The Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds, M.P., has stated that he has taken note of recent public statements, touching and concerning the safety and security of the cricketers, who are in this country for the T20 International Series against the West Indies.

According to a statement from the minister:

These statements apparently stemmed from a shooting incident on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, near to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Conference Centre. It was reported that members of the England cricket team, are guests of the hotel, and learnt of the incident, which occurred on their first night at the hotel.

The Minister immediately communicated with Mrs. Erla Harewood-Christopher, the Commissioner of Police (COP), who indicated that she too had taken note of the reports and
statements, made by local and international stakeholders. The Commissioner advised the Minister, that she has appointed an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), as the “Gold Commander,” for the T20 International Series in Trinidad and Tobago.

This ACP is responsible for all matters, regarding the safety and security of the players and the
administrators – their living accommodation; their transit to and from and their occupation of the
venues for practice and for the games, as well as their social engagements. The ACP met with the security representative of Cricket West Indies and took careful note of all the concerns; and as well, outlined the measures that were immediately put in place, to allay these concerns.

These measures include, improved presence at the Hyatt, security in transit, and security at the cricketing venue. These measures have been successfully implemented thus far; and are working to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

The Minister of National Security said:

“By all accounts, the stakeholders have expressed their satisfaction with the measures that have been implemented; and up to this point, they have been going securely and safely well. Notwithstanding the level of violence in the society, and in the world, I give the assurance, that
all measures and resources are in place, to ensure that our citizens and our visitors, engaged in this cricket series, must continue to live, work and play, in comfort and safety.”