Port of Spain – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the alleged plot to assassinate her and senior members of her government has widened significantly and now involves multiple foreign agencies.
“I would not have any specific details on the ongoing local and foreign investigations. As Minister Roger Alexander stated in his press release, the investigation has widened beyond the original scope to new areas and across multiple jurisdictions,” Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar told the Trinidad Guardian newspaper, adding that she cannot comment on the specifics of the ongoing investigation.
“I am advised that multiple foreign intelligence and investigative agencies are involved and that new persons, financial institutions and businesses have been identified in the expanding investigation. I am also advised by local and foreign authorities that these investigations have increased in complexity and will take some time,” she added.
Last week, Alexander, the Homeland Security Minister revoked the Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs) issued against prominent businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife Genevieve, leading to their release while investigations into the conspiracy to murder allegations against them continue.
The Hadeeds were arrested on June 24 as part of a Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) investigation into the alleged plot to assassinate Persad-Bissessar and Attorney General, John Jeremie.
In revoking the PDO’s, Alexander said their continued detention was no longer proportionate after considering legal, medical and constitutional issues, as well as a recommendation from the Constitution Review Tribunal. The Hadeeds were not charged with any offence.
On Monday, High Court Judge, Vigel Paul, Monday ordered the release of 69-year-old Star Sabga, a relative of Genevieve Hadeed, after a month in prison and placed her under house arrest.
The judge had earlier ruled that Sabga should be released from prison pending the hearing of her constitutional challenge to the PDO. He also found that Sabga had raised a serious issue to be tried and that the balance of convenience favoured granting interim relief.
Under the interim order, Sabga must remain confined to her residence under police supervision. She is required to surrender her passport and electronic devices, cannot leave her home except in the event of a medical emergency, and is prohibited from communicating with persons outside the residence except for her attorneys, medical personnel and approved family members.
Police officers are also permitted to enter the premises at reasonable times to ensure compliance with the order. (CMC)