Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is on high alert following a recent security advisory.
Benjamin explained that the decision to increase security measures is based on intelligence received and the advisory itself and is intended to ensure the safety of all citizens and foreign nationals in the country.
He said officers already are deployed and monitoring the situation closely.
“We are putting our members on high alert to ensure safety and security for all our citizens, as well as for persons who might be more or less affected in that advisory,” he said.
In response to questions about whether citizens should avoid official buildings, as the U.S. Embassy has advised its nationals, Benjamin said there is no need for such measures locally. However, he confirmed that intelligence regarding potential threats, particularly to U.S. citizens, is being carefully assessed to ensure its accuracy.
Benjamin declined to comment on possible links between the advisory and recent tensions involving Venezuela, citing the sensitivity of intelligence information. He added that he has spoken with the Minister of Homeland Security and that necessary security preparations are being implemented.
Regarding the safety of key government officials—including the Prime Minister, Attorney General, and President—Benjamin assured the public that measures are in place to protect all individuals.
“As I said, there's absolutely no need for us to panic, really, or have anything to panic about,” he said. “Nevertheless, we are, for one, to be forearmed, and therefore we are putting things in place as the intelligence comes in, to ensure the necessary preparations to ensure safety and security of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Benjamin concluded by reassuring the public that the police are actively responding to the advisory and urged citizens to remain calm.
“Let them know that we are working on the intelligence that we receive, and we have put things in place to deal with those situations,” he said.
