The National Security Ministry says a “Gold Commander” was appointed by the TTPS for the T&T leg of the England vs West Indies T20 series.

This step followed the murder of a man along Wrightson Road near the Hyatt Regency on Monday morning.

England’s cricketers were staying at the hotel and the incident prompted an advisory from the England and Wales Cricket Board that they not leave the hotel outside of scheduled events.

Minister Fitzgerald Hinds says he immediately communicated with Police Commissioner Erla Christopher who advised that an Assistant Police Commissioner had been appointed “Gold Commander” for the series.

The ACP was responsible for all matters relating to the safety and security of the players and the administrators including their living accommodation, transit to/from and while at venues for practice and games, as well as social engagements.

The ACP also met with the security representative from Cricket West Indies and took note of all the concerns, while also outlining the measures that were immediately put in place.

The measures include improved presence at the Hyatt, security in transit, and security at the cricketing venue.

The Ministry says the measures have been successfully implemented thus far.

Mr Hinds also said, “By all accounts, the stakeholders have expressed their satisfaction with the measures that have been implemented; and up to this point, they have been going securely and safely well. Notwithstanding the level of violence in the society, and in the world, I give the assurance, that all measures and resources are in place, to ensure that our citizens and our visitors, engaged in this cricket series, must continue to live, work and play, in comfort and safety.”