Shane Superville
Senior Reporter
shane.superville@guardian.co.tt
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has assured that there is no cause for panic, even as officers of the Guard and Emergency Branch (GEB) maintained a visible presence outside the US Embassy on Queen’s Park West up to yesterday afternoon.
The static guard was deployed in response to a heightened state of alert declared by the US Embassy on Saturday.
In a post on its official Facebook page, the Embassy urged American citizens in Trinidad and Tobago to avoid visiting US government facilities until further notice, to “be aware of their surroundings,” and to “report any suspicious activity to local authorities.” No further details were provided on what prompted the alert.
Responding to questions via WhatsApp, Sturge said he could not discuss the nature of the threat or confirm whether it was linked to ongoing US military operations off the Venezuelan coast.
“The remaining questions cannot be answered at this time for obvious reasons, but all will be revealed at the appropriate time,” Sturge said.
Guardian Media also asked whether any Defence Force units had been placed on alert or whether the US military had requested entry into T&T, but the minister did not confirm.
When Guardian Media visited Chaguaramas yesterday, there was no visible increase in activity outside the Coast Guard’s Staubles Bay headquarters or the Regiment’s Teteron Barracks. At a nearby beach house, guests attending a wedding said they were largely unconcerned.
“That’s happening way outside there on the sea,” one guest said. “I’m not worried at all—life goes on. The only thing I’m really concerned about is this weather.”
Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander said that between the Embassy’s declaration on Saturday and yesterday afternoon, no new information had surfaced that warranted a change in the local security posture. He added that authorities would continue to monitor developments.
“We are here and supporting where support is due, because what we are seeing is the fight against drugs, guns, and human trafficking being dealt with,” Alexander said.
When asked whether he had been in contact with the FBI, the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), or other US agencies, Alexander said such collaboration was ongoing.
“We have a wonderful, well-coordinated, professional relationship with our colleagues from the US with respect to intelligence and operations. While we are fixing our security problems, we are getting help from the US to prevent it (drugs) from coming in.”
In response to Guardian Media’s questions, a spokesperson for the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) said the Department of State continually evaluates and adjusts security postures at embassies and consulates around the world based on the local security environment and other key factors.
No further details were provided regarding the reason for the change in alert level.
Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin also declined to confirm whether the TTPS had been contacted by foreign law enforcement agencies.
“We are in contact with as many people as can assist us in this event,” he said, noting that the police are maintaining an inter-agency approach involving Defence, Homeland Security, and international partners.
Benjamin said the TTPS is taking the advisory seriously and will remain vigilant throughout the long Divali weekend and beyond.
“We are ensuring our police officers remain in a state of readiness so that, at any time, if any situation arises, we are prepared.”
A police source told Guardian Media that while little information has been circulated about the alert, officers have been instructed to remain on standby. The source said the matter is “receiving the attention” of the Special Branch, while tactical units—including the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), GEB, and National Operations Task Force (NOTF)—have been mobilised to provide support.