Trinidad and Tobago Extends State of Emergency Amid Rising Violence
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has extended its state of emergency due to increasing gang violence and public safety concerns
Trinidad, Tobago, Gang Violence, State of Emergency, Homicides
Port of Spain: The violence in Trinidad and Tobago has really escalated lately. The government decided to extend the state of emergency that was first declared back in December. This comes after a week of intense gang violence that tragically left at least six people dead.
On Monday night, the parliament gave a thumbs up for a three-month extension of the emergency measures. They did this after police warned about a potential gang war brewing. It’s a serious situation.
These emergency measures mean that some constitutional rights are temporarily on hold. The police and military now have more power to search and seize things. Prime Minister Keith Rowley mentioned that these actions are saving lives and likely preventing more violence in crowded areas.
Interestingly, they didn’t decide to impose a curfew. Rowley said they want the state of emergency to be as unobtrusive as possible for law-abiding citizens. It’s a tough balance to strike.
Trinidad and Tobago has been dealing with rising crime rates for over a decade now. Last year alone, they recorded 624 homicides, making it one of the most dangerous places in the Caribbean.
According to the police, gang-related violence is responsible for over 40% of the murders this year, with many involving illegal firearms. Rowley also pointed fingers at the U.S. for exporting arms, which he believes is adding to the problem.
Caribbean nations have been asking the U.S. for help to curb the flow of guns into the region. Recently, New York’s attorney general tried to push through new laws to tackle gun trafficking, which was welcomed by many in the Caribbean.
Rowley feels that their efforts are making the U.S. take notice and act on this issue. However, some experts, like criminologist Darius Figuera, think the government’s approach is too narrow. He believes they should focus more on international crime syndicates rather than just local criminals.
Figuera also criticized the state of emergency, saying it needs to lead to actual charges against the criminals. If they don’t, those released could just go back to their old ways once the emergency ends.
Security expert Garvin Heerah agrees that the state of emergency is necessary right now but worries about how it affects the country’s image and tourism. He mentioned that foreign investments are reconsidering their options unless things improve.
With the state of emergency in place during carnival season, which is a huge event for Trinidad, there’s a lot at stake. However, Paige de Leon from the Event Promoters Association said they haven’t seen a drop in tourist numbers yet. She’s hopeful that the entertainment scene won’t be too disrupted as long as things stay as they are.