The twin-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago finds itself gripped by an unprecedented wave of gang violence, prompting its government to take drastic measures. In a late-night session on Monday, the country’s parliament unanimously agreed to extend the state of emergency declared on December 30th for an additional three months. The decision comes on the heels of a bloody week that saw gang warfare claim at least six lives.
A Nation Under Siege
Prime Minister Keith Rowley addressed parliament, asserting that the emergency measures were proving effective in saving lives. Police intelligence had indicated an imminent gang war involving high-powered rifles, potentially targeting busy public areas. While the state of emergency temporarily suspends several constitutional rights and grants expanded search and seizure powers to law enforcement, the government stopped short of implementing a curfew.
The prime minister emphasized the need for a targeted approach, aiming to minimize disruption to law-abiding citizens. However, the escalating violence has become a source of growing concern for the nation of approximately 1.5 million people. Last year alone, Trinidad and Tobago recorded a staggering 624 homicides, cementing its status as one of the most violent countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Roots of Violence
According to police reports, gang-related violence accounted for more than 40% of the murders in 2024, with many involving illegal firearms. Prime Minister Rowley pointed the finger at the “deliberate policy by the American Department of Commerce to export arms and ammunition,” arguing that it was exacerbating the crisis in countries like Trinidad and Tobago.
Caribbean nations have long called on the United States to help stem the influx of guns into the region. Last year, they welcomed efforts by New York Attorney General Letitia James to introduce new measures and legislation aimed at tackling gun trafficking from the U.S. to the Caribbean. Rowley assured parliament that the government’s “agitation and representation” was compelling the U.S. to take action on this front.
Criticism and Concerns
However, not everyone is convinced that the state of emergency is the right approach. Criminologist Darius Figuera, a former lecturer at the University of the West Indies, criticized the government’s strategy, arguing that it fails to address the broader issue of transnational crime. He contended that while law enforcement focuses on low-level criminals, the real threat lies with international organized crime factions vying for dominance across the Caribbean.
If you do not bring cogent evidence and charges against these prime targets before the state of emergency ends, and they are released back into the population, the war will recommence. The war will only end when there is a single model exercising dominance.
– Darius Figuera, Criminologist
Security expert Garvin Heerah, a former director of a Trinidad and Tobago national intelligence agency, acknowledged the necessity of the state of emergency as an immediate measure to curb the escalating crime. However, he expressed concerns about the perception of the country’s stability and its potential impact on tourism and foreign investment.
A lot of foreign direct investment is actually reconsidering right now unless we straighten things out in the country.
– Garvin Heerah, Security Expert
Heerah emphasized the need for Trinidad and Tobago to seek international support, such as joint initiatives and intelligence sharing, to effectively tackle its crime challenges.
Carnival Season Concerns
The extension of the state of emergency coincides with the run-up to Trinidad and Tobago’s annual carnival, the country’s biggest cultural event. The festivities typically draw thousands of visitors and generate millions of dollars in revenue. Paige de Leon, an advocate for the Trinidad and Tobago Event Promoters Association, reported that tourist numbers have not been negatively impacted thus far.
We still have approximately six weeks to go, and we don’t anticipate a tremendous amount of disruption to the entertainment industry once the terms of the SoE remain as they are.
– Paige de Leon, Trinidad and Tobago Event Promoters Association
As Trinidad and Tobago grapples with this crisis, the world watches with bated breath. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the state of emergency and other measures will succeed in stemming the tide of violence that has engulfed this once-peaceful nation. For now, the people of Trinidad and Tobago can only hope and pray for a swift resolution to this national nightmare.
Caribbean nations have long called on the United States to help stem the influx of guns into the region. Last year, they welcomed efforts by New York Attorney General Letitia James to introduce new measures and legislation aimed at tackling gun trafficking from the U.S. to the Caribbean. Rowley assured parliament that the government’s “agitation and representation” was compelling the U.S. to take action on this front.
Criticism and Concerns
However, not everyone is convinced that the state of emergency is the right approach. Criminologist Darius Figuera, a former lecturer at the University of the West Indies, criticized the government’s strategy, arguing that it fails to address the broader issue of transnational crime. He contended that while law enforcement focuses on low-level criminals, the real threat lies with international organized crime factions vying for dominance across the Caribbean.
If you do not bring cogent evidence and charges against these prime targets before the state of emergency ends, and they are released back into the population, the war will recommence. The war will only end when there is a single model exercising dominance.
– Darius Figuera, Criminologist
Security expert Garvin Heerah, a former director of a Trinidad and Tobago national intelligence agency, acknowledged the necessity of the state of emergency as an immediate measure to curb the escalating crime. However, he expressed concerns about the perception of the country’s stability and its potential impact on tourism and foreign investment.
A lot of foreign direct investment is actually reconsidering right now unless we straighten things out in the country.
– Garvin Heerah, Security Expert
Heerah emphasized the need for Trinidad and Tobago to seek international support, such as joint initiatives and intelligence sharing, to effectively tackle its crime challenges.
Carnival Season Concerns
The extension of the state of emergency coincides with the run-up to Trinidad and Tobago’s annual carnival, the country’s biggest cultural event. The festivities typically draw thousands of visitors and generate millions of dollars in revenue. Paige de Leon, an advocate for the Trinidad and Tobago Event Promoters Association, reported that tourist numbers have not been negatively impacted thus far.
We still have approximately six weeks to go, and we don’t anticipate a tremendous amount of disruption to the entertainment industry once the terms of the SoE remain as they are.
– Paige de Leon, Trinidad and Tobago Event Promoters Association
As Trinidad and Tobago grapples with this crisis, the world watches with bated breath. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the state of emergency and other measures will succeed in stemming the tide of violence that has engulfed this once-peaceful nation. For now, the people of Trinidad and Tobago can only hope and pray for a swift resolution to this national nightmare.
