Sturge

Senior Reporter

[email protected]

Although mystery continues to surround the origin of alleged death threats issued to Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, at least two of his Cabinet colleagues have assured that this is not affecting his ability to perform his duties. This, despite his non-appearance in the last week.

Sidestepping questions from reporters as they emerged separately following a visit to the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court on St Vincent Street yesterday, Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander urged the media to get answers from Sturge himself, on when and what threats had been made, the medium used to issue the threats, what security agency he reported it to and if increased security measures had been put in place for him and his family.

Both men also declined to confirm if they had increased their personal security, as well as that of close family members. While Maharaj indicated it’s being considered, Alexander declined to address the issue.

Asked if the Cabinet had met to discuss what had been described as a grave and serious matter, Maharaj declined comment, citing confidentiality and security concerns.

Pressed on if the alleged threats had been reported to the T&T Police Service (TTPS), the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), or even the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Maharaj advised, “Maybe you should address that to Minister Sturge.”

Informed that all calls and messages to Sturge’s cellphone had gone unanswered, while visits to his office at the Ministry of National Security in Port-of-Spain on Monday and Tuesday had proven futile, Maharaj defended his Cabinet colleague.

“I am sure that Minister Sturge is a responsible politician, and he will reach out to you when it is necessary,” he said.

He echoed the sentiments of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, as he said the authorities were, “concerned at this point in time with the safety of every single citizen because it’s a serious situation.”

Alexander said Cabinet ministers spoke to each other every day.

He added, “He (Sturge) is alive and well and performing his duties.”

Alexander also urged all questions regarding the alleged threats to be directed to Sturge.

“Everybody is concerned about their safety,” he said.

“But there are persons here that you would see, and some that are here that you wouldn’t see.”