Members of the US Secret Service and local law enforcement bodies are expected to be involved in all-day meetings today to synchronise security arrangements as the Fifth Summit of the Americas draws closer. A source close to the arrangements said the meeting, which began on Thursday afternoon was supposed to continue yesterday at 11 am. However, it was postponed until today.

The meeting, which will comprise selected local law enforcement organisations, will take place on the 13th Floor of the Financial Towers in Port-of-Spain. The source said security bodies dealing specifically with explosives, including their detection and dismantling, will be part of the meeting. These include the Special Branch, Bomb Squad, Special Anti-Crime Unit of T&T (Sautt) and selected members of the T&T Fire Service. With the summit just mere days away, the source said “pre-sweeping” operations have intensified.

These operations involve searches of hotels in Port-of-Spain and other places of interest, particularly for bombs. Following the meeting, the Gold Commander for the summit, assistant Police Commissioner Steve Waldron, is expected to be briefed. Waldron, the source said, was being advised by former UK police commissioner, Bob Bolton. Spouses of heads of state and delegates are expected to take part in a packed agenda, including an informal retreat at Petrotrin’s Pointe-a-Pierre Club at 10 am on Saturday.

AGENDA

THURSDAY, APRIL 16
Arrival of Heads of State/government or Heads of delegations

FRIDAY, APRIL 17
5.00 - 6.15 pm
Inaugural session
6.15 - 7.15 pm
Cultural programme
7.30 - 10.00 pm
Reception at the Hyatt Regency Hotel
Cocktail reception for heads of State/ government or heads of delegation, spouses and special guests, hosted by Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Senator Hazel Manning.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18
8.00 - 9.00 am
Bilateral discussions
9.30 - 11.45 am
Plenary Session I-Human Prosperity
12.00 - 12.15 pm
Official photographs of heads of State/government or heads of delegation
12.30 - 2.15 pm
Working lunch—Environmental Sustainability
2.30 - 4.15 pm
Plenary Session II—Energy Security
4.15 - 6.15 pm
Plenary Session III—Democratic Governance, Public Security and Summit Follow-Up and Implementation Effectiveness
8.00 - 10.00 pm
Official dinner and cultural show at Hyatt Regency Hotel, hosted by Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Senator Hazel Manning in honour of the heads of state/government or heads of delegation, their spouses and special guests.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19
8.00 - 11.00 am
Retreat of heads of state/government
11.00 - 11.15 pm
Official photographs of heads of state/government
11.15 - 12.00 pm
Signing of the declaration of commitment of Port-of-Spain
12.00 - 1.00 pm
Press conference at the Diplomatic Centre
1.00 pm
Departure of heads of state/government

MONDAY, APRIL 20
Departure of heads of state/ government and country delegations