Opposition legislator Marvin Gonzales is calling on the Trinidad and Tobago Government to end the current State of Emergency (SoE), arguing that the measure has failed to address rising crime and has instead left citizens living in fear.
Gonzales, a member of the opposition People’s National Movement and Member of Parliament for Arouca/Lopinot, said he was speaking not only in his capacity as an MP but on behalf of citizens across the country facing growing insecurity.
“Today I speak not just as a member of Parliament, but for all citizens across Trinidad and Tobago who are living in fear,” he said.
The former national security minister described a worsening situation in communities, pointing to an increase in murders and the emotional toll on families.
“Every day murders are rising, families are grieving, communities are under pressure, citizens are watching over their shoulders and wondering if they are next, yet your Government is holding on to a State of Emergency that clearly is not working,” Gonzales said.
According to Gonzales, the measure has granted the Government sweeping powers without delivering the intended results.
“This State of Emergency gives your administration more power than ZOSO ever proposed. More detention powers, more restrictions and control. And still crime is out of control,” he said.
He maintained that despite these expanded powers, fear continues to spread and communities remain vulnerable.
“Murders rising, fear spreading, communities remain vulnerable. So what exactly is happening here, Prime Minister?” he asked.
Gonzales went on to question the Government’s approach, arguing that it reflects an absence of effective leadership. He stressed that emergency powers were never intended to replace structured crime-fighting strategies.
“Emergency powers were never meant to replace strategy, never meant to replace policing and security, intelligence and community work. But that is exactly what this has become,” Gonzales said.
Calling for immediate action, Gonzales urged the Government to end what he described as a “state of emergency charade” and to implement a comprehensive plan to tackle crime.
“So today I say clearly, end this state of emergency charade. Bring a real crime plan. Give people real safety and stop the performance,” he said.
However, data released two weeks ago by Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Public Information Officer Owie Russell indicated that during the first 21 days of the current SoE, there was a significant decline in almost every category of crime compared with the same period during the previous measure.
The latest State of Emergency was declared on March 3 following a spike in murders and other violent crimes.
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