Statement by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

My government came into office on the promise that we would address the crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago as a matter of priority and that we would do everything necessary to ensure that citizens felt safe in their homes, workplaces, schools and places of worship. Last evening I received an intelligence report from the Commissioner of Police and I immediately directed my Attorney General to take the requisite steps to advise Her Excellency, the President, to declare that a State of Emergency existed in Trinidad and Tobago.

I will not stand idly by for years, months, weeks or even days while a minority of illegally armed individuals act in concert to intimidate the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I will not tolerate a resurgence of kidnappings for ransom and other heinous crimes initiated by gangs. I will not allow these elements of society to continue to terrorize and traumatize law abiding citizens and to wreak havoc in our land.