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Police continue investigations, Fr White recovering

Fr Maurice White

The Trinidad & Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is continuing investigations into the assault of Fr Maurice White last week Saturday, during which his vehicle was stolen.
Fr White, who was ordained March 19, 2024, and is based at the St Francis of Assisi RC Church, Sangre Grande, is said to be “recovering well” after being beaten.
According to a January 25 release issued by the TTPS Corporate Communications Unit, “In a swift response to a report of a robbery with violence, officers successfully arrested three men and recovered the stolen vehicle hours after it was taken away in the Sangre Grande District.
At approximately 7:30 a.m. today, police responded to a report of a 41-year-old priest, suffering from a head injury in Vega De Oropouche, Sangre Grande. Upon arrival, officers met the victim with an apparent head wound and he reported that he had been assaulted and his vehicle, a Toyota Aqua, taken from him by three men whom he earlier met while socialising.
An immediate transmission was sent via the Command Centre and the victim was taken to the hospital to seek medical attention.
A team of Highway Patrol officers including Cpl Kaiser and PCs Ramnarine, Mohess and Roop who were on duty in the vicinity of the Freeport overpass responded to the information and successfully intercepted the vehicle.
The three occupants of the vehicle ages 20, 24 and 31 from Vega De Oropouche, Sangre Grande were arrested and handed over to officers of the Central Division and the vehicle taken to the Freeport Police Station. Investigations are ongoing.”
As news of the incident spread rapidly via WhatsApp in Catholic chat groups and across the nation, a release issued through Archdiocesan social media platforms, confirmed that Fr White had not been shot as was first being widely reported, and that “Medical personnel have advised he is receiving treatment and is stable….We ask for your prayers for his recovery and for all involved. Let us remain united in faith, trusting in God’s healing and peace in our nation.”
On Tuesday, a brief update was provided. “The Archdiocese of Port of Spain thanks everyone for their prayers and support following the recent incident involving Fr White, who was a victim of a robbery. He has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering well. The matter is under active police investigation, and the Archdiocese continues to cooperate fully with the authorities. We remain committed to prayer, transparency, and justice.”