Trinidad and Tobago PM says wealth and status will not shield anyone from law

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Monday defended the country’s protective services, saying no individual’s wealth, influence or social standing will place them above the law.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Persad-Bissessar praised members of the police service, Defence Force, Strategic Services Agency (SSA) and prison service, saying they had faced criticism while working to improve national security.

She said that since increased US support for Trinidad and Tobago’s protective services began last year, there has been “heightened unease and furor” among those who have benefited from illegal activity.

Persad-Bissessar accused individuals who have built wealth and status through criminal networks of spreading misinformation and attacking the country’s law enforcement agencies.

“They have spread false narratives to stoke hatred between the two major ethnic groups and launched unrelenting attacks on the American government and our protective services through their social media trolls, deranged commentators, race grifters,” she said.

The prime minister said that despite criticism and what she described as attempts by criminal groups and their supporters to undermine the protective services, law enforcement agencies had made progress in reducing serious crime.

She said members of the police, military, intelligence agencies and prison service had helped bring down serious crimes by 15% in 2026 through their efforts and personal sacrifices.

“I am thankful to the brave men and women of our law enforcement and intelligence agencies who daily undertake the difficult responsibilities of protecting our nation and safeguarding our freedoms, often under immense pressure and unfair criticisms,” Persad-Bissessar said.

She also expressed gratitude to Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, SSA Director Alicia Henry, Chief of Defence Staff Commodore Don Polo, and Prison Superintendent Elvin Scanterbury.

Persad-Bissessar said tackling organised crime and dismantling the country’s illegal drug networks requires strong leadership and commitment.

“We are committed to seeing this mission through along with our international partners professionally and fairly,” she said.

The prime minister said Trinidad and Tobago had for too long operated with a “tiered justice system” in which people received different treatment based on factors including income, ethnicity, location and influence.

“That time has come to an end. No one’s wealth or social status will put them above the law,” she said.

She added that people from communities including Laventille, Siparia, Westmoorings and other parts of Trinidad and Tobago would face the same application of justice.

Her comments come after public debate over the detention of businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve Hadeed, who were released last week after National Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked a preventative detention order that had kept them in custody for a month.

The case has prompted calls from some opposition voices and critics for the removal of Alexander and Attorney General John Jeremie from Cabinet.