Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament on Monday unanimously approved a three-month extension of the state of emergency (SOE), sparking a heated debate between government and opposition lawmakers over accountability for the country’s high murder rate.
Earlier in the day, legislators acknowledged President Christine Kangaloo’s decision to declare the SOE on December 30, 2024, but Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar criticized the move as poorly timed, calling instead for fresh general elections. During the debate, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley defended the SOE extension, arguing that the initial 15-day period was insufficient to address the crime wave effectively.
“It is too early to say that it has been successful,” Rowley said. “We need more time to strengthen law enforcement efforts, interrogate suspects, convert intelligence into evidence, and detain those responsible for wreaking havoc on our communities.”
Rowley rejected accusations of inconsistency, noting his administration’s reluctance to impose curfews due to their impact on small businesses. He dismissed Persad Bissessar’s claim that the government’s alleged inaction had contributed to over 5,000 murders since 2015, countering that similar logic could attribute responsibility for 2,435 deaths to her administration from 2010 to 2015.
Rowley also challenged Persad Bissessar’s assertion that an earlier SOE declaration could have saved lives, calling the claim “mere conjecture.” He emphasized the complex nature of combating crime, stating, “Pointing fingers will not solve the problem. Criminals thrive when we are divided.”
Energy Minister Stuart Young bolstered the government’s case, highlighting the enhanced powers granted under the SOE regulations. “These measures allow the police to act more decisively, with the ability to conduct searches and seizures without warrants in specific, limited circumstances,” Young said. “This is not possible under existing laws like the Firearms Act or the Anti-Gang Act.”
Opposition legislator Saddam Hosein dismissed the SOE as an election tactic, arguing that current laws already provide sufficient tools to combat crime. However, Young rebutted this, stating that the emergency powers are essential for a more robust law enforcement response.
As Trinidad and Tobago grapples with its escalating crime rate, the extension of the SOE underscores the government’s determination to curb violence, though critics remain skeptical of its long-term effectiveness.
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