TT Blitz

Benjamin Boyd, Adam Seenath - Missing since May 27th 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Sun, 30 May 2010 07:46:00 +0000

Benjamin Boyd driving the a Silver/Gold Corolla - PBX 8664, left his home at Barry Crescent Santa Monica Gardens, Mausica Road, Arima, around 9pm Thursday 27th May 2010, picked up his friend Adam Seenath at Cassava Drive, The Crossings, Tumpuna Road, Arima.

From there they were supposed to be heading back to Santa Monica Gardens but have not been seen or heard from since.

Benjamin was last spoken to around 10pm that night.

Calls to their phones have since gone unanswered.

Benjamin is 6" 4" tall with bright blue eyes, earrings in both ears, and has a cross tattooed on his right upper arm.

Adam Seenath is shorter with a paragraph tattooed on his left chest.

Please circulate this info to as many persons as possible.

Adam Seenath

Benjamin Boyd

Miechelle Samaroo - Missing since 26 April 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:18:00 +0000

Miechelle went to follow up on a cruise ship job application on the morning on April 26th, 2010.

Anyone with information on Samaroo’s whereabouts can call the La Horquetta Police Station at 643-3857 or the Arima Police Station at 667-3563

Get Ready to Vote

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 11:07:00 +0000

Parliament has been dissolved and a date for General Elections has been set: May 24th, 2010.

Are you ready to vote?

Check your voter registration status on the EBC's website: ebctt.com/registration.php

Transition from Dry to Rainy season

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:46:00 +0000

In our last post we talked about the threat of bush fires in the dry season, and gave some fire prevention tips.

But as we approach the May-November rainy season, another threat looms large.

With the deforestation that has taken place over the dry season we are bound to see an increase in surface runoff when the rains come. This means more water will be moving much more quickly over the land trying to find its way into rivers and the sea.

Are the waterways in your area ready for the onslaught? Preventative maintenance of the drains and watercourses are essential at this time to reduce the risk of flooding.

Each year blocked watercourses are unable to handle the rush of water from the torrential rains and inevitably homes and businesses sustain financial losses and face the prospect of cleanup and rebuilding.

We all also have to deal with the illness that generally follows when mosquitoes breed in the standing water and spread dengue fever and yellow fever.

So what can you do?

Report overgrown drains and watercourses in your area

Write the CEO local Municipal Corporation or the Councillor for your area, and make a formal request for assistance. Clearly identify the affected drains and watercourses that need to be cleared, as well as any specific concerns (dumping of appliances that may need special equipment in order to be moved, etc).

Make a note of the date you submitted the request, in case you don't get action in a timely fashion and need to escalate.

Follow up on your request
If crews are not deployed to your area to address your concerns, then write a follow up letter to the CEO of the Municipal Corporation as well as your Councillor.

In your note, make reference to the date of your original request, and repeat your concerns.

MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS & THA
Tobago House of Assembly
Administrative Complex
Calder Hall
Tobago, West Indies
Tel. (868) 639-3421

The Ministry of Local Government Head Office
Kent House
Long Circular Road
Maraval
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 628-1323/1324/1325 or 622-1979 or 628-1450
Fax. (868) 628-7283

Arima Municipal Corporation
Hollis Avenue
Arima
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 667-3508/3435

Chaguanas Municipal Corporation
Cumberbatch Street
Chaguanas
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 665-5320/5351/2427/6204 or 671-0576

Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Municipal Corporation
Railway Road
Couva
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 636-3875

Diego Martin Municipal Corporation
2-3 Orchid Drive
Diego Martin
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 637- 8115/2204/5

Mayaro/Rio Claro Municipal Corporation
High Street
Rio Claro
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 644-2261/3760

Penal/Debe Municipal Corporation
Dookie Street
Penal
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 647-6302

Point Fortin Borough Corporation
George Road
Point Fortin
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 648-2124/2868/2869/0555

Port of Spain City Corporation
Corner Knox and Frederick Streets
Port of Spain
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 623-1121-7

Princes Town Municipal Corporation
High Street
Princes Town
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 655-2239/2426/2417

