nalinee Seelal (Newsday).
Workable prints found on the crime scene where State Prosecutor Dana Seetahal was killed as well as conversations recorded on cell phones will be tendered as evidence as police investigating the May 4, 2014 murder are about to bring closure to the probe.
Sources said while police do have in their possession video footage of the actual assassination, they also needed to secure fingerprint and other key pieces of evidence before their final approach to the DPP. Now these prints as well as other key pieces of evidence are contained in a special file being prepared by the police team probing Seetahal’s killing and which will be made available to Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard shortly.
Police sources told Sunday Newsday they have the evidence for an air-tight and solid case to ensure the conviction of at least six persons in Seetahal’s murder, that key pieces of evidence such as footage of the murder, have been sent to the FBI lab in the United States for processing, and have since been returned to the police investigators. Police sources told Sunday Newsday that officers had sought the DPP’s assistance several times for guidance on the matter and were told to follow certain procedures which they said they have done.
Sunday Newsday also learnt that an officer of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), identified as Patrick Farris has been assisting the local team of homicide officers involved in the probe and that this officer has been liaising with his counterparts in the US to guide the local homicide officers in conducting the investigation.
Contacted for news on the status of the probe, DPP Gaspard said the final file on the murder probe was not in his possession.
Sources told Sunday Newsday, however, that a contract killer has been fingered as the person behind Seetahal’s killing. The man, who has a wife and young children, has never been interviewed by the police but sources said there was strong evidence to link him to Seetahal’s murder. Police have also learnt that the killer was contracted by someone to carry out the assassination of Seetahal and that he was paid a large sum of money. Sunday Newsday also understands a man in his 20s has been talking to the police about the Seetahal killing and was in police custody up until Friday.
Seetahal was assassinated on May 4, 2014 while driving along Hamilton Holder Street in Woodbrook. She was shot several times but the killer did not take her licensed gun that was in her purse, nor any valuables.
The police were able to secure CCTV footage as well as footage from the murder recorded by a person using a cell phone.
The footage was sent to the FBI lab in the United States to be cleaned up and for special markings to be made to be used as court exhibits.
During the weekly police press briefing last Wednesday, Acting Police Commissioner Joanne Archie had given the assurance that the probe into Seetahal’s murder should bear fruit any day now.
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If this true, I am happy to hear that. But let us wait for the this weeks announcement.
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Getting the killers is a great accomplishment but I'm quite interested to learn who put out the hit in the first place. I fear this person may go untouched, but I hope to be proven wrong.
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good news. good job ttps.
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I almost post a cynical tempering of expectation and refrained. Then I go see this
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Police-on-Dana-probe-Not-so-fast-293709761.html?m=y&smobile=y
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Acting CoP on Dana's Murder: killers still unknown
Jensen La Vende
Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Trinidad Guardian
Who ordered Dana Seetahal’s murder and why? These are the questions being asked by Seetahal’s relatives following reports that at least six men are to be charged with her murder. On one of two Facebook pages dedicated to the memory of Seetahal, relatives and friends call for a speedy end to the investigation. One post by Marilyn Seetahal read:
“As the rest of the family, every time they decide to say ‘any day now’, the tears come tumbling down.”
Another by Kenrick Seetahal read: “Charge the persons involved and then share that info with the media. Do (you) think those involved will be quietly waiting for the police to apprehend them?” Tonyette Sharpe wrote on the Facebook page: “I just hope that the government and police have their facts correct so that the Seetahal family would not be “set-up” again and AGAIN!
“It would be cruel to family members to keep re-opening this chasm of a wound with no decisive closure and no justice! The main question remains unanswered: Why Dana. Why?” “When will the ‘authorities’ realise we are not a nation of idiots? Do they really think the man who pulled the trigger is responsible for this barbaric crime against a woman who gave her whole life for this country?
