Sandy has nothing new to add, says death threat against PM is serious matter

National security Ministyer John Sandy offers prayers during a church service

John Sandy has said there is no need for him to comment further on the assassination plot against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and some members of her cabinet since the law enforcement agencies have already discussed the matter publicly.

John Sandy said while police are conducting investigations, he would have nothing further to say.

Opposition Leader Keith Rowley and former PM Patrick Manning have both demanded that Sandy speak up about the matter.

The minister told reporters Government is hopeful that "very soon" security officials would provide more information that can be shared with the public.

"This is why we asked the Commissioner of Police to share with the national community, as much as they can. 

"All I am prepared to say at this time is I am saddened by the revelation of some with respect to something as serious as this and utterances which attempt to trivialise what has occurred. 

"It is a real concern and as such, we have had the information coming from the law enforcement agencies. We have asked them to do what they have to do. We are not interfering with that."

Sandy did not comment directly on a charge by Manning that the situation was blown out of proportion. However he declared that any assassination attempt on a prime minister should be taken seriously.

He said it was good idea to brief the Opposition, given the seriousness of the issue and possible consequences of inaction.

"Had we not done it, he would have said 'Well nobody has spoken.' We've done it, he has something else to say. I'm not prepared to get into that."