– robber who raided headteacher’s home also remanded

SIX persons have been remanded for possession of firearm and ammunition without licence. The men remanded are Clive Davis called “Gary”, 37, of No. 76 Housing Scheme; Suresh Kumar, 49; Paul Wilson called “Lil Buck”, 22, a labourer; Vishaul Persaud called “Sono”,27, a fisherman; Kwame Bhagwandin, 36, a labourer; and David Melville called “Melville”, 43, a labourer. The latter five are residents of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam.

They appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore, on Monday, at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court and were remanded to prison until March 19 when they are expected to face several other charges.

The arrests stemmed from an intelligence-led operation at a roadblock at Number 51 Village on the night of February 13.

During a search of the vehicle, police discovered hoodies, rubber and latex gloves. An unlicensed pistol, with nine live ammunition, was disposed of by one of the six occupants of the vehicle.

According to reliable sources, one of the suspects later confessed to investigators of committing a robbery under arms on the Chenick’s Supermarket, East Canje, where six armed men with guns, including high-powered weapons, stormed the business place and carried away a safe with an undisclosed sum of cash.

During the ordeal, the owner, along with his young nephew, was brutalised. The robbers reportedly discharged 25 shots during their raid.

Meanwhile, Ryan Odel, 19, of Rose Hall Town, has been charged with the robbery committed on Lancaster headmistress, Shireen Ali, on February 13, at her residence. Some $2.4 M worth in jewellery was stolen from the woman.

Odel appeared before Magistrate Moore at the Whim’s Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday when the charge was read to him. He was remanded to prison and is expected to return to court soon to face an additional charge for possession of house-breaking implements.

Odel, along with three others, was arrested by police on February 14 on the Tain Public Road after their vehicle was searched and a ski-mask, cutlass and a crowbar were found.

Based on information received, the suspects allegedly relayed information which led to the arrest of a Rose Hall Town businessman and his son, who is said to be a vendor of stolen items while the son is alleged to have been using the father’s licensed firearm to commit robberies.

Several items were found in the son’s bedroom which he could not give account for during a search by police. Several persons detained by police were released on bail pending charges.