“The shooter is disposable and the person who called the hit is untouchable. Once again some illiterate, gun-toting gangster will get pinned with this crime while the big fish swims away happily.” wrote Idorn Medford. On Sunday both the Newsday and Express reported that six men were being sought for the killing of Seetahal and that the Federal Bureau of Investigations had been helping with the investigations.
The articles pointed at an insider who is currently in prison as a mole in the group who assassinated Seetahal and the police are to approached the Director of Public Prosecutions this week for advice on laying charges. Yesterday acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams denied that was true.
In a media release yesterday Williams said the newspaper reports that the Seetahal murder investigation was close to completion with at least six men facing possible charges are “inconsistent with the progress of the investigation” and “obvious distortions with material facts of the case.”
In the release Williams, through his communications manager Ellen Lewis, said he considered the reports “extremely irresponsible,” particularly the naming of any officer from the FBI who has been assisting the police with their investigation. The release adds: “Williams is mindful of the legitimate public interest attending the investigation and in this regard urges restraint in any form of media reporting or commentary and calls for an absence of speculation which could possibly hamper the investigation.”
Williams said the case was being treated with the highest priority by lead investigator, DCP Glen Hackett. Williams added when the matter was complete the public would be made aware through another media statement. Sources close to the investigation said no one was visited by police in jail and no one was co-operating with the police in relation to Seetahal’s killing.
Seetahal was shot twice in the right side of her head, twice in the right forearm and once in the chest on May 4 last year at the corner of Hamilton Holder and O’Connor Streets, Woodbrook. Her killer/s was so close to her that gunpowder residue was found on her clothing. Seetahal had just left the Ma Pau casino and was on her way to her One Woodbrook Place home.
On August 20 David “Junior” Baker, 28, who was identified by police investigators as Seetahal’s murderer was killed along with his nephew and neighbour at a house in central Trinidad.
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Woman in alleged AG office e-mail with Dana- Check Office’s computer server.
By Darren Bahaw (Guardian).
Murdered state prosecutor Dana Seetahal was never offered the job as attorney general, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says. The Prime Minister made the comment in response to a front-page report in the weekend Mirror, which based its story on an e-mail purportedly sent by Seetahal to an employee in the Ministry of the Attorney General six days before she was killed. Asked on Saturday whether she had ever offered Seetahal the job as attorney general to replace Anand Ramlogan, the Prime Minister responded, “Not true.”
Also contacted for comment, the employee allegedly involved in the dialogue with Seetahal, Cecly Ann Mitchell, the former director of communications at the ministry, said all e-mails exchanged between herself and Seetahal “were work related, public and the contents were often shared with other members of staff.” The removal of Ramlogan had been bandied about as a possible motive for Seetahal’s killing after the story was reported on the weekend.
But yesterday, Mitchell suggested to the police probing the case that a search of the computer server at the Ministry of the Attorney General could clear up any ambiguity on the contents of the e-mails she exchanged with Seetahal. She said her “working relationship” with Seetahal was “initiated by the former AG Anand Ramlogan” with respect to organising a workshop on plea bargaining for criminal matters in April 2014.
But Mitchell said she demitted office in October 2014 and no longer had access to the e-mails she exchanged with Seetahal. Ramlogan resigned on February 2 in the face of allegations that he attempted to influence Director of the Police Complaints Authority David West to withdraw his witness statement in a civil lawsuit in support of Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley. He was replaced by Garvin Nicholas.
Ramlogan mum
Contacted on Saturday as well, former attorney general Ramlogan offered no comment on the Mirror story. A source close to Seetahal’s family also dismissed the story, saying that she would have never accepted a “political appointment.” One close relative said yesterday that Seetahal also never mentioned anything about an offer from the prime minister to be attorney general, and if such an offer was made, she would never accepted it because it would have meant she would no longer be independent.
The family source said the first part of the e-mail “sounds genuine” but noted Seetahal would never have had to tell someone she trusted to keep their conversation private. “The second part does not sound like her,” the relative said. The T&T Guardian has obtained what appears to be an e-mail submitted by Seetahal to Mitchell on April 29, 2014. The e-mail bears some resemblance to one published by the Mirror newspaper but differs significantly.
