Attorney General John Jeremie, Government's main spokesperson at the forefront of the State of Emergency says it was absolutely necessary and the effects are already bearing fruit.
00:00Government has been taking note of trends in society as it relates to gruesome crimes, 213 homicides, the resurgence of extortion, kidnappings for ransom and information regarding the high profile murder of Randall Hector has now come to light.
00:16Our intelligence reports suggest, and they suggest strongly, with a degree of high confidence, that the recent murder of a state prosecutor was directly linked to a specific gang.
00:40But government on Thursday received much more troubling information.
00:44A plot was in the advanced stages of execution from within Trinidad and Tobago's correctional facilities.
00:57The object of the plot was clear.
01:03It was directed towards violent attacks targeting citizens, persons involved in the justice system at all levels,
01:17and others involved in serving this country in the protective services, including police officers.
01:27State facilities were also targeted.
01:30Before the public even became aware of the state of emergency, the police sprung into action.
01:35This morning, at about 6 a.m., the police began to interdict known gang members alleged to be involved in these plots
01:49in order to disrupt threats to the state and to our citizens.
01:55Police Commissioner Alistair Guevaro says the plot was being coordinated by persons at correctional facilities
02:01who use mobile phones to relay instructions.
02:04In the past, when inmates are stripped of their devices, it prompts the assassination of prison's officers.
02:10We have thought about it.
02:13These gangs are so sophisticated that they've planned for an eventuality similar to what has happened this morning.
02:23They have made contingency plans.
02:26We've had to get ahead of those contingency plans.
02:29The AG says the Prime Minister has not slept for the past 48 hours as the information was solid
02:35and the existential threat was deeply troubling.
02:39We make no apologies for it.
02:41We have a duty to all of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, whether they voted for us or not,
02:48to keep them safe and to protect against precisely that which took place in 1990.
02:55It will not happen on our watch.
03:00And it appears their efforts are bearing fruit.
03:03The fact that I am here speaking to you this morning
03:06and that half of the building has not been destroyed by a rocket launcher
03:14should tell you that we have succeeded in disrupting a plan.
03:19Is the AG fearful for his life?
03:22My life? I am not bothered by things like that.
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