Trinidad and Tobago: Two suspects held in connection with robbery of Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh

Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have busted two men suspected of armed robbing Health Minister and Member of Parliament for St Joseph, Terrence Deyalsingh.

The two were apprehended by officers of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) after a blue Hyundai Elantra, suspected to be involved in the crime, was seen and intercepted on St Paul Street.

Investigators believe the suspects were using this vehicle in carrying out the robbery. The two men were later handed over to the police at St Joseph, where the IATF had detained them, and further investigations are continuing.

The robbery took place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, as Minister Deyalsingh sat outside ‘Nyahbinghi Bar’ located in his constituency of St Joseph.

The bar, a very popular local place, played host to this daring crime as two armed robbers accosted the Minister, held him at the gunpoint and demanded his valuables.

A video going viral on social media showing Deyalsingh recounting his ordeal has some sort of clarity as he can be seen speaking on his cellphone being visibly shaken. The 66-year-old Minister explained in the video how the two men approached him, brandishing a firearm and left with his bracelet before making their escape.

“Two fellows approached me, put a gun to my head, and took my bracelet from me,” Deyalsingh narrated in the video with an emphasis on the disturbing increase in violent crime. The whole of nation is outraged by concern and alarm that even the high rank government officials are not considered immune from this issue.

Many are now clamouring for bold steps in combating the growing crime problem that has made people feel increasingly vulnerable.

Deyalsingh, a seasoned politician and public figure, said following this incident that no one, not even public servants are exempt from these threats and that more needs to be done to combat these elements better.

While still actively investigating the case, the authorities have yet to openly comment on who the suspects are or what details surround the case.

Still, swift action by law officers in arresting the two suspects would somewhat bring hope in the minds of the people that indeed, efforts are being taken to bring those responsible into justice.

This robbery has exposed the crying issue of crime which is identified in Trinidad and Tobago, with calling from citizens and public figures alike to task on a need for decisive steps that should hopefully restore the sense of safety felt across this country.