In a response to a text message yesterday, Irene Medina, the editor of the Mirror newspaper and the author of the story, said she was standing by her story.
Woodbrook ambush
Dana Seetahal, 58, was shot dead on May 4, 2014 after she left the Ma Pau Casino in Woodbrook. She was followed by her killers and intercepted near the Woodbrook Youth Facility on Hamilton Holder Street. She was shot five times at close range with a handgun, forensic investigations revealed. Seetahal, a former Independent Senator, newspaper columnist, law association president, and a leading advocate in high-profile criminal prosecutions for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, had been threatened by a radical Islamic group in the past.
A letter sent to Justice Mark Mohammed, signed by more than 100 prisoners, claiming that they are being persecuted because of the Muslim faith, is among the items being investigated by police as they try to find a motive behind her murder, reliable sources have said. The Police Service has made Seetahal’s investigation its number one priority and acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams said recently that the investigation was nearing completion.
The e-mails
Published by the Mirror newspaper
From: Dana Seetahal danaseetahal@gmail.com
Date:Tue, Apr 29, 2014 at 5.59 PM
Subject: Thanks
To:-----
Dear ------
This is just a note to say thanks for all you did to make the Workshop the success it was and for your words of advice on the other matter. I am relying on your professionalism and integrity to keep our conversation private. As I indicated-----there are issues I must consider before I accept that offer. I certainly don’t want to you to be caught in the cross fire.
I appreciate it.
DSS
Dana S Seetahal SC
El Dorado Chambers
120A St Vincent Street
Port of Spain
(p) 868 625 0552
(f) 868 627 9782
Obtained from Dana Seetahal’s
e-mail archive
From: Dana Seetahal <danaseetahal@gmail.com>
Date: 29 April 2014 at 17:59
Subject: Thanks
To: Cecly Ann Mitchell <ceclyannmitchell@gmail.com>
Dear Cecly
This is just a note to say thanks for all you did to make the Workshop the success it was.
I appreciate it.
DSS
Dana S. Seetahal SC
El Dorado Chambers
120A St Vincent Street
Port of Spain
(p) 868 625-0552
(f) 868 627-9782
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https://www.youtube.com/v/y0nfwUwVyIU&feature=youtu.be
Published on Apr 13, 2015
On April 13, 2015, the Law School and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs held a memorial and reception to honor Ms. Dana Saroop Seetahal SC, a remarkable attorney from Trinidad and Tobago, who was tragically assassinated on May 4, 2014, in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Ms. Seetahal undertook a Humphrey Fulbright Fellowship in Minnesota during academic year 1998-1999, where she made a strong impression on her host community as a brilliant, enthusiastic, and dedicated professional devoted to justice and the legal profession. She is deeply missed.
In Trinidad and Tobago, she was a well-respected Senior Counsel and an independent senator. She was also an attorney in private practice and was formerly a lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, where she held the position of Course Director in criminal practice and procedure. Additionally she was an author and wrote an authoritative volume on criminal procedure in the Caribbean and numerous newspaper articles and columns.
Category
Nonprofits & Activism
License
Standard YouTube License
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Well, well, well ... Minnesota oui.
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Memorial Service for Dana Seetahal
http://www.tv6tnt.com/home/rotator/-Memorial-Service-for-Dana-Seetahal---302370361.html (http://www.tv6tnt.com/home/rotator/-Memorial-Service-for-Dana-Seetahal---302370361.html)
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Dana Seetahal murder probe
By Alexander Bruzual
SWOOP ON BAKR
Police yesterday executed an early morning surprise swoop on insurrectionist Yasin Abu Bakr and detained him as well as ten other people for questioning in connection with the murder of senior counsel Dana Seetahal.
