Country Report on Terrorism 2023 - Chapter 1 - Trinidad and Tobago

Overview:  The threat of radicalization to violence, domestic recruitment to terrorist groups, and the possible return of individuals who traveled or attempted to travel to Syria or Iraq to join ISIS were the primary terrorism concerns in Trinidad and Tobago (TT).  TT and the United States continued to cooperate on counterterrorism investigations involving TT nationals.  The Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GoTT), which approved a returning foreign terrorist fighter (FTF) policy in 2022, continued in 2023 to work on draft legislation to address a variety of repatriation, rehabilitation, reintegration, and security matters related to returning FTFs and their family members.

2023 Terrorist Incidents:  There were no terrorist incidents reported in TT.

Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security:  No arrests or prosecutions were initiated against any terrorist groups or individuals suspected of terrorist activity.  The GoTT declared and listed five individuals or entities, freezing their assets, under the Anti-Terrorism Act, while two individuals or entities were delisted and their assets were unfrozen.

The GoTT undertook reforms aimed at expediting the lengthy judicial process, including increasing the use of plea bargaining, judge-only trials, and the removal of preliminary inquiries.  These reforms may lead to increased prosecutions for serious crimes, including terrorism.

The GoTT continued to convene an interagency taskforce known as Taskforce Nightingale (TFN).  Led by the Ministry of National Security (MNS), TFN is responsible for developing recommendations related to the possible return of FTFs and others who traveled to join ISIS, as well as children born in northeast Syria camps.  TFN comprises law enforcement, judicial, foreign affairs, defense force, and immigration and border protection officers.  In addition to TFN, the MNS’s National Operations Fusion Center and the National Intelligence Fusion Center are tasked with supporting GoTT counterterrorism operations.

TT’s institutions have demonstrated the capability to detect, deter, and prevent acts of terrorism with the assistance of international partners.  The TT Police Service is the law enforcement agency with primary responsibility for investigating terrorism and terrorism-finance cases.  The GoTT periodically conducts vulnerability assessments on critical public infrastructure.  However, certain areas – notably TT’s southern coast situated approximately seven miles from Venezuela – remain porous and are vulnerable to drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling, and the undetected movement of individuals.

The CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (or IMPACS), with funding from the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, is assisting TT in the development of updated Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data legislation, which would include the capture and use of PNR data.  This legislation is in the draft stage, with consultative meetings being held to ensure consistency with TT’s legislative framework.  The implementation of API/PNR data is critical to the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime.  The GoTT, with support from other donors, is a member of the Seaport Cooperation Project (or SEACOP) and Airport Communications Project (or AIRCOP), which aim to bolster interdictions and address border security challenges, including CT-focused initiatives.  However, these initiatives have faced staffing challenges, particularly with TT Customs personnel.

Countering the Financing of Terrorism:  TT is a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, and its Financial Intelligence Unit within the Ministry of Finance is a member of the Egmont Group.

In 2023 the GoTT developed a tool to allow financial institutions and designated nonfinancial businesses and professions to search for people and entities designated under UNSC resolutions 1267 and 1373.

Countering Violent Extremism:  The GoTT developed a National Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in 2022; however, the plan was still pending Cabinet approval at the end of 2023.  The GoTT partnered with UNDP on the Preventing Violent Extremism Youth Empowering and Strengthening in Trinidad and Tobago Project.  This project is a peacebuilding intervention, which seeks to engage youth-led or youth-focused organizations, women’s rights groups, other NGOs, and community-based organizations in the development and implementation of projects that promote peace at the community level.

International and Regional Cooperation:  TT is a member of the of the OAS-CICTE.  The GoTT continued to work with its CARICOM and international partners on CT issues.  For example, the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs through its Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) delivered training to law enforcement officials in terrorism offenses, terrorist financing, and the terrorist-financing risks related to non-profit organizations.  The International Institute of Justice, in collaboration with the British High Commission, delivered training for members of the ATU, prosecutors, and law enforcement on building prosecution cases against individuals or organizations engaged in terrorism-related offenses.

Chaguanas is a member of the U.S.-funded Strong Cities Network, a global network of mayors, policymakers, and practitioners united in building social cohesion and resilience to counter violent extremism.