Schools, businesses close early amid Defence Force alert

In response to heightened military activity and escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, several schools across Trinidad urged parents to collect their children early on October 31. An internal memo revealed that the Defence Force had been placed on high alert, with all military personnel required to report to their bases by 6 pm. Even officers on pre-retirement, sick leave, or vacation were instructed to remain on standby at home, awaiting further orders. This development follows reports from The Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal suggesting an imminent attack on Venezuelan military installations, though US President Donald Trump denied these claims. At La Horquetta South Government Primary, tensions flared as a frustrated parent clashed with a security guard over early dismissal procedures. Similarly, a denominational primary school in Curepe advised parents to pick up their children by 2 pm, an hour earlier than usual. Businesses in Port of Spain also took precautionary measures, with a software development company and a prominent law firm sending staff home by mid-afternoon. While no panic was reported, the situation was taken seriously by the public.