The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for November will see similar security restrictions like this week’s Fifth Summit of the Americas.

This was the position on key issues advertised by the National Secretariat in an advertorial published in the daily newspapers.

It stated: ’However, we will seek to minimise the inconvenience to all, wherever possible utilising the same information and the same security areas. This will make sure that the process is as smooth as possible and that the normality achieved during the summit is carried forward in November’s meeting.’

The advertorial added that the foreign military personnel present in the country for this week’s mega-meeting has jurisdiction and powers in Trinidad and Tobago.

’By virtue of the Visiting Forces Act and the Visiting Police Forces Act, personnel will have the necessary powers to be able to undertake a full range of security duties. These pieces of legislation were specifically developed by the government for occasions such as these, to ensure the highest levels of security where necessary,’ the advertorial said.

On the question of why US fighter planes are being used as part of the security arrangements, the advertorial said:

’For security purposes, details of these operations must remain classified. However, it can be confirmed that appropriate measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of everyone living, working and visiting Trinidad and Tobago.

’This includes preserving the integrity of land, sea and air security through the use of a range of equipment and personnel.

’The public should be assured that the very best measures are being taken to protect them and our priority is the safety of all.’