Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has confirmed that US troops are assisting this country in improving radar surveillance capabilities in Tobago in the fight against narco-traffickers.
The Prime Minister was responding to questions about the presence of US military personnel and equipment at the ANR Robinson Airport in Tobago earlier this week.
Earlier today, the Tobago House of Assembly confirmed that US personnel are installing a radar system at the airport, which is intended to enhance surveillance capability.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said central government determines the country’s foreign policy, while the THA is focused on safeguarding the island’s stability.
Mr Augustine said he has requested full details on the radar installation and a formal meeting with the relevant Cabinet Ministers will be arranged.
He said the THA remains committed to transparency and in keeping Tobagonians fully informed on such matters.
However, Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles-Robinson was not satisfied with the explanation and has demanded a full and factual explanation about the matter.
She said the divergent explanations provided by the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary displays a “disturbing breakdown in transparency and accountability at the highest levels.”
Ms Beckles-Robinson said citizens deserve timely, accurate information about foreign military activity in our country.
She added that anything else undermined public trust and weakens our national security framework.
The PNM Tobago Council said on Thursday it wants full disclosure on the matter from the central government and the THA.
The THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris called for confirmation of the military installation at the Tobago. Tobago.