At around 12.05 a.m. on May 4, 2014, Seetahal was assassinated while driving her Volkswagen Touareg SUV towards her apartment at One Woodbrook Place, Port of Spain. She was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
The detentions were made during an exercise at 4 a.m. that was carefully orchestrated and carried out in St James, Arima and Cocorite by several law enforcement agencies and known only to a few selected police officers.
Among the ten arrested and still in custody are Abu Bakr, two former Life Sport coordinators, a well-known Port of Spain gang leader, as well as the wife, father and brother of an incarcerated Carapo Muslim leader and three gang members.
Police sources say from midnight Sunday, officers of the Guard and Emergency Branch, Special Branch, the Western Division, the Northern Division and the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit took up strategic positions in close vicinity of the homes of those held.
But it was not until 4 am that law enforcement got the nod to proceed and detain the individuals for questioning.
The officers, upon knocking on Abu Bakr's St James home, executed a search warrant for arms and ammunition.
However, nothing was found.
Abu Bakr was then detained and taken to the Central Police Station in Port of Spain to be questioned by ASP Rampersad.
Abu Bakr, sources added, was being kept at the station to be questioned for a variety of offences, but specifically, any potential involvement in Seetahal's death.
Sources say following a meeting with his seniors, Rampersad will now question Abu Bakr today at 1p.m.
Law enforcement authorities were hoping to build a case that could point to conspiracy to murder based on telephone recordings and other vital “scientific information” they have gathered during the course of their inquiries, sources said.
Detainees at separate police stations
The other individuals detained will be questioned today by Cpl Jones of the CGIU.
All the detainees remain in police custody at separate police stations including Barataria,San Juan,Tunapuna and Arima.
Abu Bakr was visited by one of his wives Indrani around 3 pm yesterday while other family members were denied permission by the police to visit him.
A challenging investigation
Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams told TV6 News yesterday that the operation was ongoing and he would not say anything until it had concluded, but did allude to the “Seetahal investigation” being a challenging one when he spoke in Tobago on Sunday prior to Bakr's arrest.
'Lock up somebody!'
Second in in command at the Jamaat-al-Muslimeen and welfare officer Kala Aki-Bua, believes that the entire incident was nothing more than “trumped up” charges, as law enforcement look to further persecute the Muslim organisation.
“The population is crying out. They want to know something, not only about Dana Seetahal's murder, but look how much murders are unsolved in this country. The population is crying out 'hold somebody! lock up somebody!' and we are a scapegoat,” Aki Bua said.
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Just on the face of it...I not having too much hope.
Didnt they say last year a man who was suspected of the hit was killed at an apartment?\
Why detain him..and the lead investigator was unavailable because he had to go to a funeral and thus keep him overnight? Didn't he know he had a funeral to attend? Wasn't there anybody else that could question him in his absence?
The cynic in me really really watching this with disdain.
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DANA SUSPECTS QUIZZED
... while Bakr spends another night in police custody
By Alexander Bruzual (Express).
Insurrectionist Yasin Abu Bakr and eight other members of the Jamaat-al-Muslimeen spent a second night under police guard at various police stations throughout the country last night as investigators continue their enquiries into the murder of senior counsel Dana Seetahal.
However, a key suspect in the murder and his male relative were officially cautioned by police yesterday afternoon on their alleged involvement in Seetahal's murder.
The Express was reliably informed the key suspect and his relative, who are both incarcerated pending an ongoing trial, were removed from their cells at the Remand Yard in Arouca yesterday morning and taken to the Arouca Police Station where they were cautioned by police in relation to Seetahal's murder.
Both relatives were informed they were being treated as suspects in Seetahal's murder and were asked if they wished to make any official statements on the allegation, sources said.
They were also informed of their legal rights and privileges. All of this was allegedly done in the absence of the attorneys representing the two men.
After further questions were posed to both men, they were returned to the Arouca prison.
Not a single question on Dana
However, the Express was also reliably informed that Bakr, who is being kept at the Central Police Station in Port of Spain, was interrogated for over two hours by officers yesterday afternoon but was not asked “a single question” about Seetahal.
