State of Emergency Declared in Trinidad and Tobago Amid Surge in Gang Violence

In response to a troubling rise in gang-related violence, Trinidad and Tobago has declared a country-wide state of emergency. The announcement follows a violent weekend that resulted in multiple fatalities, including five men reportedly linked to retaliatory shootings.

National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds expressed grave concerns about the escalating crisis, labeling it an “epidemic” during a press conference. Though a curfew will not be enforced, residents should anticipate a heightened presence of police and military personnel. Authorities will have enhanced powers, including conducting searches, detaining suspects for up to 48 hours, and making arrests without warrants.

Acting Attorney General Stuart Young highlighted specific worries about the alarming rise in audacious criminal actions from gangs, particularly those armed with illegal high-powered firearms. The islands have experienced an unprecedented 623 homicides this year, with gang activities responsible for 263 of those deaths.

As the situation unfolds, schools and businesses are set to continue normal operations, including the upcoming New Year’s celebrations, despite the state of emergency. This is not the first time Trinidad and Tobago has faced such measures; previous states of emergency were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and in response to crime hotspots.