By Sue-Ann Wayow

CONTRARY to public information, former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley is not on an Interpol watch list, states the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).

The TTPS in a media statement on Monday said it noted recent public statements by  Dr Rowley, who alleges that he was flagged on an Interpol watch list during his recent travels.

Dr Rowley has called upon national authorities including the Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, for an explanation, suggesting that his placement was not erroneous, but rather a calculated attempt to defame him on the international stage in a statement to the media on Monday at his home.

While in Antigua, he was approached by police officers as he was en route to Montserrat recently he claimed.

The TTPS stated that through its Interpol Bureau, promptly initiated a review of internal systems.

“Comprehensive checks were conducted across Interpol’s secure databases which yielded a definitive result: Dr Rowley is not listed on any Interpol watch list or international notice.

“No alerts, flags, or warrants are associated with his name in Interpol’s systems.”

The TTSP added, “Moreover, the TTPS confirms that it has not submitted, nor caused to be submitted, any information to Interpol that would justify such a listing. There is no record, directive or procedural action from any department within the TTPS that supports the allegation of local involvement in the matter.”

It also stated that Interpol functions under rigorous protocols that require judicial documentation or formal prosecutorial requests for any individual to be listed. These procedures are managed exclusively through each member state’s national central bureau.

The CoP does not hold the authority to unilaterally add or remove individuals from Interpol systems. Such actions are governed by international legal standards, not domestic discretion, the TTPS stated.

The release stated, “With respect to the suggestion of political interference or state-sponsored defamation, the TTPS firmly maintains its position as an independent and apolitical institution. No evidence has emerged indicating that the organisation, or any of its members, has participated in politically motivated conduct regarding Dr Rowley.”

The TTPS also urges responsible dialogue in the public sphere, especially when reputational harm and institutional trust are at stake.