Police have ‘no additional information’ on US threat

Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin - Photo by Faith Ayoung

Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin says police have no additional information about the threat to US facilities in TT other than what is already in the public domain, but added there is no local intelligence to suggest citizens have any need to worry.

In a social media post on October 18, the US Embassy advised US nationals to be on alert and urged them to avoid visiting US facilities in TT.

"Due to a heightened state of alert, please avoid and refrain from visiting all US government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago through the Divali holiday weekend."

Benjamin told Newsday although the TTPS is light on information, police have adopted a proactive approach with the implementation of additional security measures.

“Exactly what you've seen is what has been given to us. We have no additional information at all.”

“It's just that we are taking that extra precaution because we just want to ensure safety and security on a whole. Especially with this circular from the US, we want to take extra precautions.”

He said there is no information to suggest that the citizenry or critical TT infrastructure are also at risk.

“We have no proof or anything to say that we're seeing anything that is unusual within the TT space.”

He said the precautionary measures include heightened alerts at police stations and constant checks on critical TT Electricity Commission and Water and Sewerage Authority infrastructure.

“There will be regular checks throughout all of our essential services which include all the necessary areas that are pertinent to the safe running of TT. So we are checking on (TTEC and WASA) facilities on a regular basis and just ensuring safety on the whole for TT.”

Tancoo: 'News sources' causing panic

Finance Minister Dave Tancoo also lambasted those he claimed are causing “mass hysteria and panic” after he dismissed a message circulating on social media about a security alert at the Central Bank of TT as fake news.

The message stated, “The Central Bank of Trinidad just got notice to go on security alert and they have engaged their emergency protocol. It seems like the US attack on Venezuela may be soon. Please take notice of whatever measures you may need to put in place.”

It added, “The Prime Minister and the Attorney General have been moved to a safe house and the US has urged their citizens to register with the embassy in the event of an evacuation!”

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Barry Padarath has since responded to the safe house claim describing it as “simply not true.”

Tancoo dismissed the message and accused “news sources” of trying to panic the country.

“There are certain ‘news sources,’ and I say that intentionally, that are seeking to create mass hysteria and panic.”

He pointed out any US actions towards Venezuela would be highly secretive with even the TT government unlikely to know in advance.

“If the US is going to do anything in Venezuela you think they will call us and tell us? That’s not how these things operate as far as I could tell.”

He added it is also highly unlikely that a local social media blogger or journalist will be the first person US officials will inform.

“I don’t think they are going to pick up the phone and call certain newspeople… and tell them ‘This is what is happening.’”

He urged people to rely on credible sources of information adding, “If the Central Bank posted something it will be on their website. If it’s not on their website it’s not real.”