Senior Reporter
With just one day before Trinidad and Tobago celebrates its 64th Independence anniversary, law enforcement agencies have revisted and heightened security measures following an unverified report of possible threats against embassies, diplomatic facilities and Government buildings received late Friday night.
The report surfaced only hours after national security officials, including Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, assured the nation that threat assessments ahead of tomorrow’s celebrations remained low.
In a statement titled “Security Measures Activated to Ensure Public Safety” yesterday, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) confirmed the threat was being treated “with the seriousness and operational sensitivity required.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin, who is in charge of Operations and serves as Gold Commander for this year’s Independence celebrations, instructed divisional commanders across the TTPS’s ten policing divisions to implement the necessary operational measures.
The TTPS said it is also working closely with intelligence and national security partners to assess the credibility of the report and safeguard the public.
A police bulletin circulated by the Command Centre at 11.12 pm on Friday directed senior officers to increase security at all police stations. A subsequent communication referenced heightened patrols around Government buildings and diplomatic facilities.
Contacted shortly after the threat was received on Friday night, Martin confirmed investigations were underway to determine its origin.
The TTPS also warned against speculation and the circulation of unverified information, particularly claims concerning the identity, affiliation or location of any individual or group.
“Citizens should remain calm and alert and immediately report suspicious persons, vehicles, packages or unusual activity to the police,” the statement said.
The service added that further information would be released when operationally appropriate.
Speaking to the media during a dress rehearsal in St Ann’s on Friday, Guevarro said the TTPS was prepared to respond to any eventuality during Monday’s proceedings. He noted that the latest security assessment indicated a “very low threshold” for threats, allowing planners to proceed with confidence.
Guevarro revealed that 622 police officers will be deployed for the celebrations, including 222 assigned directly to the parade and a further 400 providing contingency and support services. He said the TTPS’s strategy would focus on “professionalism, visibility and facilitation.”
“I want to reassure members of the public that the TTPS and all arms of national security are well poised for ensuring that this is one of the safest parades for Independence,” he said.
This year’s celebrations will feature an expanded programme, including a cultural parade showcasing steelpan, tassa, music trucks, moko jumbies and other performers.
Following the military parade, patrons will be treated to a cultural showcase beginning at 5 pm at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah. The event will culminate with a silent fireworks display and drone show.
A notable addition this year is Chief of Defence Staff Commodore Don Polo, who will serve as parade commander and lead the armed forces on horseback. Traditionally, parade commanders have been selected from within the ranks of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
Last year’s Independence celebrations were cancelled because of the State of Emergency after intelligence indicated that senior State officials were under threat. The Government instead observed August 31 as a National Day of Prayer and Reflection.
Attempts to reach Guevarro, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for comment yesterday were unsuccessful.
‘Bomb threats are not a joke’
The TTPS is urging members of the public to refrain from making bomb threats against schools, businesses, Government institutions, transport hubs or any other location.
Head of the TTPS Corporate Communications Unit Joanne Archie yesterday stressed that every threat is treated as genuine.
“The TTPS cannot know in advance which call is a hoax, and so each one triggers a full emergency response,” she said.
Responding to questions from the Sunday Guardian, Archie added: “There is no such thing as a harmless bomb threat. Every single one of these calls pulls officers, bomb disposal personnel and emergency responders away from communities that may need them for a genuine emergency.”
She warned that individuals who believe they can act anonymously are mistaken.
“We have the capability to trace these communications. We will find you. You will be arrested, brought before the courts and left with a criminal record for what you may have considered a prank.”
Archie said false threats can have severe consequences, including panic, injuries during emergency evacuations and delays in responding to real emergencies.
“When police officers, firefighters, bomb disposal teams and ambulance personnel are diverted to a hoax, they are unavailable to respond elsewhere. That can cost lives and disrupt communities,” she said.
She added that businesses can lose revenue, workers lose wages, and patients and commuters are displaced.
“The greatest damage is often the erosion of public confidence. Repeated threats leave people anxious long after the all-clear is given.”
Anyone with information about the origin of a bomb threat is asked to contact police at 999, 555 or 800-TIPS (8477).
