PORT-OF-SPAIN – SEVENTY–two people have been arrested and one woman has died in civil unrest in the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) stated that the “well-orchestrated plan to destabilize the country by a few, has been quelled.”
It stated that more people were expected to be charged when investigations were completed.
A release on Tuesday added, “There has been one casualty- a woman- and investigations are underway to determine the cause of her death.”
It noted, “Intelligence has revealed that this was an orchestrated plan that was led by several gang members, whereby the intention was to use the shooting of the three young men a few days ago, as a front to cover the planned plot to shut down the country.”
It stated, “This was a well-orchestrated plot by certain gang leaders in the hope to get national support, when they commenced their plan to cause mayhem, fear, and destruction throughout the country.
“This was wishful thinking, as it has only exposed who the real enemy is, when the nation saw it for themselves, via the plan to destabilize the country, and put law-abiding citizens in harm’s way.”
The release stated that the TTPS was prepared.
It stated that the plan was to shut down the country by setting fire to certain places along the Beetham to Port-of-Spain and when when officers arrived they were to be fired upon.
The release stated, “The plan was to kill police officers and to shoot up police stations. These same criminal elements used the opportunity yesterday and again this morning, to rob law-abiding citizens.
“It was to continue with wild random shots to be fired throughout the country to cause further havoc. This included shots being fired at the Office of the Attorney General, which was actually done.
“On several occasions, shots were also fired at police officers in different parts of the city. The plot was to also block roads in the hope that it would shut down the country.”
It stated that the TTPS was now under Red Alert, to prevent any criminal element from attempting to destabilise the nation and that the situation was under control.
