PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC)– The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has tightened security across the country to protect citizens and government officials following a United States (US) Embassy alert urging Americans to steer clear of US facilities during the Divali weekend.

In a notice issued on Saturday, the Embassy advised American citizens to avoid visiting any of its facilities in Trinidad and Tobago through the holiday period, citing “a heightened state of alert.” It also urged nationals to remain aware of their surroundings, monitor reputable news sources, and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

READ: US Embassy issues security alert for Americans in T&T

The country’s Acting Commissioner of Police, Junior Benjamin, has since assured that there is no cause for public alarm. He said the TTPS has activated additional security measures to safeguard citizens, foreign nationals, and key facilities across the country.

“The citizens and the facilities of the US are intact,” he said in an interview on local radio. “We are going to support as much as we can in terms of having our officers so briefed, but we really do not want to create any scare [among] the citizenry…. We stand in support of ensuring the safety and security of all persons — both those who are citizens [of Trinidad and Tobago] as well as those who are citizens of the United States.”

Benjamin also indicated that he had earlier held a briefing with all the heads of the TTPS’ operational units to ensure the protection of government officials.

“We are putting all these mechanisms in place to ensure that persons are safe and that the facilities of all such persons are also protected as well,” he said. “We are very much in a place of readiness, and the police officers are on high alert to ensure the safety and security of all.”

Though saying there had been no discussions with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force or  Coast Guard on this particular issue, Benjamin said all arms of the national security apparatus work in close coordination.

“We always operate as a team, and therefore I am certain we have support of all [agencies] under homeland security,” he added.