The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is defending its decision to detain Kaia Sealy as she arrived in the country early yesterday morning.
Speaking at the Police Administration Building, Port of Spain, ASP Owie Russell was asked why police moved to arrest Sealy even though she had previously indicated, through her attorney, that she would have surrendered to authorities around 9 a.m. yesterday after visiting her doctor.
“The TTPS will operate without fear or affection or malice or ill will. And in matters like this where we are expecting persons to return to the country, that is how we operate,” Russell said.
Speaking outside the Arouca Police Station shortly after 3.30 a.m., attorney Fayola Sandy said Sealy was being held there, having been taken to the station immediately upon her arrest at Piarco International Airport.
Sandy said she was given the opportunity to speak with Sealy, who was “holding on very well” despite her condition.
Sealy said she had been left partially paralysed following the January 20 police-involved shooting in St Augustine that left her husband, Joshua Samaroo, dead.
Sandy said officers at the station were accommodating Sealy’s medical needs, including her medication.
The attorney said she had not been able to speak with an investigating officer at that time, and officers at the station were unable to provide her with further information about the matter, including any warrants.
She said officers stationed there had been co-operative and provided as much information as they could.
Earlier, Sandy said she had been in contact with Sealy before she boarded her flight.
The flight arrived at Piarco International Airport around 1.45 a.m.
Sandy said she went to the airport to meet her client but became concerned when she realised Sealy’s phone was switched off shortly after landing.
She was later informed by Sealy’s mother, who accompanied her on the trip, that Sealy had been arrested upon arrival.
According to Sandy, Sealy’s mother reported that police officers were cordial during the arrest.
Sandy said she had previously informed investigators of Sealy’s travel arrangements and had been given assurances that Sealy would be allowed to leave the airport and attend a medical appointment scheduled for 6 a.m.
Under those arrangements, Sealy was expected to surrender to officers at the Tunapuna Police Station.
However, Sandy said Sealy was instead taken into police custody and transported to the Arouca Police Station. Sandy and Sealy’s relatives arrived at the station shortly before 3 a.m.
Sandy declined to comment on Sealy’s future medical treatment arrangements.
