THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine is hoping the state of emergency (SoE) – the second one in seven months – will lead to the apprehension and successful prosecution of major criminals.

He said so during a news conference in Trinidad on July 18, hours after the SoE was declared in response to intelligence which revealed that organised criminal gangs, within and outside of the prisons, were plotting to carry out murders, robberies and kidnappings.

Augustine said the THA supports government's efforts but insisted the SoE must ensure the safety and security of citizens going forward.