Trinidad and Tobago Declares New State of Emergency Amid Ongoing Violent Crime

Trinidad and Tobago has declared a new state of emergency, just one month after the previous measure ended, as authorities continue to grapple with persistent violent crime.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the emergency on Tuesday, citing credible reports of planned attacks against law enforcement officers. The measure grants the government expanded powers, including the authority to conduct searches and make arrests without warrants.

The twin-island nation has spent roughly 10 of the past 14 months under a state of emergency, with the last one ending on January 31.

Persad-Bissessar said the country’s National Security Council warned that ongoing criminal activity has resulted in multiple deaths from mass shootings. She added that reprisal shootings among criminal gangs, if left unchecked, could further endanger public safety.

The initial duration of the state of emergency is up to 15 days, though it can be extended if necessary. Government officials have not announced any plans to impose a curfew.

The renewed emergency is expected to affect the tourism sector. Reginald Mac Lean, president of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association, said the measure could negatively impact visitor arrivals.

With conflicts ongoing in Ukraine and the Middle East, Mac Lean noted that the country should be positioning itself to attract travelers seeking alternative destinations.

So far this year, Trinidad and Tobago has recorded 63 killings, one fewer than during the same period last year.

The main opposition party criticized the government’s decision, accusing it of failing to effectively address the crime situation.