2009 Country Reports on Terrorism - Trinidad and Tobago

In September, Trinidad and Tobago acceded to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said accession obligated the country to take measures to criminalize the funding of terrorist activities and to identify, detect, seize, or freeze funds used or allocated for terrorist purposes. The government further stated that it was obligated under the convention to prosecute or extradite individuals suspected of unlawful involvement in the financing of terrorism and to cooperate with other states that are parties in the investigation.

In October, Trinidad and Tobago enacted two pieces of legislation and a set of rules that strengthened the government's ability to combat, deter, and prosecute organized criminal activity, money laundering, and terrorist financing. The laws and regulations established a financial intelligence unit, provided greater authority for the government to pursue the proceeds of crime, and enhanced banking regulations to detect suspicious transactions.

Also in October, the United States provided a report to Trinidad and Tobago that assessed vulnerabilities and recommended improvements to the country's infrastructure critical to liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Trinidad and Tobago remained the largest supplier of LNG to the United States, and the assessment was conducted in 2008 by U.S. government experts under the umbrella of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism of the Organization of American States. Canada also collaborated in the report, which was referred to the Office of Disaster Preparedness Management for action.

Trinidad and Tobago purchased three 90-meter offshore patrol vessels for delivery over the coming few years. These vessels, along with the expected delivery of helicopters and other patrol vessels, should improve the country's border security and its capacity to engage in regional security efforts.

Trinidad and Tobago hosted two major international events in its capital Port of Spain, each of which included dozens of world leaders and government ministers. The Summit of the Americas was held in April and involved more than 30 leaders of countries from the Western Hemisphere. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was held in November with more than 50 national leaders. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago cooperated with security and counterterrorism units from a variety of nations and regional organizations to provide security for the events, which occurred without incident.