Many building evacuations occurred today at a number of primary schools within Southeast Education District in Trinidad, following bomb threats via email.

Police and Fire Services were called in to several schools in the district, with students, teachers and staff assembling at their respective muster points.

According to a Guardian report, the email warned people to stay away from schools today and today, claiming a device would be set of at midday today.

The article said TTUTA’s President criticized the Ministry of Education’s handling of the situation, claiming it restricted the schools’ principals from exercising their discretionary authority.

He said at the time, Principals were informed that they are not allowed to dismiss school and have persons await instructions by Ministry.

The TTUTA official claims that it is the direct responsibility of the principal for the safety of all occupants on school compounds.

The Ministry of Education says police are currently sweeping the identified schools to investigate the threat.

This is currently ongoing, and once schools are cleared for resumption of normal school operations, the Ministry says Principals will be advised, and will in turn advise parents.

The Ministry says based on the projections from the police, most, if not all affected schools should be able to resume operations tomorrow.

It adds that investigations are ongoing into the incident, with the assistance of various agencies including the Cybersecurity Incident Response Team.