If it wasn't evident before, it's clear now: the world has changed and the thinking must adapt.
The bombing of a Russian plane, Middle east and African state attacks in the last month, Lebanon bombings, the Paris Black Friday terrorist attacks and yesterday's attack in Mali has dictated the need for a shift of consciousness.
Particularly for T&T which, though the most peaceful, prosperous stable Caribbean state–and perhaps even because of those conditions–and other factors, is located amid the situation. Recollection that a video of alleged T&T foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) with Isis was released prior to the Paris attacks may have faded. But post-attack, the region is in focus via assorted developments.
Muhamed Khoualed, the 19 year-old Caribbean man, alleged to have supplied the suicide belts used by Paris attackers, was reportedly from the French Antilles. France's state of emergency post now applies to neighbouring French islands. In recent days people with fake and stolen Greek passports were held trying to enter St Maarten, Honduras en route to the US and in Costa Rica .
Guyana, T&T and Suriname–from where FTFs are reportedly joining Isis' transnational base–boast the largest Caribbean Muslim populations. Authorities say about 89 T&T nationals have joined Isis.
Over decades, there are now three types of Muslims locally: traditional conservatives, fundamentalists and extremists conjoined with local criminal fringe element, tying radicalism to religion, marring T&T's Muslim community profile, which attorney Nafeesa Mohammed describes as fragmented. Apart from reported radicalised units in the East West corridor, central, south/deep/eastern south, Tobagonians chronicle the rise of certain businesses involving non-T&T nationals in the last four years including west Tobago enclaves and increasing masjid memberships. Acting Sr Supt Joanne Archie says Tobago Police includes Special Branch and Crime/Intelligence input.
Former National Operation centre head, Garvin Heerah, said he'd advised security agencies to probe signs of cyber money laundering via a popular online payment service, tagged as a format for organised transnational crime including facets of online terrorist fund-raising. Apart from the PP's tracking of entities aiding arrangements/funding for T&T FTFs, this would likely also come at other levels among certain businesses and groups.
Travel routes and itineraries would be staggered to allay suspicion. Removal of the European states Schengen visa has also allowed easier movement (as France has discovered). Consul to Turkey, Michael Llanos says visas aren't required for visits under 90 days. T&T is the only Caribbean state this applies to. Consul to Syria, Marwan Yussef who supports blocking returning FTFs, said visas haven't been issued since 2011 and are issued in Venezuela. Five T&T nationals, who went there in 2014 seeking visas for hajj, remain detained on alleged terrorism charges. The new T&T-Saudi Arabian Chamber (headed by a T&T national and T&T-born, Canadian-based businessman) which discussed investment with the PP and recently with the current PNM Government, has lobbied for stronger T&T/SA diplomatic ties and direct air links and expressed interest in regional billion-dollar real estate development. TTSAC in October also lobbied leaders of Grenada, St Vincent and Barbados for investment.
Reports of T&T FTF deaths magnifies concerns about returnees. Passports are valuable currency amid identity theft. Umar Abdullah has claimed T&T FTFs have to surrender passports when they join.
T&T also saw residency applications from the Middle East/Africa rise in recent years since unrest there. Former National Security Minister Jack Warner says about 300 from Syria were given residence during his term.
Yuseff says those coming to T&T are sponsored by families. He does background checks. He recalls about 100, "some becoming involved in the food trade." Former PP Minister Gerry Hadeed who confirms some local businessmen assist newcomers, says Government should use electronic bracelets to monitor FTF returnees.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley has levelled with the public that T&T is more vulnerable now than in 1990 when the failed coup attempt occurred. Heightened vigilance measures subsequently released, didn't however appear fully in practice at Tuesday's T&T/US football match–a situation, security agencies are pushing to recoup.
It therefore remains to unfold what T&T's buzzing landscape will yield as result of this entire mix.