Security beefed-up in local energy sector

SECURITY has been beefed-up at all companies in the energy sector and also public utilities in the country, following the launch of a US war campaign against Iraq.

Although Prime Minister Patrick Manning publicly stated that this country was not in a heightened state of alert, police sources told Sunday Newsday certain precautionary measures have been taken against the possibility of sabotage, especially in the oil-belt where companies with US and UK interests are located. Police sources on Friday, confirmed that local groups, including one based in south, who are perceived to be sympathetic to the cause of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and the terrorist group Al Qaeda, are being monitored closely by the police.

According to senior police sources, close attention was being paid to local US and British multi-national corporations, including Atlantic LNG, bpTT and British Gas. “Since this war broke out, instructions were given to beef up security at all Public Utilities installations including T&TEC, TSTT and WASA as well as the various oil and gas companies, oil fields and reserves,” the senior officer said. When contacted for comment yesterday, ACP (Crime) Oswyn Allard confirmed that such instructions were ordered by Police Commissioner Hilton Guy. “We are doing what we have to do. We have increased our vigilance,” Allard said. Efforts to reach ACP (South) Peter John for comment on the security arrangements for the south oil-belt and energy industry failed.