The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has refuted widespread rumours about an imminent change to the national and regional security environment, dismissing circulating reports as false news and urging citizens to remain calm.
The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs issued a statement Friday addressing what it described as a “heightened sense of anxiety and concern in the national community” triggered by false reports suggesting major security changes were forthcoming.
The clarification comes after White House Spokeswoman Anna Kelly denied reports that the United States was imminently poised to engage in military action in the region. According to the Ministry’s statement, she advised that “any announcements regarding Venezuela policy would come directly from the President.”
The Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs confirmed that the government is in active contact with the Embassy of the United States of America in Port of Spain regarding the circulating reports.
“Based on the information received, there is no need for the population to be concerned,” the Ministry stated emphatically. “All citizens are therefore urged to remain calm.”
The Ministry clarified that the United States of America, through its Southern Command (SouthCom), is currently focused on assisting in disaster recovery efforts for Jamaica, not on any military operations in the region.
Officials assured the public that the government will maintain transparency regarding any genuine security developments.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago gives the assurance that it will inform the population of any changes which would warrant a change in the security environment in the country,” the statement concluded.