San Fernando City Corporation
Harris Promenade
San Fernando
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 652-3205/2543-6

Sangre Grande Municipal Corporation
Ramdass Street
Sangre Grande
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 668-2461/2488/2322/3410

San Juan/Laventille Municipal Corporation
MTS Plaza
Aranguez
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 638-4470/4473 or 675-0255/0280

Siparia Municipal Corporation
High Street
Siparia
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 649-2348/2349/2334/1532/9919/2435

Tunapuna/Piarco Municipal Corporation
Centenary Street
Tunapuna
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 662-1612/2261/4139

Fire Safety Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:45:00 +0000

Friends and Neighbours in this period of heightened wildfire activity, it seems timely to highlight some safety precautions to take in the event that a wildfire threatens your home or the homes of loved ones.

Recently a friend of mine had to fight off a fire that was encroaching on her house. Luckily she was helped by neighbours and passers-by who formed a bucket brigade, because the fire station a mile away never responded until they had successfully doused the flames. To make matters even more difficult, there was no water in the mains - part of the nationwide water restrictions in effect. Thank goodness they had a tank that they were able to use to put the fire out.

Are you prepared in the event of an approaching brush fire?

* REMEMBER FIRES NEED FUEL. If you are in a high-risk area, you may want to clear at least a 30 foot perimeter around your house. If you are on a slope, you may need to extend that to 100 feet.

* Brush fires may accelerate UP a hill at a faster rate than going DOWN the hill. This is because the air heated by the fire rises and in turn heats and dries out the area ahead of the fire, in effect preparing a path for it to advance.

* LADDERS FUELS. Overhanging branches close to the roof offer a way for a fire to "jump" to your home - keep overhanging branches trimmed back in the dry season and douse the roof with water in the event of an emergency.

* Dead leaves, grass lying around the yard are easy to ignite - and to blow with the wind and spread the fire. Keep the area around your house clear of dead and dry vegetation.

* Dry overgrown shrubbery - trim excess growth and get rid of any dead leaves and branches to eliminate material that can fuel airborne sparks into full-blown flames.

* We grew up with neighbours prepared to construct a firebreak along the perimeter of our homes. A shallow ditch about 3-6 meters wide, cleared of ALL vegetation and possibly covered with red sand to cut off any fuel source.

More tips here available in this pdf download.

Also see this interactive presentation illustrating an imminent fire encroachment.

Be safe T&T.

Kidnapped Car Dealer Ashraf Ali Rescued

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 09:39:00 +0000

Kidnapped auto dealer Ashraf 'Alvin' Ali was abandoned by his abductors as they fled intense pursuit via ground and air in the wee hours of Good Friday morning 2-Apr-2010.

Ali, 30, was abducted in Chase village on Wednesday night along with his wife Anita Harrinanan, 22. She was released that night.

On Thursday night, in an operation involving several police agencies, attention was focused on an area of Laventille where it is believed Ali was being kept.

As police carried out their searches they received information that Ali had been taken from the area. Air support was called in and the helicopter spotted the vehicle heading south along the Uriah Butler Highway.

Attempting to evade pursuit and road blocks, the kidnappers switched vehicles but were unable to shake law enforcement. The vehicle was abandoned and the kidnappers fled.

Police recovered the vehicle and Ali was found a short distance away not long after.

Reports in the daily newspapers today:

Trinidad Express

Trinidad Guardian

Newsday

UPDATED American LEON TODD JONES hiding in TnT - wanted on charges of sexual abuse against minors

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:43:00 +0000

American LEON TODD JONES is wanted in Oregon for sexual abuse of 3 minors between 1996-2001.

He has been hiding out in Trinidad.

Extradition proceedings began Feb 2 and he has since gone into hiding somewhere in our blessed country.

Please see today's Trinidad Express for further details.

Look for this face TnT.

Anonymous posting allowed below, or contact CrimeStoppers at 800-TIPS (800-8477).

*** UPDATE ***
We've been able to identify that Jones, is in his late 40s and has the following physical attributes:

A long red birthmark on the back of his neck
A crooked scar on his abdomen
A tattoo of the name "Kerry" on his left forearm
Blue eyes
5' 7" in height

He has been profiled on American TV's America's Most Wanted and the number they give to report any sightings is:
1-800-CRIME-TV
1-800-27463-88

End of February update

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:36:00 +0000

I wanted to be very sure of this before I posted it, so I've taken a few days to confirm.

