Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro says Carnival celebrations remain largely safe and energetic, but warned that two shootings and a fatal stabbing recorded on Monday appear linked to ongoing gang retaliation rather than Carnival activity.
Commissioner Guevarro said the TTPS has maintained “a strong, visible and strategic presence” throughout the season, successfully securing major events including Panorama Finals, Kiddies Carnival and Dimanche Gras.
However, he cautioned that intensified enforcement will continue as investigations into Monday’s violence proceed.
“We did record two persons being wounded in a shooting incident, as well as one fatality resulting from a stabbing. At this time, we have no information that these incidents are carnival-related. Initial reports indicate that they are more likely spillover from ongoing gang-related retaliatory violence.”
The Commissioner also raised alarm over dangerous road behaviour and a spike in cases involving intoxicated teenagers.
“I am also calling on parents and guardians to be vigilant with their teenage children. We have seen an increase in reports of teenagers being heavily intoxicated, some brought to police stations unconscious, others behaving disorderly and in one instance, two of them locked themselves in a portable toilet and began to cry. This is deeply concerning as Carnival is a time of celebration, but our young people must be protected, supervised and guided.”
The Commissioner said the TTPS remains fully mobilised for the remainder of Carnival 2026 and called on the public to celebrate responsibly and continue cooperating with officers.