PORT-OF-SPAIN – THE Government of Trinidad and Tobago has defended its decision to reinstate a State of Emergency (SoE), pointing to what it describes as a spike in criminal activity during the brief period the measure was lifted for the Carnival season.
On Wednesday (Mar. 3), Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced that the SoE would be reimposed for 15 days. Any extension beyond that period would require parliamentary approval under the country’s laws.
The prime minister said law enforcement officials had received threats and warned that known gang leaders would be returned to prison.
“I had previously warned the criminal gangs and detainees released from prison that decent, law-abiding citizens are fed up with their criminality, and if they cannot behave themselves, I would have no hesitation in having another SoE,” she said.
Since returning to office last year, Persad-Bissessar has taken a firm stance against gang violence and organised crime across the twin-island republic. However, the State of Emergency was temporarily lifted in February to accommodate Carnival celebrations.
According to government officials, criminal incidents increased during that period, prompting the decision to reinstate the emergency powers - with officials noting a more than 40 percent drop in criminal activity during the June to January period.
Attorney General John Jeremie defended the move, insisting the administration would not allow the country to descend into chaos as it confronts persistent violence.
He revealed that security operations targeting known offenders were already underway and said the SoE forms part of a broader strategy.
“We take this initial approach while currently putting various other measures in place that would constitute a longer-term sustainable approach to maintaining order, peace and safety in our society,” Jeremie told reporters at a media conference in Port-of-Spain on Tuesday.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from sections of the business community, some of whom have expressed concern about the potential economic impact of emergency restrictions.
Trinidad and Tobago has for years struggled with high levels of violent crime and has consistently recorded one of the highest murder rates in the Caribbean, placing pressure on successive governments to take decisive action.
