Police search for tape at Express

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – A team of police officers swooped down on the offices of TV6 and the Trinidad Express Newspaper today, reportedly in search of a tape. Information reaching the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) is that the search was conducted by officers from the Port of Spain Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and started at around 1 pm. The tape in question was used as part of the highly rated TV6 programme, Crime Watch, which the station suspended in November. The tape is said to be part of an ongoing investigation. Employees gathered outside the Independence Square building while the police conducted their search. The law enforcement authorities reportedly left with only a DVD. Crime Watch host, Ian Alleyne, came under fire for over a week after he aired footage of a minor being raped.In a subsequent statement TV6 said it “values its reputation for credibility, adherence to the highest standards of responsible journalism and respect to all of our loyal viewers. In this regard, the station has agreed to suspend the programme until further notice.”Minister of Public Administration, Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan, said the programme was a cause for concern and that the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), which falls under her Ministry, was looking into the matter. She also said the matter was referred to the Attorney General.The Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association (TTPBA) also added to the public’s concern saying the incident was shown in an “insensitive” manner. (CMC)