Trinidad and Tobago declares new state of emergency

Trinidad and Tobago has entered a fresh State of Emergency (SOE), just three months after lifting a previous 105-day emergency measure. The decision, prompted by what authorities call an “organized crime syndicate” operating both inside and outside the nation’s prisons, was announced by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro during a press conference Friday.

Guevarro, one month into his role as Commissioner, described the situation as “grave,” citing intelligence that revealed coordinated plans for assassinations, kidnappings, and armed robberies. He said this intelligence showed an alarming level of sophistication, pointing to close collaboration between incarcerated gang leaders and outside operatives.

“When I received this information, it was most troubling,” Guevarro said. “I had to approach the National Security Council immediately. I later briefed the Prime Minister and Attorney General and made a recommendation, reluctantly but necessarily, for the declaration of a state of emergency.”

The proclamation was signed by President Christine Kangaloo late Thursday night. By early Friday morning, Guevarro and his officers began executing operations, including personally overseeing the relocation of high-risk inmates from the Maximum Security Prison in Golden Grove to more secure facilities.

“These individuals will no longer have access to the liberal communication channels they were exploiting,” he stated. “They have been orchestrating a reign of terror on the good citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.”

The Police Commissioner made it clear that this emergency measure is not in response to political threats or directed at specific groups but rather a strategic move against a deeply embedded criminal infrastructure. “There is a group of criminals, some behind bars, some on the outside, who have merged into a unified crime syndicate with serious intent to destabilize the nation.”

The SOE grants expanded powers to the police, including the ability to search homes without a warrant. However, Guevarro emphasized that these powers are not to be abused and warned officers of legal consequences if they misuse their authority.

“There will be no curfew,” he clarified. “This is not an SOE of reaction; this is an SOE of pro-action.”

Since assuming office, Guevarro said police have removed over 30 illegal firearms from the streets and brought several suspects to court. He praised the force’s efforts and assured the public that law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) issued a parallel statement urging citizens to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement. The statement outlined the alarming scope of the threat, including the smuggling of encrypted cellphones into prisons and the orchestration of violent crimes from behind bars.

“This network is actively targeting officials and state institutions,” the TTPS warned. “The scale and coordination exceed the limits of conventional law enforcement.”

Under the country’s Constitution, an SOE can initially last one month. Parliament may extend it in three-month blocks, up to a six-month limit. Further extensions require a supermajority in both Houses.

As operations continue, officials are urging the public to report suspicious activity and support efforts to restore national security.

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