00:00A security incident at Piyako International Airport was the subject of an urgent question by Chief Whip Marvin Gonzalez in
00:07the House of Representatives.
00:09Given recent reports that an aircraft transporting explosives has been landed at the Piyako International Airport,
00:18what immediate security measures have been implemented at the airport to ensure safety and security of staff and members of
00:28the public?
00:28A virgin question from the opposition was posed to Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander,
00:34who gave some details about the incident and the state's security response.
00:39Mr. Speaker, shortly after 6 p.m. yesterday evening, an aircraft containing several tons of prohibited dangerous items landed at
00:49the Piyako International Airport and was immediately impounded.
00:53The aircraft remained impounded and the two pilots and six crew members who were on board, Mr. Speaker, the aircraft
01:05has been detained for questioning.
01:08The Homeland Security Minister told the House of Representatives that the investigation does not only include elements of the state's
01:15security apparatus that is under his portfolio.
01:18The Toronto Police Service and intelligence agencies continue to investigate, Mr. Speaker, and those units include members of the Ministry
01:32of Defense.
01:33No further details were provided by the government in the lower house.
01:37Chief Whip Gonzalez sought assurances from Homeland Security Minister Alexander about the security situation beyond the airport's perimeter.
01:46Minister, thank you for your response and supplemental question.
01:52Can you see, Minister, whether, having regard to the actions of law enforcement officials, whether there are any immediate threats
02:00to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago?
02:03Mr. Speaker, all the agencies under the Homeland Security and the Ministry of Defense presently treating the situation.
02:10We have the situation, we have the situation under control and there is no need.
02:14Security at the nation's two airports is provided by elements of the police service, the defense force, as well as
02:21the airport's authorities and state police.
02:24Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
02:26Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
02:27Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
02:28Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
02:29Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
02:29Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
02:29Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
02:29You
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