I want you to know that as of March 3rd 2010, there are no persons missing for the month of February 2010.

There were, however, two close calls. Both involved very young girls.

In one incident a 10 yr girl in Diego Martin was taken by the driver of the PH taxi she had travelled in with her grandmother to get home. Thankfully, and likely due to the efforts of her determined and quick-thinking grandmother, she was returned unharmed back into her grandmother's care within hours.

There was one other incident on February 10th where 3 girls, aged 11 and 12, boarded a maxi-taxi after school but never arrived home. The girls' parents reportedly arrived at the school to collect them and found them missing. In that instance, relatives and well-wishers reported it to the police, but also formed a search party and discovered the girls in a nearby housing scheme early the following morning.

We are thankful that in both incidents, the children made it safely back home. And we remain aware that we must continue to be vigilant and look out for our fellow man.

Let us pray for continued positive change in Trinidad & Tobago, and for a safe month of March.

Blessings!

An Anniversary of a different kind...

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:32:00 +0000

One year ago a mother faced a difficult decision, unaware that it would change her life forever. On that morning, Gale Lammy made arrangements with her little eight year old girl to take a taxi home after school for the first time.

With little Leah's phone dead, her mother exchanged cell phones with the child, taking Leah's with her to be charged while she worked. She gave strict instructions to keep the phone off until after school.

When school was let out, Gale called her daughter time and time again, only to find her calls going straight to voicemail. Calls to her father confirmed that he had not picked her up from school, and the frantic mother made her way to the school compound beginning the search for her daughter.

At some point that night the cell phone was answered, but not by Leah. A male voice told the distraught mother that if she wanted to see her child again, she would have to pay TT$300,000. That was the last time the phone was answered.

Leah has not been seen since that day.

She is not forgotten.

Gale Lammy worked with police investigators for days before eventually breaking her silence and pleading for the public's help in finding Leah.

The anguish of a mother's heart touched the nation, and for many, Leah came to symbolize what was very wrong in our country.

Too many girls had gone missing, particularly in Central Trinidad, after boarding PH taxis (private cars for hire). Many suspected that human trafficking was becoming a profitable business for a few. Many lived crippled with fear, and some made the decision to migrate and leave these shores for good.

Since then there has been an arrest and an ongoing trial, but there is a lot of mystery surrounding Leah and her accused kidnapper - Salis Mack. He says he knows exactly what happened to Leah but refuses to talk unless his family is given protected status and relocated outside of Trinidad and Tobago. He claims that the people involved are very well connected and well-respected businessmen.

It would seem that he has indeed not talked, since Gale Lammy has had no closure with respect to her daughter's disappearance. No new word on what has happened to Leah, and whether there is any hope of finding her.

Here's what I find interesting.

That we, to this date, categorically deny that there has ever been human trafficking taking place in Trinidad and Tobago.

In my humble opinion, there is always a possibility of something happening, unless you have facts that prove otherwise. Why is our law enforcement insisting otherwise without providing us with any details to support their rejection of this theory, despite the continued disappearance of young women in our country?

Human trafficking or not, we have a problem. Our citizens continue to go missing. We cannot continue to live in fear and hope to have a productive society. And we cannot allow our youth to be taken.

The mentality of "Anything to make a dollar" cannot be one that we accept.

Salis Mack insists he was "just doing a job".

Since his arrest, the wave of girls disappearing in PH taxis in Central Trinidad appears to have slowed considerably. Let us hope that he will one day lead Gale to her daughter.

Today please pray for Gale Lammy. And remember Leah. Let her not be forgotten.

Attitude is Everything

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:33:00 +0000

In our last post, we talked about the importance of having a plan.

When emergency hits, circumstances can change in a split-second. As much as we'd like to believe we will be able to quickly think our way out of whatever challenge is facing us, there's often no time for thinking things all the way through. There's only time for reacting.

