A United States military radar system installed at the ANR Robinson International Airport has been dismantled and is expected to be removed from the island.
Farley Augustine confirmed preparations are underway for the equipment and U.S. personnel to leave, noting the radar was always meant to be temporary.
The radar had been operating since November to support surveillance against drug and human trafficking.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Penelope Beckles-Robinson has raised concern over the removal of the controversial radar system in Tobago.
Speaking in La Horquetta on Monday night, she said government touted the system as part of the fight against crime.
The Opposition Leader has now called on government to explain its status and account for its effectiveness.
“So here it is that this radar which was going to help this government to detect crime, they take back the radar. Now, if you are not careful, these people will convince you that a dog is an elephant,” Beckles-Robinson said.
“Because they lie so comfortably and they forget. So the radar gone. Let us wait and see what information thay are going to give us about that radar.”
Also, Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales told the Trinidad Express that Defence Minister Wayne Sturge misled the country after previously stating the U.S.-installed radar would remain to help with drug interdiction.
Gonzales says the radar’s dismantling raises serious questions about the minister’s credibility and is demanding an explanation from the government.
