Trinidad and Tobago faces increasing crime, prompting a nationwide emergency declaration amid preparation for upcoming elections.
Emergency Declared in Trinidad and Tobago as Crime Hits Alarming Highs
Emergency Declared in Trinidad and Tobago as Crime Hits Alarming Highs
State of emergency initiated to combat escalating gang violence and record homicide rates.
Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have declared a state of emergency as the nation grapples with soaring gang violence and an alarming rise in homicide rates. Following the advice of Prime Minister Keith Rowley, President Christine Carla Kangaloo issued the emergency order amidst intense public outcry regarding the country’s deteriorating security situation.
The twin-island nation, with a population of 1.5 million, has reported over 620 murders this year alone, marking one of the highest murder rates in both Latin America and the Caribbean. A significant portion of these violent deaths is attributed to organized crime, which is frequently linked to the international narcotics trade.
The U.S. State Department has highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s desirable geographical location—close to Venezuela with porous borders and established drug trafficking routes to Europe and North America—as factors contributing to its role as a major transshipment point for illegal drugs.
In the latest outbreak of violence, five men were killed in a shop in the impoverished Laventille area, reportedly in retaliation for the shooting of a well-known gang member the day prior. While the specifics of the state of emergency have yet to be outlined, officials are expected to provide further information at a press conference scheduled for later today.
This declaration comes at a crucial time for Trinidad and Tobago as the country prepares for its upcoming general elections, which must take place by August 2025. The ruling People's National Movement party, in power since September 2015, anticipates a tough competition against the opposition United National Congress, led by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
The twin-island nation, with a population of 1.5 million, has reported over 620 murders this year alone, marking one of the highest murder rates in both Latin America and the Caribbean. A significant portion of these violent deaths is attributed to organized crime, which is frequently linked to the international narcotics trade.
The U.S. State Department has highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s desirable geographical location—close to Venezuela with porous borders and established drug trafficking routes to Europe and North America—as factors contributing to its role as a major transshipment point for illegal drugs.
In the latest outbreak of violence, five men were killed in a shop in the impoverished Laventille area, reportedly in retaliation for the shooting of a well-known gang member the day prior. While the specifics of the state of emergency have yet to be outlined, officials are expected to provide further information at a press conference scheduled for later today.
This declaration comes at a crucial time for Trinidad and Tobago as the country prepares for its upcoming general elections, which must take place by August 2025. The ruling People's National Movement party, in power since September 2015, anticipates a tough competition against the opposition United National Congress, led by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
