BASSETERRE, St. Kitts— FOLLOWING another night of shootings in Trinidad and Tobago, the administration led by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has declared a State of Emergency (SOE) in the country.
In an official statement issued this morning, the Office of the Prime Minister announced the decision, citing the worsening crime situation.
“The declaration of a public emergency is based on advice from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to the National Security Council regarding heightened criminal activity that endangers public safety,” the statement explained.
As of December 27, Trinidad and Tobago recorded approximately 634 homicides for the year. Addressing the escalating violence, Prime Minister Rowley criticized the TTPS and the broader public for what he termed an unacceptable spike in criminal activity.
In a post shared on the Office of the Prime Minister’s social media platforms, Dr. Rowley stated:
“The unacceptably high level of violent crime in the country has consistently drawn significant attention and resources from the state.
“While much has been done in various areas, more remains to be achieved. I had hoped—and genuinely expected—that our national efforts against violent crime, particularly murders and assaults, would have led to a visible reduction in numbers as we moved forward.
“Unfortunately, even the significant efforts of our National Security agencies have not deterred criminal minds, who seem to operate without fear of detection or the certainty of timely and dissuasive punishment.”
Lamenting the current reality, Dr. Rowley expressed deep disappointment over the country's high crime rate, which has exceeded 600 homicides for the second consecutive year.
“As much as the police have done, they are required to do even more if we are to achieve our stated objectives,” he added.
The government, he noted, remains committed to supporting the police and other agencies while encouraging all stakeholders—from households to the judicial system—to deny any form of support or refuge to criminals.
“To address the widespread criminal behavior, we must do more at the state level in all areas, just as we urge households and communities to contribute to enhancing the safety and security we so desperately need,” he said.
Adding to the burden on police resources, media reports have highlighted a surge in traffic accidents. According to Guardian Media, Trinidad and Tobago has recorded 119 traffic-related fatalities this year.
