PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A death threat against the Prime Minister and other members of Cabinet arising out of recent law enforcement activity has now led to increased security measures.
In addition, C News has confirmed that off duty soldiers, Coast Guardsmen and Air Guard personnel have been recalled to active duty.
On Wednesday, National Security sources and two senior Government officials confirmed to C News that security has been tightened around the Prime Minister and three members of Cabinet and this was related to recent activities by law enforcement during the State of Emergency.
Another senior Government official said the threat is coming from a group including international drug and illegal gun traffickers. A radical Islamic group is also involved but it is not the Jamaat al Muslimeen.
The senior Government official also said certain suspects allegedly linked to the assassination plot are behind bars and other arrests are expected.
The Coast Guard has confirmed as well that all of its officers have been recalled to active duty. The Regiment and the Air Guard also confirmed a call-out of its off duty and non-rostered personnel. The Defence Force has not given any reason for this call-out.
The Minister of National Security and the Chief of Defence Staff have not returned any messages from C News on the matter.
Contacted for comment, the Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor, Mr. Gary Griffith, had little to say as he did not want to compromise her safety. However, he said an official statement would be made on the matter on Friday.
