News that murders plummeted nearly 23 per cent in January, compared to the same period in 2005, has bolstered the police force's confidence in light of plans announced yesterday to reduce the homicide rate by five per cent in 2006.

Murders are up by 65 percent and there has been a 70 pe cent increase in gun-related homicides at the end of January compared with the same period last year.

Louisa Marja Jeukens, 36, who lives in Margarita, had a warrant issued for her arrest in Trinidad after skipping bail on charges of trafficking in heroin.

Officials of the Jamaat-al-Muslimeen say they are determined now more than ever to topple the ruling PNM Government after their leader, Imam Yasin Abu Bakr, was again refused bail yesterday.

Blaring sirens, a heavy army and police presence as well as that of two FBI officials heralded the arrival of three army officers and three civilians at the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with the murder of Trinidad-born American Army veteran Balram "Balo" Maharaj.

Homocide detectives have uncovered new information linking four detained soldiers to a second case of a kidnapping which resulted in murder.

Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Trevor Paul admitted yesterday that the crime problem in Trinidad and Tobago was bigger than he thought, when he promised in 2004 that people would enjoy greater security in 2005.

Four members of the Army, one of them a member of the elite Special Forces Unit, were last night in police custody after being detained on suspicion of murder and kidnapping for ransom.

A woman was among eight people shot in a 17-hour period between Tuesday and mid-afternoon yesterday in Trinidad.

Talisman Energy worker Anthony Manning died on the weekend after plummeting 120 feet off a petroleum exploration rig, and the impact of his death is fuelling the labour movement's battle to force Trinidad and Tobago government to implement the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA).