The twin-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago has declared its second state of emergency this year, citing intelligence that organized gangs are plotting kidnappings, robberies, and assassinations from inside the nation’s prisons.
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro announced the measure on Friday, warning that gang networks operating both inside and outside the prison system have evolved into an organized crime syndicate.
As part of the response, authorities are relocating gang leaders to a more secure facility to disrupt their communication channels.
“There are persons who seem hellbent on facilitating communication between these individuals and the outside,” Guevarro said. “By removing them from this environment and placing them somewhere much more secure, I can feel rest assured that the communication link is broken.”
Meanwhile, despite declaring a state of emergency for the second time in seven months, Guevarro said crime rates have not spiked in recent days.
Guevarro described the recent move as a preventive step aligned with national security plans.
However, Attorney General John Jeremie said Friday there has been a resurgence in gang-related homicides and kidnappings. When asked how long the state of emergency would remain in effect, he replied, “as long as the security forces tell us that they need the additional legislative support.”
The new order, similar to one imposed in December 2024 and extended in January 2025, grants law enforcement expanded authority, including the power to enter premises without a warrant.
Trinidad and Tobago, home to about 1.5 million people, has struggled with gang violence for over a decade. In 2024, the country recorded 624 homicides, placing it among the most violent nations in the region. Local reports noted a 33% drop in killings this May compared to the same period in 2023 and 2024.
