DEFENCE MINISTER Wayne Sturge claims this country is not on high alert in relation to any military operation or hostilities with neighbouring Venezuela.

“There is no heightened alert with respect to any military operation or any hostilities next door. Hope this can bring an end to the unnecessary panic,” he told Newsday via WhatsApp on November 1.

Sturge’s statement came a day after a mandatory call-out of all active duty military personnel and a directive from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration and Operational Support restricting leave for all police officers.