Flying Squad no idle public mischief

Adding to evidence confirming the secret revival of the New Flying Squad Unit (NFSU), further information reveals that in October last year, the unit was approached to investigate a report about gang-related crime in Belmont. T&T Guardian investigations revealed the directive was given without the knowledge of acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams who is responsible for sanctioning the setting up of such a unit.

Yesterday Williams refrained from commenting on the recent revelations, saying, "You are speaking to the wrong person. I have nothing further to say at this time." The complaint was sent to the Ministry of National Security in September 2010 by concerned residents of Davis Street. The letter read, "The gang has become more organised and is controlled by someone who has links to both the police and army. They have taken over a number of abandon (sic) properties from which they trade in drugs and guns."

Listing a house address, the letter said, "The particular house of operation where they operate is at an annex to the back of this property. There are also pitbulls which are not secured properly and are a danger to anyone on the road." The letter was acknowledged by the ministry on October 1 and investigations revealed on October 4 it was was brought to the attention of newly-appointed National Security Operations Centre (NSOC) director Garvin Heerah.  

On the front page of the letter is a note written by National Security Minister Warner which says, "Garvin please see me on this urgently." Yesterday, the letter was forwarded to the T&T Guardian by a man who claimed to be an NFSU member who investigated the residents’ complaint. Retired police inspector Mervyn Cordner has claimed Warner recalled him to head the unit, which was disbanded in the 1980s. Warner has denied any involvement in reviving the unit.

An e-mail from Heerah’s address on October 1 reads, "Please be advised: (info Mr Cordner) (1) I need the list of names of the potential members, (2) The objectives that were initially handed in are presently being reviewed and adjusted, (3) Need to meet on Wednesday, stand by for the timings by close of play today." Heerah could not be reached yesterday for an explanation of the e-mail.

Last week a series of internal e-mails from the ministry showed a base was sought for the NFSIU. A building in Aranguez  was deemed unsuitable and instead the unit operated out of Factory Road, Golden Grove Road, Arouca before being stymied by lack of funding.