Nine individuals previously held in connection with the recent vandalism of Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) facilities in Tobago have been released, police confirmed on Wednesday.
Superintendent Rodhil Kirk told the Express that the group, which included one WASA employee and two women, was released around noon on Tuesday pending further investigation. The individuals come from areas including Claxton Bay, Golden Lane, Smithfield, Scarborough, and Delaford.
“They were released pending further enquiries into the matter. It does not mean that the investigation has stopped. The investigation remains ongoing at a sensitive stage,” Superintendent Kirk said, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near WASA installations.
The deliberate damage, which occurred between March 27 and 28, affected four critical water supply facilities: Arnos Vale Well #4, Bacolet Well #3, Bloody Bay Well #1, and the Claude Noel Highway Well, including a tank farm. The attacks disrupted water distribution across parts of Tobago, leaving residents scrambling before services were restored.
Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath condemned the vandalism, describing it alongside Chief Secretary Farley Augustine as an act of “domestic terrorism.” The government has moved to strengthen security at utility sites and is working with the Attorney General to tighten laws against such acts.
WASA reiterated that vandalism of public property is a criminal offense under the Summary Offences Act (Chap. 11:02) and the Malicious Damage Act (Chap. 11:06), carrying fines and potential imprisonment. The Authority has also increased security at key facilities and launched a Vandalism Hotline at 465-2949.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, emphasizing that acts of vandalism not only disrupt water services but also threaten residents’ daily lives.
