The National Security Ministry in Trinidad and Tobago says the very obvious weekend heightening of security around the Port of Spain Prison had nothing to do with reports of an impending jailbreak.

Heavily armed officers were stationed outside the walls of the prison on Frederick Street for the most of the weekend. The presence of the police and the breakdown of mobile and landline services triggered rumors. But the ministry says the situation was part of routine exercises

Communications Manager at the Ministry Marcia Hope is reported as saying the tightened security was part of exercises around the prison, which take place from time to time. She also says there was no connection between the exercise and the collapse of the phone system in Port of Spain and other areas yesterday.