Ocean Pelican investigation continues

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The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is aiming to conclude its investigation into the MV Ocean Pelican’s Boxing Day event by the end of this week.

Speaking with Guardian Media yesterday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Wendell Williams said, “We are hoping that before the end of the week we will finish off these investigations but investigations are based on what you discover as you go along so sometimes you need to go back.”

DCP Williams and his investigative team were at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on January 4, and said since then, “the investigation continued and there have been some other work done, so let me say that the investigation continues.”

DCP Williams said the interview process is not yet over as some were scheduled for yesterday, January 9.

“Remember you interview people then go back to look at stuff, sometimes you have to follow up on something further.”

At the centre of the investigation is businessman and party promoter Adrian Scoon. Scoon is the son of Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry.

On January 3, the United National Congress (UNC) had called on the TTPS to include four senior Cabinet members in the probe, and for their cellular phones to be seized. These after there were allegations of interference by the Attorney General on the night of the sailing as well as permissions granted by other Government Ministers for the event to take place.

When asked if any Government Minister was involved in the investigation, DCP Williams said, “I am not going to comment on that, not at this time.”

On Boxing Day, December 26, police officers detained 100 people on board the MV Ocean Pelican in Chaguaramas.

The TTPS said they all were detained, processed, and released. The Police Service said at that time that consultations were held with the DPP and investigations began to ascertain if there were any breaches of the Public Health Regulations.

Section 4(1) (b) of the regulations prohibits the operation of a party boat.

However, Scoon told the TTPS that it was in fact a floating restaurant. Restaurants are allowed to operate as Safe Zones under section 8(1) (a) under the regulations.