Trinidad’s Police Commissioner, Allister Guevarro, said violence does not respect borders, terminals, or time zones as the police announced increased security measures at the Piarco International Airport, where an arriving passenger was shot and killed, and gunmen robbed a fast-food outlet.
Guevarro, who, along with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, led several law enforcement officials on a visit to the airport on Tuesday evening, said, “If we cannot protect the sanctity of this space, then we would have failed.”
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The recently appointed top cop said that there would be a 24-hour tactical and canine security deployment at the airport.
“This initiative is not a standalone measure. It is part of a broader strategy, one that integrates intelligence, inter-agency cooperation, and community trust. Our canine units are trained not only in detection but in deterrence. And our tactical officers are not just responders; they are guardians of a new standard.
“Police operating within the airport space, where we would be able to detect offences immediately, deter persons who may wish to commit acts of heinous violence upon our citizens and visitors when they come to our shores, and the canine presence would serve as a deterrent to persons who may wish to utilize travelling through the airport to traffic narcotics and firearms,” Guevarro added.
Alexander, a former senior police officer, welcomed the new initiative, calling it a showcase of the country’s readiness.
“When the law enforcement takes this type of stand, not just to protect its citizens but to inform the criminal element that enough is enough, it speaks volumes. It speaks to the mere existence of people who are wondering what tomorrow brings,’ he said, noting the critical need for such an initiative.
“When persons arrive from whatever destination they came from, and they are leaving, this is the showcase of Trinidad and Tobago. What happens here, persons believe exists here,” Alexander added.
Earlier this month, gunmen robbed a fast-food outlet at the airport after pretending to be customers, taking cash and valuables.
In April, gunmen shot and killed 33-year-old Arkim Quashie when he returned from Panama during the early hours in what police believe was an orchestrated hit.
Meanwhile, police said they were searching for five foreign nationals who escaped from the Immigration Detention Centre, located along the Eastern Main Road in Carapo.
The police said that they are pursuing several leads and are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or sightings of the escapees. CMC
