“Completely unacceptable.” That’s how Prime Minister Stuart Young SC described a shooting incident just outside of the Piarco International Airport on Thursday morning.
Speaking to reporters at a tour of the Sangre Grande Hospital Campus on Thursday afternoon, he said he has already received a report on the incident from the TTPS, through National Security Minister Marvin Gonzales.
“What happened is completely unacceptable. The first thing when the news came to me is I got on to the Minister of National Security. I have been provided, through him, with a report by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. This is something that is being taken very, very seriously, as it should by the law enforcement authorities. We have asked them to assess the type of security arrangement. But also my understanding is there is an active investigation that may see some results.”
He said the PNM’s manifesto launched on Wednesday deals with issues just as these to get crime under control.
“You’re seeing the type of resources and the plans in the security apparatus, an area that really nobody is able to respond to in a negative light. When we start to implement those measures, building on the platform that there is now and providing the type of resource and type of intelligence, and also the technology, I am hoping that we will continue to have the type of results that we had during the State of Emergency.”
The Prime Minister does not believe the incident will have an effect on tourists visiting the country.
“I don’t think this should affect at all tourists or foreigners coming to visit Trinidad and Tobago. As I say, it is a very, very unfortunate incident that should shake up any law-abiding citizen in Trinidad and Tobago. The authorities are aware of it. I know that they are taking a look at security arrangements.”
Prime Minister Young also responded to questions on whether there has been discussions at the National Security Council level.
“We’re not going to overreact to this at all. This heinous crime took place within the last 24 hours. Those who have to deal with the matter and who have to react to the matter are doing so. I’ve been given that assurance, and I want to see what it is they’re going to come up with.”