Take some time and come up with a basic plan that covers home safety (what will you do in the event of a fire, a flood, etc) as well as personal safety outside the home (in your car, or otherwise).

As far as home safety goes, do you have an alternative exit route in case a main hallway is blocked, etc. In case of hurricane/flood planning, do you have an emergency flashlight and radio? Where are they kept? Think these things through and prepare, although we hope you never have to put your plan into action.

Coming up with your plan serves a second critical purpose - fostering the right attitude.

Have you ever listened to survivor stories and heard "I knew I had to find a way" or "I knew I couldn't give up". I've always believed that when it comes to difficult situations, there are two types of people. Those who look outside to await rescue and those who turn inward to create their own rescue opportunity.

Some refer to the second type as having a "survivor mentality". And it shows in our daily lives, in the attitude we have to unexpected circumstances.

Where the loser saw barriers, the winner saw hurdles.
~Robert Brault

Attitude is everything.

Be aware while driving

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:42:00 +0000

Yesterday I received an email describing an incident where a vehicle with two female passengers appears to have been targeted and followed by a car carrying three male passengers. This occurred in the environs of the Hasely Crawford Stadium on the night of Tuesday 26th January.

We have been able to confirm that this incident did indeed happen. The text of that email is included below for your reference.

While this incident occured in Port of Spain, drivers everywhere are urged to be observant on the roadways, and especially vigilant when entering and leaving your vehicle.

Carefully observe the area around your vehicle before entering to ensure you are not in danger of someone trying to force entry when you try to get in.
Carefully observe your surroundings to identify whether anyone may be "marking" you.
Keep your cell phone ready in case of emergency (Blackberry owners, this may mean unlocking your phone before you drive off or programming an emergency number beforehand).
Keep alert - avoid activities that may prevent you from hearing the sound or observing the behaviour of other vehicles such as:

use of cellphones for lengthy casual conversations
listening to excessively loud music
driving while drowsy
driving while "buzzed"

Have a plan - there is no time to come up with a plan in an emergency. Without a plan, you will be caught reacting, instead of having some measure of control over the situation. This can lead to panic, which is not helpful.

Know where the nearest police station is
Do not venture onto unknown roads that may be dead ends
Make that emergency call!

If there is one piece of advice above that cannot be over-emphasized it is:

Have a plan!

Situations and assumptions can change in a split-second and you need to be able to react quickly to regain the advantage. This is applicable too in the case of flood and fire evacuation, etc. It's always good to have a plan.

The email message follows below:

Just wanted to give you all a heads up on an incident that happened last night, Tuesday 26th January 2010 at 2020 hrs. My mother and I were waking towards my car which was parked in movietowne POS when we noticed a white nissan parked across from us with three men. They were just sitting in the car as though they were waiting on someone. We knew that they hadn't just arrived to their car because they weren't many people walking around the car park at that time and as we were the first to walk out of our movie, we were aware of who would have been in front of us for a couple minutes. The three men kept looking at us and only started their vehicle when we got into my car. We decided to wait a couple minutes as the situation looked suspicious. I decided to drive off as we were parked between a van and a jeep and that didn't feel safe either. I noticed a car stuck in on the window on my side but I wasn't putting the window down for anything. We were approaching the security booth at the exit of movie towne when I noticed the same vehicle parked in front the Mariott with the left indicator flashing. Too obvious...but an opportunity to get proper view of liscense plate PBC 6976. We were about to turn onto the highway from the traffic lights when PBC 6976 also pulled off and started speeding towards us moving in between other cars. I turned off at the Cocorite exit to head back into the POS area planning to head into the nearest police station. PBC 6976 also turned off from the Cocorite exit into POS. Thankfully, I was able to lose them.

Please be on the lookout for PBC 6976 as well as any other suspicuous vehicles. When approaching your vehicle, take a walk around it to make sure that there isn't any unusual activity by your car. Lock your doors as soon as you get into your vehicles. Don't let a second pass by for any predator to jump into your vehicle. Constantly make use of all your mirrors when in your car. Keep a sharp eye out. Keep a clear head if you find yourself in a similar situation: clear head keeps a calm spirit.
Keep safe folks and pray before every journey.

