National Security Minister John Sandy told reporters on Monday, November 24 - last Thursday - was the date the plotters had scheduled to execute their plan to assassinate Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and three senior cabinet ministers: Anand Ramlogan, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, and Chandresh Sharma.
Sandy spoke at a media conference at the National Security ministry.
He confirmed that Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs told him about the plot on November 18 while he was chairing a hemispheric security meeting at the Hyatt hotel in port of Spain.
"This plot to undermine the security and stability of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was to be executed on the 24th of November. Twenty fourth being a significant date in the political successes of the Prime Minister," Sandy stated.
"As a consequence, the Prime Minister was immediately alerted and briefed on the said afternoon, 18th of November, by senior members of law enforcement. Further gathering of intelligence over the five days following the initial report led to the arrest and detention of 13 individuals."
Sandy confirmed that he received legal advice to issue Detention Orders against four of them: a gang leader from Central Trinidad, a serving Police Sergeant, a businessman, and a former soldier. He said more such orders will soon be issued.
The minister added: “By the end of the state of emergency we should have enough information against the suspects. If not they will have to be released. Investigations are still continuing.”
Sandy said he was saddened to learn that former soldiers have been implicated in the plot. "As a former soldier, it grieves one to try to understand, here we have someone who has pledged to serve the State, to give his life to the State and is alleged to be involved in other activities against the State."
Sandy stated that in his opinion the Prime Minister did the right thing by speaking about the plot since all kinds of rumours about a planned coup were already in circulation.
He also confirmed that the CIA and MI6 are working alongside local law enforcement in investigating the plot.
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