Trindad Express Headlines

FIFA vice-president and Trinidad and Tobago government Minister Jack Warner received dishonourable mention "Down Under" yesterday as the Australian daily newspaper, the Melbourne Age, revealed a string of questionable and expensive payouts made by the FFA (Football Federation of Australia) as part of the nation’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup tournament.

The Age article, which carried the headline "World Cup money trail: lobbyists to make millions", alleged that the FFA will spend $64 million (Aus$11.37 million) "one-quarter of the taxpayer-funded bid" on fees and bonuses to two controversial European lobbyists, Peter Hargitay and Fedor Radmann.

One of four men accused of plotting to kill thousands and cause an economic catastrophe by blowing up John F Kennedy International Airport pleaded guilty to a lesser charge yesterday.

People’s National Movement (PNM) Senator Pennelope Beckles has turned down an offer by Political Leader Dr Keith Rowley to be one of his four deputy political leaders, sources said yesterday.

Former prime minister Patrick Manning was a no-show at his San Fernando East constituency office last evening where the People’s National Movement (PNM) held a second round of screening of nominees interested in being candidates for the upcoming Local Government elections.

Officials of the Urband Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) were told yesterday that the delay in the improvement works to the Red House was unacceptable.

HOURS before its term expired, the Police Service Commission (PSC) officially appointed Stephen Williams, Maurice Piggott and Canadian Jack Ewatski as the country’s new Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP).

A MECHANIC employed with the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) died at hospital on Monday night, a day after he was shot in his chest.

A 15-year-old girl has been reported missing. Kadisha Castillo was last seen by her mother at 5.15 a.m. on Monday.

The People’s Partnership government will consider legislation to ensure citizens clean around their homes.

ST AUGUSTINE Secondary School is requiring that a $300 compulsory contribution fee be paid by each new student entering the school, the Express learnt yesterday.

The mother of a ten-year-old sick girl is thanking Almighty God, the Prime Minister and the Health Minister after receiving $620,000 for her daughter to undergo urgent medical treatment in the US.

Sergeant Anand Ramesar has been elected president of the Police Social and Welfare Association.

The mother of a man kidnapped five years ago today, and never found, has not lost hope.

TWO salespeople were robbed of $20,000 while doing business at a bar.

POLICE are continuing enquiries into Monday’s theft of a sum of money at the San Juan branch of Island Finance.

Claims made by accused drug trafficker Rick Gomes that nothing illegal was found in his home are untrue.

CLOSE to 100 exhibits were tendered in court yesterday by lawyers prosecuting fraud accused pastor Vishnu Lutchmansingh.

Cunupia residents have been promised zero tolerance on drug dealers by Chaguanas East MP Stephen Cadiz.

An argument over an opossum (manicou) led to a 19-year-old hanging himself near his home at Caratal Road, Gasparillo, on Monday, police said.

South Bureau