Be safe out there everyone...

Trini Pride

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:58:00 +0000

I keep telling myself I am starting to show my age...

Everytime I get together with friends we talk about the antics we used to get up to in our younger days.
Reminiscing like the ole folks do...

Except reminiscing is not what my generation is known for.
We are makers and doers and breakers of rules.

We are visionaries and dreamers.
We don't accept "Just because...", we create things where they didn't exist before.

So when did we turn into people paralyzed by fear.

People so in love with their country, but so convinced that they can't themselves bring positive change - and with so little faith in our leaders - that they choose to take their families and migrate elsewhere. Sacrificing their identities for their children's safety.

And those of us left behind.

We sacrifice one freedom after another, in the name of safety, and peace of mind.
But peace of mind never comes.
Only steel bars, and alarm systems, and the recognition of degrees of safety.

When it gets to be too much, we complain that the authorities just can't get it right.
But we know... they can't do it alone.

Will nobody stand up?

The problem is that we've been trying to stand alone.

United, we stand.
Divided, we fall.

Too true nowadays.

This weekend we had an opportunity to unite, and we did so in true Trini form.

From Blackberry Messenger broadcasts to Facebook posts and Twitter messages, T&T responded to spread the word of a stolen vehicle with a sleeping toddler still inside.

The car was subsequently abandoned, with the child still safely inside.

Only the persons responsible for that robbery can say for sure whether the rapidly-spreading word played a role in their abandoning the car.

We can say this. Trinis are still the warm people with the big hearts we are famous for. Given the opportunity to safely do so, we will still show that light within and help our brother.

To everyone who was a part of this, to everyone who raised awareness - job well done!

Thanks for demonstrating what it means to be a Trini...

Unconfirmed reports of stolen Hyundai Tucson w child inside

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:13:00 +0000

There are unconfirmed reports that PCK1632 - a Hyundai Tuscon was stolen from Sangre Grande about 1 hour ago. The vehicle has 2 year old child in it. Please keep eyes open...

UPDATE

Car found abandoned in Arima with child inside.

***********

Update on the McMutrie girls and the BRESMA Orphanage

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Ali McMutrie and the kids from the BRESMA orphanage arrived safely in Pittsburgh today. Jamie McMutrie will be leaving Port au Prince, Haiti to follow behind shortly.

For those of you who prayed, please keep praying for those left behind in Haiti. For those who donated, thank you!

It is truly amazing what Virginia Montanez has been able to get moving - with a little faith, and a lot of good will and willing hearts, mountains have been moved to bring these children to safety.

The power of Faith, my dear friends. Of believing in a cause, and uniting in support of it.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

When you Believe (#Bresma, #Haiti)

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:31:00 +0000

Those of you who are part of this tiny movement, you're here because you believe.

You believe that there is Hope for a better tomorrow. And you believe that where like minds are connected, that positive change can come.

I want to share with you a story about believing, and how Faith has moved legal mountains thus far. The story isn't yet at an end - in fact the fight is now on in earnest...

Bresma Orphanage sits 10 mins outside the heart of Port-au-Prince in Haiti. It's run by two American girls - one is 21 so it's fair to call them girls. And they are taking care of about 150 Haitian orphans.

Their building has been hit hard by Tuesday's earthquake and they are living in their yard.

These two sisters, as American citizens, have the option to leave Haiti on daily flights out. But they have chosen to stay behind.

They say they cannot leave their children, because they know they would be condemning them to die - no food, water, diapers... And no-one to care for them.

Some of these children are THISCLOSE to having loving homes in the U.S. and were in the stages of being adopted when the earthquake hit.

They have gotten their story out through Virginia Montanez, and they have been able to move legal mountains, particularly through the efforts of former U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan, the children have now ALL been granted Temporary Refugee Status.

There is an outpouring of donations, and help and homes, and the kids just need to get to the U.S.

That is huge.

They're now working on getting a plane for these kids to get them out of Haiti. Because there is no-one to care for them and because of their situation, they cannot leave in twos and threes.

This is where the story currently is.

People have pledged miles, jet fuel money, etc to try to contribute toward getting these kids on a plane.

