4/5/2009

The exercise simulated the movement of convoys of Heads of State and Government and their delegations from the Piarco International Airport to the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.

Gold Commander for the Summit, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Steve Waldron said "the exercise was an excellent opportunity to test all the operational systems associated with the Fifth Summit of the Americas, including logistics; essential services; accommodation; communications; protocol; emergency services and transportation".

He however added, "while we recognise the disruptions and inconvenience to the affected areas along the designated motorcade routes, it was important to conduct it to ensure the safety and security for all citizens and international guests during the hosting of the Fifth Summit of the Americas".

Meanwhile, Joint Inter-Agency Multi-national Task Force Commander for the Summit, Lieutenant Colonel Kenrick Maharaj stated, "CARICOM forces (police and military) that have been resident in Trinidad and Tobago over the past few weeks were also present during every stage of the robust operation".

Colonel Maharaj also assured that "as we move into the operational phase of our preparation for a safe and secure Summit, every effort will be made to minimise any disruption or public inconvenience".

Security officials would also like to thank the media for their collaboration and coverage of the exercise.

For further information, contact Captain Al Alexander, Gold Command Team at ttdfpro@yahoo.com or Acting Superintendent Joanne James at secretariat@ttps.gov.tt 486-6866.

The Fifth Summit of the Americas brings together the 34 democratically elected leaders of the Western Hemisphere to exchange ideas and opinions on the main political, economic, social and security challenges facing the Hemisphere and to develop strategies and solutions to collectively address these challenges.