Senior T&T Police Service officials in both islands yesterday admitted that they had heightened surveillance measures at all ports of entry after they became suspicious that relatives of people believed to be members of various Muslim groups were leaving the country in groups.
Well placed intelligence sources within the TTPS confirmed the information was communicated to them by senior officials early yesterday, even as security at all police stations and posts were increased. Officials also confirmed that police officers on vacation leave had been recalled to duty.
Contacted yesterday, senior police officers in Tobago said they had begun monitoring visitor arrivals there, especially those arriving via boat.
Although deeming the arrival activity “suspicious,” police officials also admitted that it could simply be a matter of families embarking on vacation after the 40-day Ramadan fast. The Muslim community celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr last Saturday.
Officials said they had been instructed to review the arrival and departure logs from both the airport and sea port.
Contacted via cell as he stood with supporters outside the Central Police Station, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, where his father was detained yesterday, Fuad Abu Bakr said he had not heard of any such activity.
National Security Minister Carl Alfonso neither confirmed nor denied the information but said law enforcement officials were generally concerned about the safety and security of citizens.
Even as he directed that further questions be posed to acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams on the issue, Alfonso said measures were in place for any situation that may arise.
Less than 24-hours after Abu Bakr was detained, the Ministry of National Security issued a release dispelling rumours of “any impending national disturbance.”
Seeking to reassure citizens, the ministry said every and all steps were being taken to ensure the preservation of order and overall security.
Dana’s family waits
The heightened security checks came one day after Jamaat-al-Muslimeen leader Imam Yasin Abu Bakr was detained by police in relation to the murder of former Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal.
A former Independent Senator, Seetahal was assassinated at 12.05 am on May 4, 2014, two months shy of her 59th birthday. She was shot dead near the Woodbrook Youth Facility as she drove along Hamilton Holder Street on the way to her One Woodbrook Place apartment.
In the run-up to the anniversary of her death in May, Seetahal’s family called on the police for answers as they expressed fears her case had gone cold as her killer(s) remained at large.
Yesterday, Seetahal’s sister and director of the Financial Intelligence Unit, Susan Francois, said the family had learned of the latest developments surrounding the murder via media sources.
Stressing no charges had been laid against anyone detained, Francois said they were “just waiting on information from the police.”
However, she cautiously added: “We are mindful of the fact that investigations like this type are very sensitive.”
Although Francois said the family would not be issuing any further statements on the matter, she said: “We remain hopeful that this matter will be resolved as soon as possible. It has been over a year now and it has not come to a conclusion.”
Also contacted yesterday, Seetahal’s best friend, attorney Merlin Boyce, said: “I do not think it will be prudent to comment at this time.”