All 16 released

Selwyn “Robocop” Alexis shouted “Freedom” as he and 14 other detainees were released from the Eastern Correction Facility in Santa Rosa Heights, Arima, last night. At approximately 7.15 pm, shouts of “Allah Ackbar” were heard from from outside the facility. As they left the detention centre, most of them kept their faces covered with T-shirts and ran to several vehicles waiting for them. Police Sergeant Earl Eli, who was kept at the Golden Grove Prison separately from the other inmates, also was freed.

David “Buffy” Millard was the first to leave the compound and expressed his concern over the allegations. “I am very happy to be free. There is absolutely no truth in that and let me say all praise to Allah and my family and Mr Hawks for giving me advice,” Millard said. Millard added he did not intend to take any legal action against the Government. Another detainee, who refused to give his name, said the allegations were lies. He said his name was published in newspapers and did not wish to speculate if it was a plot against the Muslim community.

Alexis claimed it was a plot hatched by a corrupt police officer. “Definitely, I will take legal action. There are certain officers that misled the Prime Minister. I support the Government. How I go kill them,” he added. He said terrorist allegations were false. “It was a total lie. I campaigned for Stephen Cadiz and I was in UNC long before Cadiz,” Alexis said, adding that he plans to spend time with his family.