Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC says her government stands firmly with the police and will not tolerate any attempt by individuals or groups to intimidate, harass or interfere with the Director of Public Prosecutions and members of his staff.
In a statement on Thursday, the Prime Minister commended the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) for “moving swiftly to secure the Office of the DPP… and for protecting its staff from intimidation, harassment and potential harm” during a protest on Wednesday afternoon.
She condemned what she described as attempts to incite hostility against law enforcement and prosecutorial officials, and said her administration will continue to support and protect them.
“We will ensure that law enforcement officers and prosecutorial officials are respected, protected and valued, while lawbreakers are never glorified, excused or encouraged. Attempts to intimidate, harass or interfere with the Director of Public Prosecutions and members of his staff will not be tolerated. We must also remember the tragic case of special State prosecutor Randall Hector, who was gunned down in front of his family in December 2024 while prosecuting a known gang leader.”
The Prime Minister blamed the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) for encouraging hostility towards law enforcement, which she said could result in violence against police officers and prosecutorial officials.
“Will they be satisfied if TTPS officers and prosecutorial officials are gunned down in our streets?”
She said the “unfortunate reality is that Trinidad and Tobago descended into criminality and disorder because too many law-abiding citizens were fearful of confronting political opportunists, racial provocateurs and criminal grifters.”
“These individuals promoted false narratives against law enforcement, allowing criminal elements to operate with boldness while ordinary citizens lived in fear. The very people who excuse criminality and disregard for the rule of law are the ones shouting the loudest in performative outrage, race-baiting, publicity-seeking and political theatrics.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that her administration would not be deterred by those seeking to undermine law enforcement and prosecutorial institutions, and promised to continue defending the rule of law and supporting those charged with upholding it.