The following is the full text of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's statement on the assasination plot:

I want to say, I never expected those who plotted against the security of our nation to congratulate me and my government for curtailing their ability to operate but I did anticipate their extreme displeasure. The State of Emergency has had a major impact on crime reduction and if I may share with you the following information that between August the 21st and November the 23rd thus far 7,269 persons have been arrested of these only 6.4 %( 463 persons) were arrested on gang related charges, the minority. The others were arrested on charges related to

• Drug offences

• Serious offences

• Homicide investigations

• Outstanding warrants

• Ammunition

• Firearms seized

In addition as of this morning 13,183 rounds of ammunition and 34 magazines have been recovered. 1bullet ladies and gentleman 1 life, also seized were 173 firearms I am told that 1 gun can "take out" 20 people.

In this three month period my Government's focus has been on the protection of life and property. We have seized over 1.5 billion dollars in drugs, the largest single "drug bust" worth over 55 million dollars. We are hurting them in their pockets.

The criminal elements have tried to make good on their threats to carry out reprisals. I am grateful to the intelligence resources that uncovered the assassination plot.

As a result of their vigilance they have thwarted what was an evil, devious act of treason against the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Their actions have proven that the efforts of the government are having the desired effect. We are flushing them out; we are making it almost impossible to operate as they would have in the past.

These nefarious elements, with support from others whose names will also come to light in time, are finally confronted by a government which possesses the political will, courage and strength of conviction to stoutly defend and protect the citizens of our country. We will not cow to them, nor negotiate with them not give any quarter to them. No quarter to them.

The cowardly plots against me and the people's government serve only to strengthen my resolve and embolden efforts to eradicate this scourge from our society. For far too long these criminals have been allowed to flourish as the untouchables some with their sinister connections of legitimacy. The intense pressure brought to bear by our initiatives will be intensified and I will stop at nothing to return Trinidad and Tobago to the peaceful state we once enjoyed.

I want to remind you of what occurred in 1990. A commission of inquiry was established at that time and reports were produced and nothing was done with the information and that is why we have agreed to have this current Commission of Inquiry to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

I have spoken with the Leader of the opposition and have agreed that persons authorized by the Security forces will share with him the intelligence that we have. He has agreed to meet with them.

I wish to assure the nation that the uncovering of this plot and the motives for carrying it out demonstrate the competency and effectiveness of the government's national security resources and initiatives. The Republic is safer than ever. Your personal security and that of the nation is in safe hands. Once again, our protective services and intelligence units have performed admirably. Trinidad and Tobago salutes you.