Trinidad and Tobago Declares State of Emergency Amid Surge in Crime

Trinidad and Tobago is now under a state of emergency (SoE), following a proclamation issued by President Christine Carla Kangaloo on the advice of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley.

The declaration, made under Section 8 of the Constitution, comes in response to escalating criminal activity that poses a significant threat to public safety. In a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister’s Communications Division on December 30, it was noted:

“President Christine Kangaloo, as President and Commander-in-Chief, has, on the advice of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, declared a state of public emergency, being satisfied that the circumstances outlined in Section 8(2)(c) of the Constitution exist.”

The President’s proclamation, bearing her official seal, outlined the justification for the emergency measure. Under Section 8(2), a state of emergency may be declared if the President is convinced that actions of such a nature and on such an extensive scale are occurring—or are imminently threatened—that they are likely to endanger public safety.

The National Security Council, acting on advice from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, cited a surge in criminal activities as the impetus for the decision. Reports indicate that the murder toll for the year has reached 622, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Further details on the SoE are expected at a press briefing scheduled fortoday.