A State of Emergency has been declared in Trinidad and Tobago, effective Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC made the announcement on Tuesday morning, following advice from the National Security Council.
In a statement, she said after meeting on March 2nd and receiving briefings from the Police Commissioner, Chief of Defence Staff, and Head of the Strategic Services Agency, the National Security Council noted a sharp increase in violent gang activity since the previous State of Emergency ended on January 31st. It was also noted that several incidents involved mass shootings, ongoing reprisal attacks, and credible threats against police, prison officers, and other security personnel.
The Prime Minister had previously warned criminal gangs that continued lawlessness would result in decisive action. In light of escalating violence and threats to public safety, Her Excellency the President declared the State of Public Emergency on March 2nd.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said this action reinforces the Government’s zero-tolerance approach to crime and its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and preserving national security.
* See Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s statement below:
