Faith Nyasuguta
The government has declared a nationwide state of emergency (SoE) to address an alarming rise in gang-related violence. Prime Minister Keith Rowley announced the emergency measure, granting law enforcement enhanced powers to conduct searches and arrests without warrants for 48 hours. This follows a particularly violent weekend, including a shooting in Laventille that claimed five lives.
The SoE does not include a curfew but aims to address what officials describe as an “epidemic” of criminal activity. Attorney General Stuart Young revealed that the country recorded 61 murders in December alone, pushing the 2024 total to 623 homicides. This marks an increase from the 577 murders in 2023 and 599 in 2022, highlighting the growing security crisis.
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds underscored the gravity of the situation, calling it unprecedented. Speaking at a press conference, he said, “We are undoubtedly facing an epidemic of criminal activity.” He emphasized that the SoE would empower law enforcement to act decisively against gang violence and the illegal use of firearms.
Attorney General Young assured citizens that the measure is intended to safeguard public safety and restore order. He added that the heightened police and military presence during the SoE would be closely monitored to ensure the safety and rights of citizens.
Despite the state of emergency, daily life is expected to continue as usual. Schools, businesses, and New Year’s celebrations will not be disrupted, although residents have been advised to prepare for increased security checks.
This is not the first time Trinidad and Tobago has resorted to a state of emergency to combat crime. A similar measure was implemented in 2011 in response to a rise in violent incidents. However, unlike the 2011 SoE, which targeted specific hotspots, the current measure applies nationwide, reflecting the widespread nature of the violence.
The announcement has received mixed reactions. Many community leaders and civil society organizations have welcomed the SoE, viewing it as a necessary step to combat the escalating violence. They have, however, stressed the importance of pairing these measures with long-term strategies to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of educational opportunities.
“There’s no denying the urgency of the situation,” said a community activist based in Laventille. “But the government must follow through with sustainable interventions to prevent young people from falling into gang life.”
Critics, however, have expressed concerns about the potential for abuse of the emergency powers and questioned the SoE’s effectiveness in achieving long-term results. Some have called for increased transparency and accountability in the enforcement process to prevent misuse of authority.
As the country navigates this critical period, citizens are cautiously optimistic. Many hope that the SoE will mark a turning point in addressing the violence and restoring a sense of security across the nation.
Prime Minister Rowley’s administration faces significant challenges in delivering immediate results while laying the foundation for lasting crime prevention.
The declaration highlights the urgent need for solutions to the nation’s chronic violence problem. While the short-term focus is on quelling the current wave of crime, the long-term challenge remains ensuring that these measures lead to meaningful and lasting change. Residents and observers alike are watching closely, hoping that the government’s actions will bring the peace and security that Trinidad and Tobago desperately needs.
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