TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: RECOVERING FROM COUP ATTEMPT

Created: 8/7/1990

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Recovering From Coup Attempt

Security and government officials have turned to the taskthe fallout from the attempted coup. Local securityare concerned about the potential foran regional contingent is freeing theto mopin the

hostagelMHHHHthc government will charge the rebels with murder and kidnapping rather than treason; it hopes to begin the trials this week. Ruling-party officials reportedly fear ihcy have lost credibility oecausc they underestimated the rebel threat. They plan to blame the National Security Minister publicly and ensure that Prime Minister Robinsonengthy leave ofjF)

Comment: Convicting and executing the rebels would help mend the government's strained rclaiions with the security forces and ensure continued military subservience lo civilian authority. Butove risks terrorist actions by Abu Bakr supporters. Ruling-party officials almost certainly believe that shunting the long unpopular Robinson to the political sidelines will help litem rebuild popular support and improve their chances in the general election to be held by ) -CM.fljJB