As the nation awaits Monday’s 2025/2026 Budget presentation, attention turns to how much will go toward tackling crime.
Under the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration, National Security received TT$6.1 billion — the third-largest allocation in the 2024/2025 Budget.
With the United National Congress (UNC) now at the helm, crime reduction remains a top priority. Since taking office, the UNC government has moved to strengthen law and order, creating new Ministries — Defence, Homeland Security, and Justice — and advancing key legislation such as Stand Your Ground, aimed at restoring public safety and confidence.
Following the declaration of a State of Emergency (SoE) on July 18th 2025, the Prime Minister said the move was necessary to “cut off the immediate threat at the root and safeguard citizens.”
The State of Emergency was extended in Parliament on July 28th for a further three months. She reassured the public that the SoE is not the government’s crime-fighting plan, but rather a means of dealing with impending threats from within the prison system against the State.
“We called the State of Emergency, as I said, not to treat with crime per se. It was prompted by the threat posed to the State by actors in prisons and they were threatening our national security in this country.”
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the decision taken by the government proves their commitment to holding their end of the bargain.
“This targeted State of Emergency proclaimed July 18th it is not bluster. It is not theatre. It’s the fulfilment of the promise we made when three months ago the people of T&T returned us to office with an overwhelming mandate to make our nation safer by action and not just by empty noise. We intend to keep that promise. This is but one piece of the plan.”
In its manifesto, the UNC listed 60 initiatives to address crime and reform the justice system, many of which are already being rolled out.
Among them is the proposed Stand Your Ground legislation, which has completed public consultation and is expected to reach Parliament by year’s end. During one consultation session, Minister of Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein said the proposed bill will introduce a new offence of home invasion, granting homeowners the right to defend themselves. Minister Hosein added that intruders found guilty of home invasion offences resulting in death could face a murder charge, and possibly the death penalty.
“The offense of home invasion will also cater for in instances in which a home invader intentionally causes any injury for occupants of a dwelling house, including grievous bodily harm, grievous sexual assault, rape and death.”
Other initiatives include:
- The full-time placement of police officers in schools — already implemented, with 95 Special Reserve Officers assigned to high-risk institutions.
- Planned use of ankle bracelets and house arrest systems, supported by updated legislation.
- A proposed increase in the legal age for marijuana use and gambling to 25 years and older.
The government is also prioritising the modernisation of the justice system, promising more courtrooms outside Port of Spain, faster case processing, and improved support for victims.
The Ministry of Justice, introduced under the UNC administration, is expected to lead reforms that include:
- Categorising murder and rape into first- and second-degree offences.
- Introducing a Victims’ Rights Act.
- Expanding psychological and restitution programmes for victims.
- Ensuring every High Court judge is assigned a dedicated courtroom to reduce backlogs.
On the enforcement side, the Ministry of Defence is expected to focus on restructuring the national security framework, including plans to:
- Re-establish the National Operations Centre.
- Increase CCTV coverage nationwide.
- Modernise TTPS facilities and training programmes.
The government has also pledged to upgrade the Forensic Science Centre, aiming to improve evidence processing and reduce case backlogs. Plans include expanding forensic training and constructing a new National Forensic Complex at the UWI Debe campus.
Security, justice, and law enforcement are expected to remain among the top three national priorities in Monday’s Budget.