TV6/Trinidad Express is reporting that the two bulletproof, steel plated Lincoln Navigators imported into Trinidad and Tobago by the Gocking brothers four years ago are still on the Port Of Spain Wharf.
Then Prime Minister and National Security Minister Basdeo Panday dubbed the Lincoln Navigators "terrorist vehicles capable of deadly attack". He claimed they had "rocket launching capabilities" and the Parliament was told it was evidence of a plot to bring down the UNC administration.
The vehicles were deemed prohibited goods by Customs and Excise. The Gocking brothers sued. The Courts stepped in and the vehicles were impounded at the port.
That's exactly where they have remained for more than four years. To this date, no one seems to know what to do with them. When the matter came up in the Court of Appeal about two years ago, attorneys were unable to locate the Gocking brothers.
Sources told TV6 News that the concerns expressed by security authorities were, and still remain justified. Attorney Martin George who was retained by the Gocking brothers said: "The vehicles were advanced and sophisticated beyond anything Trinidad and Tobago had ever seen four years ago and even today."
He insisted there was still nothing in the law that prevented the importation of bulletproof and similar vehicles. Vehicles seized on the port are usually auctioned off. The State is said to still have no intention of putting the Navigators up for public auction.
Armoured vehicles fall under the jurisdiction of the Police and Customs. Police Commissioner Trevor Paul said it was now more a Customs issue. Comptroller of Customs, Lennard Watty, said the matter was sub judice.
But Martin George said he was not aware of any further court action involving the SUVs.