The situation in Haiti, meanwhile, is getting desperate. They have sent out an urgent plea that without water the babies will die within 48 hrs.

Even if they do get water, it is becoming dangerous for them to even to possess it. Remember these girls are living in a yard. Out in the open. With children.

Even CNN reporters on the ground are hoping for higher level of security than exists now. I cannot imagine what tonight is like for Haitians on the street.

They are just two tiny voices in Haiti in the middle of devastation with no access to the internet any longer, and yet you now know their story, and massive legal hurdles have been - and are being - overcome.

So here's what you can do:

Pray.
Spread the word.
Follow Virginia's blog or follow her on Twitter.
Email me if you are willing to help in some way

They are so close. And they have not lost Faith.

Please choose to believe.

All eyes on Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:44:00 +0000

Death and destruction have a way of putting things into perspective for us.

Those who have lost loved ones can tell you that everything changes. We re-evaluate what is truly important in our lives.

Small grievances between family members lose their significance.
Petty quarrels are totally forgotten.
Little things that seemed so important just minutes earlier, we simply couldn't care less about.

In these times a light shines on the truth that is within our hearts.

At times this truth has been so hidden, for so long, behind walls of anger or pride or learned indifference, that it surprises and overwhelms us when it is revealed.

We discover how much we truly do love, and how much we really do care.

Too often, we remember too late.

Today, allow that light to shine.
Remind yourself of the love that is in your heart.

Reach out in peace to those around you.

Let today be the start of a new day.
A day to acknowledge that love exists.
If there is to be Hope, there must first be Love.

_________________________________________________

HAITI DISASTER RELIEF:

TRINIDAD

DIGICEL - TXT or CALL to donate

If you are in the Caribbean or Latin America, you can send relief donations to Haitian NGOs coordinating disaster relief via Digicel. Donate via TEXT or CALL. Instructions here: http://ow.ly/WkxF

In Trinidad and Tobago txt HELP to 5151 or call 5151 from your Digi (donates TT$3 )

Donate clothing, blankets, towels, non-perishable food items and bottled water

We encourage you to give what you can.

If you are inclined to give gifts of clothing, towels, blankets, sheets etc - please ensure items are clean and in good condition.

COP (POS)
Corner of Tragrete Road and Broome Street
9am - 3pm

YMCA (POS)
Benbow Road, off Wrightson Road (opposite the power station)

UNESCO T&T (POS)
2 Scott St, St Clair
9am-2pm and 5-7pm
More info here

ITNAC (Belmont)
Hilton Hotel Trinidad, 1B Lady Young Road, Belmont (tel: Olivia Constantine at 682-6755)

ITNAC (Arima)
Global Revival Ministeries, bypass on Eastern Main Road, Arima

Many more opportunities to help, including cash donations...
Detailed list here: http://meppublishers.blogspot.com/2010/01/helping-haiti.html

INTERNATIONAL

Red Cross International Response Fund

Give to the Red Cross via Credit Card or using Amazon's payment processing system.

Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (Wyclef Jean)

Donate to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund online or

or text the word YELE to 501501 to donate $5 charged to your cell phone bill (within the US).

Partners in Health

Give to the Partners in Health in response to the appeal for assistance from its Port-au-Prince clinical director, Louise Ivers: "Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS... Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds, bandages. Please help us."

Doctors Without Borders

Give to Doctors Without Borders who are on the ground and have setup clinics to treat the injured in Haiti.

Our Mission

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:50:00 +0000

There was a time we used to say God is a Trinbagonian.

As a nation, we were blessed and we knew it. In times of impending crisis the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago would get together and pray to their respective Gods and watch, time after time, as crisis was averted.

I doubt many today feel that way as strongly as we did back then.

Today, the country's crime has reached record levels.

How can we have a productive society if we have an increasingly "broken" population? Families "broken" by violence are all around us.

We live in fear, because the reality is we feel like we have our own families to protect. Or our own lives to protect. Or whatever reason people choose to turn a blind eye.

But I believe that the majority of Trinbagonians are still good and faithful people, who want a better life for their families than to have to live in cages.

