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Finance Ministry averts alleged sabotage attempt; suspect charged

Loop News

May 12, 2024 1:40 PM ET

3 mins read

The Ministry of Finance said a suspect was detained after they were caught allegedly trying to damage the building’s water and electrical systems.

In an update May 12, the Ministry said the incident took place on April 30:

“On April 30, 2024, an individual gained unauthorised access to the top floor of the Ministry of Finance Head Office Building at the Eric Williams Financial Complex by pretending to be a member of an exterior building cleaning team.

“Suspicion arose later in the day when CCTV technicians and maintenance staff detected serious water leakage at the top levels of the Ministry of Finance building, leading to interception and detention of the individual.”

The Ministry the person was searched and a gauge and valve taken from a pump line were found on his person together with other suspicious items.

As a result the Ministry said the person was charged with malicious damage and remanded into custody.

The Ministry said an assessment carried out by technical staff and specialist contractors “revealed significant risks due to the actions of this individual”.

“If he had not been caught, and the effects of his actions not detected early enough, the result would have included:

• Water tanks running dry, resulting in a building shutdown
• The chillers for the air-conditioning system at the Ministry of Finance malfunctioning, again leading to a building shutdown
• Water pouring into the electrical systems…again leading to a building shutdown
• General chaos and confusion and evacuation of the Ministry of Finance, during which other unauthorised individuals could have engaged in malicious acts
• Damage and destruction of important documents and records at the Ministry.”

The Ministry said it is taking further precautions to protect its infrastructure and by extension, important documents.

The Ministry said thankfully due to the building’s robust CCTV and security system the individual was apprehended and damage contained.