Former head of the National Operations Centre, Commander Garvin Heerah, said ongoing violent protests against the Maduro regime in Venezuela is “too close for comfort” and is warning local authorities to closely monitor developments there and reinforce protection of T&T’s borders.
“T&T’s Border Control and Maritime Wall needs to be strengthened and enhanced and surveillance technology reviewed, upgraded and focused with a concentrated effort on surrounding territorial waters.
“The utilization of a coordinated joint agency approach must now be seriously considered as the probability of an even greater increase influx of Venezuelans fleeing their homeland for a better, safer and more secured life here in T&T is real.
“The recent unrest in Venezuela has seen a growing social push of native Venezuelans away from their homeland and we have already seen an increased presence right here in T&T.
“Visits to central, south and south western villages in Trinidad have shown a high visibility of Venezuelan men, women and children in these areas.”
Heerah added research has also shown an increase in mainland marine traffic out of Tucupita and along the Delta del Amacuro, the delta that borders the Gulf of Paria.
Heerah said as a result of the migration of Venezuelans to T&T, there is now a thriving mainland passage service in the form of transport, documents, safe houses and trade at known spots.
“Further research has also produced known liaisons who traverse between Tucupita and Guiria and Cedros and other drop off points, who solicit trade and traffic to and from Trinidad and Tobago.
“Organised crime and criminal trade are very prevalent in these areas.”
More than two dozen people have died in the Venezuela protests which saw thousands of mostly middle class demonstrators, angered by Venezuela’s economic collapse and the government’s style of rule, pouring into the streets in recent weeks.
Latest reports say Venezuelans from traditional chavista strongholds in the poorer neighbourhoods are now joining them. The Trump administration has begun to look at the Venezuela situation hinting support the Maduro regime.
Heerah responded to media questions on the matter at the launch of a Safety, Security & Sustainability Expo and Conference to be held by Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the National Security Ministry in June.
He is a member of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association.
Heerah said the threat of the Venezuelan “melt down” should be raised at the Caricom level, as well, and security contingencies also need to be explored from a regional standpoint.
“The ongoing civil unrest in Venezuela must be a grave concern not only for T&T but for Caricom, especially as Guyana and Suriname are joined to Venezuela by terrain borders.
“We cannot dismiss that this scenario can also have a significant economic impact in the Caribbean as PetroCaribe holds a number of Caricom nations with an umbilical connection.”
PetroCaribe is an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil.
