New Goodwood Police Post Closed Just 24 Hours After Opening Amid Soil Erosion Concerns
A newly commissioned police post in Goodwood, Tobago, has been forced to close just 24 hours after its official opening, following the discovery of infrastructure problems, including soil erosion affecting its foundation.
The facility was officially opened on October 13, 2026, by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. However, officers were instructed to vacate the premises the following day.
According to a Trinidad Guardian report, an inspection of the hillside location revealed cracks near the building’s foundation, exposed steel and approximately six inches of soil erosion beneath part of the structure close to a ravine.
Senior Superintendent Rodhil Kirk confirmed that infrastructure problems were preventing officers from returning. He also identified water supply issues requiring attention but could not provide a reopening date.
The closure has raised questions among residents about construction standards, project oversight and the use of taxpayers’ money.
Goodwood resident Steve Manswell questioned why a newly constructed facility was already experiencing infrastructure problems, while other residents called for accountability and an explanation of what went wrong.
At the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar referred questions about construction costs and contractors to UDeCOTT chairman Shankar Bidaisee.
The Guardian reported that attempts to obtain comments from Bidaisee and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander were unsuccessful before publication.
Meanwhile, the Signal Hill and Plymouth micro policing units, commissioned on the same day, remain operational.
The Goodwood facility forms part of the Government’s wider programme to establish 30 micro policing posts across Trinidad and Tobago.
With no confirmed reopening date, questions remain about the extent of the repairs required, the project’s cost and who will be responsible for addressing the defects.