“The interview started roughly about 2 p.m. and went on for about two hours before they took a break. It was during this break that Bakr asked what was going on exactly. Because he had yet to be asked a single question on whether he had any direct involvement in Seetahal's murder or, at the very least, if he had any knowledge of an assassination attempted against the senior counsel. He wasn't even cautioned on the matter up to that point,” a reliable source told the Express yesterday evening.
However, it was expected questions relating to the senior counsel would have been asked when investigators resumed their interrogation last night.
The Express understands when the interrogation ended, Bakr refused to sign off on it.
Bakr was also supported by a group of Jamaat members who gathered on the pavement opposite the police station yesterday morning from as early as 8 a.m. and did not disperse up to last night.
Law enforcement authorities are hoping to build a case that could point to conspiracy to murder, based on telephone recordings and other vital “scientific information” they have gathered during the course of their enquiries, sources said.
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Charges for detained Jamaat 7 by weekend
By Derek Achong (GUardian).
Investigators involved in the probe into Dana Seetahal’s murder are said to be almost finished with their investigation and may be ready to lay charges by this evening or over the weekend.
Leader of the Jamaat al Muslimeen Yasin Abu Bakr and veteran member Hassan Ali were released from police custody on Wednesday after being detained for two days by police for questioning.
As Abu Bakr and Hassan have been released, members of the organisation yesterday turned their attention to seven members who remain detained in relation to Seetahal’s killing.
Scores of members of the organisation turned up at the Piarco Police Station last night to hold vigils where the detainees are being kept, in replication of similar action done outside the Central Police Station in Port-of-Spain before the organisation’s leader Abu Bakr was released on Wednesday afternoon.
In a brief telephone interview yesterday, a Jamaat member said he and other members organised the protest action because police were withholding information on the detainees from their families.
“We not staying quiet. In this country you have to make noise for the right thing to be done,” the man, who asked to remain unidentified said, as he claimed the detainees already had been held for 72 hours without police indicating whether they will be charged or not.
“We don’t know what is going on. One brother went to the Besson Street Police Station to drop clothes for his brother and the police insult him and run him,” the man said.
The detainees are Hamid Ali, brother of suspected gang leader Rajaee Ali, one of Rajaee’s wives Stacy Griffith, brothers Stephen and Devon Cummings, Ricardo Stewart, Keston Seales and Deon Peters, who are all members of the Jamaat’s Carapo outpost.
Rajaee, his brother Ishmael and Jamaat member Garett Wiseman have also been identified as persons of interest. The three men are on remand at the Maximum Security Prison, Arouca.
The Alis are there after being charged with conspiring to murder radio announcer Kevaughn “Lerbz” Savory in December last year. Wiseman is on remand on an unrelated charge.
The Ali brothers’ father, Hassan, was also arrested during the police operation on Monday but was freed along with Abu Bakr.
The T&T Guardian understands that when they were interviewed on Wednesday, they were informed of some of the evidence police had gathered in the months following Seetahal’s assassination on May 4, last year.
She was ambushed and shot dead as she made her way home after a night at the Ma Pau casino, Woodbrook.
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CNC:3 BREAKING!!!! Hamid Ali, brother of Rajaee Ali, charged for the murder of Dana Seetahal, SC. Others expected to be charged soon, sources say
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:applause: :applause: :applause:
What took them so long? Allyuh EH think this is timely? Smells like another political ploy?
Question? Any word on the motive? Why would these men want to commit such a deed? Something EH right - wasn't a certain minister associated with these men?
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It's one thing to charge, it's another to have a successful prosecution. I ain't giving the police a cent of credit unless these fellas get prosecuted. As far as I know, not a single person has actually been successfully prosecuted under the Anti-Gang act (which a few of these fellas were charged with).
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:applause: :applause: :applause:
What took them so long? Allyuh EH think this is timely? Smells like another political ploy?
