Attorney General Stuart Young, Caribbean Crime, Crime Control, Gang Violence, Illegal Firearms, Military and Police Powers, Murder Rate, Organized Crime, Prime Minister Keith Rowley, Public Safety, Regional Crime Trends, State of Emergency, Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Government, Violence Surge Akash Redkar January 1, 2025 0 Comments

Trinidad and Tobago declares state of emergency after weekend of violence

Last Updated on March 16th, 2025 01:54 am

Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency in response to a significant surge in violence, marking 2024 as the nation’s deadliest year with 623 murders in a population of 1.5 million.

Government Measures

Under the emergency powers announced by Prime Minister Keith Rowley’s office, police and military forces are granted extensive authority to detain individuals without charge and conduct property searches without warrants. These measures aim to address the escalating violence, particularly gang-related activities involving high-velocity assault weapons.

Recent Incidents

The decision follows a particularly violent weekend, including the shooting deaths of five men near Port of Spain and a 57-year-old woman in San Fernando. These incidents contribute to the unprecedented murder tally, with approximately 42.6% of killings attributed to gang-related activities linked to organized crime.

Public Response

Attorney General Stuart Young, addressing the press in the Prime Minister’s absence, emphasized the necessity of these measures due to the brazen nature of recent criminal acts. He noted that while no public curfew is currently imposed, the situation is being closely monitored.

Historical Context

This is not the first time Trinidad and Tobago has implemented a state of emergency in response to violence. Previous instances include measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and targeted actions in 2011 addressing crime hotspots.

Regional Implications

The surge in violence is part of a broader trend affecting the Caribbean, with countries like Jamaica and Haiti also experiencing significant crime challenges. Factors contributing to this regional issue include the influx of illegal firearms, with a notable percentage traced back to the United States.

The state of emergency reflects the Trinidad and Tobago government’s urgent response to escalating violence, aiming to restore public safety and address the underlying issues contributing to the nation’s high murder rate.