PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago government Friday rejected allegations by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar that the state is using an interception tool known as Pegasus Spyware Solution, (Pegasus), to illegally intercept telecommunications and is engaged in widespread spying on citizens

“I reject the false narratives that, the state is using Pegasus, that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is conducting interception of communications outside of the suite provided and controlled by the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago, and that there are any individuals being targeted by law enforcement for intercept who are not under suspicion of being involved in serious criminal activity,” Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said in a lengthy statement to Parliament.

He told legislators that the ill effects of these false narratives about interception should not be underestimated and are very irresponsible as they “undermine the fight against crime and the trust that we should repose in those charged with the responsibility of the state’s legal intercept resources.”

“I trust that this statement will serve to dismiss the irresponsible, false allegations of those who see benefit in their damaging actions and statements. It is hoped that it will be understood and accepted by the right and civic minded citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,” Rowley said.

“I have provided this information and the assurances given as the chairman of the National Security Council and the prime minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago as I lead a government that respects the laws of Trinidad and Tobago,” he added.

Earlier this month, Persad Bissessar, speaking at a Monday night forum of her main opposition United National Congress (UNC), told supporters that she had been provided with the information by a whistleblower and that the “spying” is being done with the help of specially selected police officers, aligned to the government, to help Prime Minister Rowley “cling to power”.

“Some time ago, I warned you all about the Rowley government acquiring the Israeli software Pegasus programme to hack into citizens’ WhatsApp communication and other communications. Tonight, I can confirm that government did acquire the software and they have been illegally spying on citizens through various social media platforms, WhatsApp, e-mails,” she told the meeting, adding that some of the people identified have been alerted privately to the situation,” she said.

“The list of persons being spied on includes members of the media, reporters and editors; members of the judiciary, senior judges and magistrates; state agencies spying on their own board appointees; trade unions; members of government. Yes, of course they are spying on their own MPs and senators. And, of course, they must be spying on the Opposition. We know that it’s not the first time,” Persad Bissessar added.

Continuing she said, “Also being illegally monitored are members of the business community, from the chambers of commerce. Lawyers associated both with the UNC and the PNM and, of course, persons in other political parties.”

National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds has already dismissed the allegation and in his second rebuttal of the Opposition Leader’s statement this month, Rowley told Parliament that it had become necessary for him to address the “disturbing, false narrative that has its genesis within recent times where there has been a concerted, and conscious effort, to mislead not only the population of Trinidad and Tobago but also those in the international community”.

He reiterated that the allegations of using the spyware were “completely untrue” and wanted to assure the population and the state “does not possess, nor has it ever possessed or use Pegasus spyware.”

“Contrary to the current misinformation campaign on this issue, there is no truth whatsoever, in the allegation that the state, including, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and/ or the Strategic Services Agency or any other state agency for that matter, has any officer using Pegasus spyware,” Hinds said.

Rowley said that the SSA is the sole custodian of all known interception of communication software and hardware procured by the Trinidad and Tobago government or any other state agency.