Question? Any word on the motive? Why would these men want to commit such a deed? Something EH right - wasn't a certain minister associated with these men?
One possible motive floated by the US State Dept is that it was a hit ordered by a drug cartel -> http://m.guardian.co.tt/news/2014-06-25/drug-cartel-has-strong-tt-ties
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saw this circulating on twitter
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLGQyGGW8AAPOqw.jpg:large)
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saw this circulating on twitter
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CLGQyGGW8AAPOqw.jpg:large)
i'm waiting for the supposed real story of the 90 coup from the imam...
he said he has the book and will tell it in time... i believe the time is now...
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Confidential?
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Aye Jumbie you forget to post the response
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11825819_1032914056733553_1348122672749730090_n.jpg?oh=0fe92ee2f89d3ae94e24fc7cfe28f8d3&oe=5611752B)
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Aye Jumbie you forget to post the response
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11825819_1032914056733553_1348122672749730090_n.jpg?oh=0fe92ee2f89d3ae94e24fc7cfe28f8d3&oe=5611752B)
when will the imam tell us the truth about the coup in 90'...
would love to do a movie on it... the truth that is..
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Prince ah still :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: when ah ketch meh breath I'll respond.
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Aye Jumbie you forget to post the response
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11825819_1032914056733553_1348122672749730090_n.jpg?oh=0fe92ee2f89d3ae94e24fc7cfe28f8d3&oe=5611752B)
when will the imam tell us the truth about the coup in 90'...
would love to do a movie on it... the truth that is..
He already has but you obviously have not been listening. Take a listen to this video interview.
The Man Who Tried to Overthrow the Trinidad Government: Interview with Abu Bakr
https://www.youtube.com/v/NhJDsJuOweE
At his compound on the outskirts of Port of Spain, the man responsible for the only attempted militant Islamic overthrow of a Western government is smiling. "I've been charged with treason, I've been charged with sedition, with murder, conspiracy to murder, [stockpiling] guns...." Abu Bakr, the fiery 73-year-old leader of Jamaat al Muslimeen, rattles off the many accusations that the government of Trinidad and Tobago has leveled against him.
"Nothing has stuck, because it's fabricated," he continues. "They list all the charges in a book, and they just throw the book at me.... That's not prosecution, that's persecution!"
Bakr has mellowed a bit in his old age, but he still relishes the opportunity to serve as a thorn in the side of the government with whom he has clashed for decades. Depending on which local you ask, "The Jamaat" is either a jihadi group, a vast criminal organization, an invaluable community resource providing jobs and social services to Trinidad's disadvantaged, or a combination of all three.
But everyone agrees that the coup that Bakr led in 1990 — which held the state hostage for six days, unleashed widespread looting and chaos, and resulted in 24 deaths and the shooting of the prime minister — changed the country forever.
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Pro, read lasana interview with bakr
He states he has not told the full story yet..
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Breds, why you trying to make this man a "hero"?
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Breds, why you trying to make this man a "hero"?
Hero brother??? nah...
Just want to hear the internal corruption behind the coup and trust me there is lots of it..
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Opposition Leader Links the LifeSport Program to the Murder of Dana Seetahal
https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/10153508702642996/
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Charges against 13 dismissed*
Accused of being in gang that killed Dana...
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160527/news/charges-against-13-dismissed
CHANTS of “Allahu Akbar” echoed through the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court yesterday afternoon after charges against 13 people who were accused of being members of the gang allegedly responsible for the murder of Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal were dismissed based on an error by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Senior Magistrate Indrani Cedeno dismissed the charges which were laid under the Anti-Gang Legislation, stating it would be unlawful for the State to continue the prosecution given that the charges were wrongly laid and that it would be an injustice to the accused.
However, despite the charges being dismissed, only one man–David Ector–was allowed to walk out the court as a free man after the magistrate refused to grant an application by the Office of the DPP to have the charges amended. Ector, Deon Peters and Stacey Ali were all charged with being gang members but not with Seetahal's murder.