Young says TT to boost border security

Minister of National Security Stuart Young.
Minister of National Security Stuart Young.

NATIONAL Security Minister Stuart Young yesterday held talks about strengthening this country's border security. A statement issued by the ministry said Young met with the heads of law enforcement, border security officials and intelligence agencies at the ministry at Temple Court in Port of Spain.

Those present included representatives of the Police Service, TT Defence Force, Strategic Services Agency, Immigration Division, Customs and Excise Division and the Prison Service. Discussions reportedly focused on efforts to ensure optimum performance on current border security mechanisms; pursuit of best practice benchmarks through the use of modern technology and increasing border intelligence and information sharing.

The ministry said it will continue to provide the neccessary support to national security agencies to ensure "sustained protection" of the country's borders. The statement made no reference to the crisis in Venezuela.

Checks on international media did not find any reports of any new movements of Venezuelans fleeing that country. Last November, Young said there is no refugee crisis in TT as a result of Venezuelans entering the country illegally.

He confirmed there are some 214 illegal entry points between Trinidad and Tobago, and said government will spend $6 million to get 14 of the interceptor boats back into service to be strategically placed along the coast to improve surveillance and stop the influx.

Young reiterated Government's efforts to strengthen TT's border security at last Thursday's post-Cabinet news conference.

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"Young says TT to boost border security"

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