Commissioner of Police, Gary Griffith, has assured that there will be increased security around the Trinidad and Tobago Football Team who is participating in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States.
The decision to increase security around the team followed death threats to members of the team following the 0-0 draw with defending champions Mexico, in the opening round in Arlington, Texas, last Saturday night.
The CoP said he held discussions with the Ministers of National Security and Foreign and Caricom Affairs, as well as the Trinidad and Tobago Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency, Anthony Phillip-Spencer.
As a result of those discussions, a decision was taken to send the Special Branch representative, based in Miami, to be the security liaison with the Trinidad and Tobago Team for the remainder of their campaign in the Gold Cup. The officer joined the team this morning.
According to Commissioner Griffith, the officer’s role will be to liaise with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Frisco Police Department in Texas, Hotel Security, Match Security officials, security checks to the team bus, coordinate security at the hotel, training fields, and match venues, especially prior to departure and on arrival, and ensure the players are secure from access to spectators from opposing teams.
The TT National team will play El Salvador at 7.30 pm today at the Toyota Stadium, Texas. The national team will complete the Group Stage on Sunday against Guatemala.