PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC—The Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPOST) on Friday said it had referred to the police a “misleading” video circulating on social media claiming that poll cards for the April 28 general elections had been “scattered on what appears to be a sidewalk.”
In a statement, TTPOST said that the video “falsely” claims that the poll cards had been discarded by TTPOST delivery personnel.
“Following a thorough internal review, TTPOST confirms that its staff did not discard the cards. The Corporation believes this content was deliberately created to misinform the public and erode trust in the postal system during a critical electoral period”.
It said that it has “formally requested that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) investigate the origins and intent of the video and determine whether any offenses have been committed under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
“The Corporation emphasizes that it maintains strict protocols for the secure delivery of all mail, especially electoral poll cards. Each item is logged, tracked, and delivered by designated officers under close supervision. Any deviation from the procedure is met with immediate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal,” TTPOST said.
“What is believed to be a deliberate attempt to damage TTPOST’s credibility and reputation of its hard-working employees is deeply concerning. The Corporation remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the continued delivery of trusted service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” it added.
Earlier this week, acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin vowed that law enforcement would take a tough stance against any attempts to disrupt the elections.
“We are putting everyone on notice, including the political parties, and any move to disrupt the elections will be dealt with firmly,” he said, adding, “Anyone that seeks to break the law as relates to the elections or anything dealing with the offenses under the elections, we are going to deal with that decisively.”
He said that the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) will be assisting the TTPS to ensure that no criminal activities take place to disrupt the electoral process in the twin island nation.
“We are sending this warning across to political parties. This is not where we choose one. This is all parties. We are seeking to maintain a level of decorum in terms of how we deal with each other as elections are approaching, and at the same time, we want to ensure that we can at least live with each other even after the elections,” he added.
The police also warned that voter intimidation and thuggery on election day are arrestable offenses and will not be tolerated.
The TTPS’ Media Ambassador, ASP Owie Russell, said there will be a heavy police presence across the country on Monday to ensure there are no major incidents or disruptions so that voters can exercise their franchise in a free, fair, and safe environment.
He is warning all political party supporters and activists against engaging in violence.
“There will be maximum patrols. Any wanton behavior, threat, thuggery, or anything that wants to disrupt this general election will be taken very seriously. If persons have it in their minds or their intentions to (cause disruptions) … I will advise you immediately to get them out your head,” Russel said, reminding citizens of several offenses that can result in them being arrested and charged.
“It is an offense for persons to go and vote with tee-shirts and banners that bear the insignias of any of these [political] parties. And it is an offense for persons to congregate within a hundred yards of a polling station on polling day,” he added.
One hundred sixty-one candidates representing 17 political parties and three independents are contesting the election Prime Minister Stuart Young called less than four months before the second anniversary of the incumbent People’s National Movement (PNM) ‘s 2025 electoral victory.
As it has been on past occasions, the party’s main challenge will come from the main opposition, the United National Congress (UNC), which has allied with several smaller parties and trade unions to contest the 41 seats in the election.
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