Trinidad and Tobago Announces State of Emergency Due to Rising crime rates and Increased violence

Trinidad and Tobago has imposed a state of emergency after a spate of violent crime that poses a public safety risk. The statement, released by Prime Minister Keith Rowley's office on Monday, followed a weekend of particularly bloody violence. As reported by The Guardian, five men were fatally shot in an estate near the capital, Port of Spain, and a 57-year-old woman was killed while collecting her son from a hospital in San Fernando.

The dual-island country situated nearby Venezuela has already 623 murders in 2018, one of the most violent places in Latin America and the Caribbean. The State of emergency gives police and the military increased powers, such as the right to hold persons without being interrogated and the right to search without warrant. Attorney General Stuart Young stated that the measures are to be taken in order to reduce the effects of gang violence and to prevent retaliatory violence, by using firearms.

Despite these actions, Deputy Chief Secretary Faith Brebnor criticized the government for delaying the decision, accusing Prime Minister Rowley of poor leadership. Brebnor pointed out that the criminal trends had been clear over the year, and indicated that earlier intervention had been likely to prevent the crisis.

Trinidad and Tobago: A Nation on High Alert

Authorities confirmed that no public curfew will be implemented under the emergency rules. However, law enforcement is preparing for possible escalations. Attention continues to be focussed on stabilizing and obtaining safety in the country.

FAQs:

How bad is the crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago?
The country now ranks as one of the most violent in Latin America and the Caribbean. Recent shootings and murders, including multiple fatalities over the weekend, highlight the severity of the situation.

Is there a public curfew in place?
No, Attorney General Stuart Young has clarified that the state of emergency does not include a public curfew at this time.