Our Mission

Motto: "Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

Tenets:

1. We will use technology to create a nationwide community that is always ON.

2. We will provide a rapid-alert channel to get advisories to reach the largest possible audience.

MPA currently liaises with the traditional news media to get the message out, but that message usually gets out on the broadcast/print schedule and isn't the rapid-alert that we need to have in these situations. They will now have another avenue that will allow them to get that message out quickly and to a widespread network, completely in their timing.

This channel can also be used to get other advisories of national significance quickly communicated.

3. We will provide a safe channel for our community to share useful information.

If you know something about one of these Missing Persons, make an anonymous comment on the website. If you choose not to enter your details when leaving a comment, there is nothing to identify you.

Also share information on flash floods, major accidents and other advisories of significance.

4. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we will create a community that fosters the culture that we grew up with. A group that reminds us of what makes us proud to be Trini.

We will be putting a lot of energy into this area for the next few weeks, and we hope that you will follow us and keep up to date with the latest developments.

If you believe in our cause, please become a fan of our Facebook page and invite your friends to do the same, or follow us on Twitter @ttblitz, or sign up for email alerts at http://ttblitz.com/

Knives masquerading as Pens in circulation this Carnival season

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 12:54:00 +0000

The feteing season is upon us (not that there is ever really an end to the fete in Trinidad). A time party-goers just want to forget their worries, meet up with friends and enjoy some good music. When you add some alcohol to these guys, you might end up with some relationship drama and tears to sort out - but usually nothing more major than that. There are always a few though, in every party, who seem intent on 'causing ruction'.

In my day - and I'm probably dating myself here - there were 2 or 3 of them that you knew by both face and name. And it was unusual if they didn't end up trying to pick some kind of fight once enough alcohol hit their system. In those days, there'd probably be a good old fashioned brawl, outside. Security would intervene, brush everyone off, and send them home in the charge of some poor friend who had to cut his night short to take drunkie home.

That was then. Now the times have changed worldwide, and instead of fists you have to wonder whether the person might have a knife (or more) on them. Security has a tougher job these days. They have to screen for all that bad stuff at entry. All while allowing their party-goers to have their dignity and not feel like they're going through a prison search.

So this little implement can make things a little difficult for security.

Nasty little thing. It's being sold as a letter opener. I dunno... those teeth look pretty serious to me.

According to this article in the Trinidad Express today, police estimate about 1500 of these to be in circulation right now. They look so much like pens, that unassuming customers may have purchased them without realizing what they are. Anyone in possession of one of these should be aware that they could face a charge of possession of a prohibited weapon.

Photo courtesy Trinidad Express article by Gyasi Gonzales dd 09-Jan-2010

Shantel Williams - Missing since 30th September 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:22:00 +0000

If you have any information on Shantel Williams please email us or call:
Missing Persons Association of T&T - 730-3261
Crime Stoppers - 800-TIPS

Riana Pariag - Missing since 16th December 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:18:00 +0000

If you have any information on Riana Pariag please email us or call:
Missing Persons Association of T&T - 730-3261
Crime Stoppers - 800-TIPS

Noel Rodrigues - Missing since 30th September 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:12:00 +0000

If you have any information on Noel Rodrigues please email us or call:
Missing Persons Association of T&T - 730-3261
Crime Stoppers - 800-TIPS

Naail Ali - Missing since 9th June 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:53:00 +0000

If you have any information on Naail Ali please email us or call:
Missing Persons Association of T&T - 730-3261
Crime Stoppers - 800-TIPS

Denise Barcant - Missing since 24th October 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:02:00 +0000

If you have any information on Denise Barcant please email us or call:
Missing Persons Association of T&T - 730-3261
Crime Stoppers - 800-TIPS

Darren Mason - Missing since 13th January 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:58:00 +0000

If you have any information on Darren Mason please email us or call:
Missing Persons Association of T&T - 730-3261
Crime Stoppers - 800-TIPS

Arielle Clarke - Missing since 9th October 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Concerned Citizen) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:52:00 +0000

If you have any information on Arielle Clarke please email us or call:

Missing Persons Association of T&T - 730-3261

Crime Stoppers - 800-TIPS