In preparation for the January 12 Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections, Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin, serving as Gold Commander for election security operations, has conducted comprehensive high-level consultations with key political stakeholders across the island.
The security preparations entered a critical phase on January 7 when DCP Martin engaged in detailed discussions with Chief Secretary Farley Augustine regarding the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s comprehensive safety and security framework for election day. Augustine subsequently praised the exceptional professionalism demonstrated by Tobago-based officers and expressed full confidence in the elaborated security arrangements. The Chief Secretary further emphasized his anticipation of continued collaborative efforts with Assistant Commissioner of Police Earl Elie and Superintendent Mark Joseph of the Tobago Division.
DCP Martin concurrently affirmed her assurance regarding the effectiveness of implemented security protocols designed to guarantee both the safety of participants and the transparent administration of electoral proceedings. Her diplomatic outreach extended to meetings with senior representatives of the PNM Tobago Council, chaired by Learie Paul, and Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus, political leader of the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA).
Throughout these engagements, Martin reiterated the TTPS’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding democratic processes through strict political neutrality. The service is coordinating extensively across all operational divisions and inter-agency partners to facilitate a peaceful electoral environment free from incidents, while ensuring complete protection for citizens, stakeholders, and institutional infrastructure.