The T&T Coast Guard (TTCG) has responded to allegations that some of their officers were responsible for beating three Icacos fishermen, who were caught as they returned from near the Venezuelan border on Saturday night. In a statement the TTCG said:

“The TTCG wishes to advise the boating public of Trinidad and Tobago that all such allegations will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate corrective measures will be taken if any breach of the TTCG’s established protocols have occurred.”

They added that members of the public should be reminded that the maritime borders of Trinidad and Tobago are closed and it is illegal for persons from Trinidad and Tobago to travel by vessel to Venezuela and vice versa for any reason other than commercial activity.

Patrols along the maritime borders of Trinidad and Tobago will continue as the organisation strives to deter and if necessary detain all persons suspected of illegally crossing the maritime borders. All such persons will be handed over to the relevant authorities in order for them to be quarantined and/or prosecuted to the full extent of the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.