Security in high gear as police hunt two suspects in attack on Britons

Last weekend's brutal machete attack on two Britons in Tobago has put the government and the police service on high alert, with more high-level resources being pumped into the investigation and the introduction of new measures to protect the island from the tourism fallout caused by the international exposure given to the attack.

So far police have only been able to identify two suspects and have launched a nationwide hunt for them.

The victims, Peter Greene, 65, and his wife Murium, 59, remain in hospital.

On Thursday, the government announced plans to introduce more security measures in the island and Tourism Minister Joseph Ross said he is making arrangements for the victims' family members to visit them.

“We have also been making arrangements for the relatives to be brought back to Trinidad so that they can stay with the Greenes. We are arranging counselling services for them when they are here so that we would reduce the impact that this kind of incident would have on them,” Ross said.

He added, “We have faith that our law enforcement agencies will use the full force of the law to apprehend those persons who perpetrated this crime and those perpetrators are brought to justice as soon as possible.”

Ross also announced that the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has established joint police and army patrols and special Defence Force patrols will be on duty at guest houses and hotels in the island.

He said authorities have set up two hot lines to deal with emergencies and police, hoteliers and security firms are holding discussions regarding improving security arrangements and accommodation at guest houses.

There will be improved security at beaches as well, the minister said. “There has been the introduction of horse patrols on Tobago beaches, the introduction of the canine unit and the installation of the advanced passenger system,” he explained adding that there are other measures being considered such as the establishment of a police unit to deal specifically with tourism.

Ross admitted that the attack on the Greenes would have a negative impact on the Tourism but said officials are trying to make sure that there is adequate security so that potential visitors would know they are safe. He said the authorities will continue to market Tobago as a good and safe tourism destination.