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CCNTV6
  • 6 weeks ago
Transcript
00:00Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander says in recent weeks, people holding either dual citizenship or U.S. residency
00:07have been using media platforms, social media channels and online news programs to quote
00:13disseminate defamatory, inflammatory and intentionally misleading narratives about our joint mission
00:20and the ongoing security operations within Trinidad and Tobago, end quote.
00:25Minister Alexander says it involves both mainstream and social media, but more so social media.
00:55That's in reference to an incident where it was rumored that the U.S. was about to invade Venezuela,
01:01which sparked panic in Port of Spain. The minister adds that even when the truth is disseminated by
01:07officials, it is hindered by the false narratives.
01:11Persons are saying that they are lying. My prime minister, Fayeji, spoke to persons and said that they were not satisfied.
01:18They are satisfied by the level of rumors.
01:23He says those individuals are profiting from sensationalism and distorting the truth to gain views on their platforms,
01:31following which they retreat to the U.S.
01:34Meanwhile, he states that the citizens of TNT are left to bear the fallout, including tension, fear and instability.
01:40And then now we are seeing people on social media calling on government from elsewhere to come and bomb this here and bomb this one here
01:51and kill this one and kill this one here and assassinate here and assassinate there.
01:57Alexander says freedom of speech is not to be used as a means to destabilize the country and undermine public trust.
02:04He indicates that these actions are affecting the bilateral efforts between both countries
02:08and potentially endangering the safety of not only citizens but security personnel as well.
02:14What they are doing, they are really giving Venezuela information and Venezuela is sometimes
02:21saying that they are doing this and half of the time it's not to be used.
02:25And then they are looking to cause an issue between us and the United States.
02:30And that is not what they are about.
02:33You understand what I'm saying?
02:34The Homeland Security Minister states that the misuse of freedom of speech will not be tolerated,
02:48especially by foreigners, due to the threat it poses.
02:52Alexander is seeking cooperation from the U.S. Embassy to take action, including
02:56issuing a warning to his citizens who are spreading what he calls false information
03:00to investigate if the actions breach U.S. law, to issue communication that freedom of speech
03:07does not extend to deliberate misinformation campaigns threatening national security and bilateral
03:12cooperation, and finally, to support efforts which could include visa revocation for people
03:18who engage in the activities outlined.
03:21Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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