Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon says a Counter-terrorism strategy for T&T was approved by the National Security Council on November 1. Implementation is underway.
It focuses on deterring people from participating/supporting terrorism, enhancing national counter-terrorism operational capabilities and building national resilience in event of attack.
Dillon said, "It involves reinforcement of existing legislation; design/implementation of vibrant public sensitisation campaigns and other social programmes; and the disruption of further development of radical extremist entities and their ideologies that lead to terrorism."
A Terrorism Interdiction Unit has been established under the Police Service’s Special Branch to gather and process intelligence and do threat assessments. Police officers are also being trained to deal with active “shooter” incidents. This follows global attacks by solo culprits.
Apart from stronger intelligence sharing with international partners—including Northern Ireland, Government has partnered with Hedayah, an International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism to train national stakeholders. Similar partnership exists with the Commonwealth Countering Violent Extremism Unit and World Bank collaboration on money laundering/terrorist financing mitigation.
All ports were audited this year to ensure greater compliance with international security codes which includes detecting security threats. Defence Force participation in national youth programmes is being increased to address at-risk youth and promote community outreach and alternatives to crime and radicalism