Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen has thrown her support behind Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s decision to declare a State of Emergency, describing the move as a firm and necessary response to the continued threat posed by organised criminal activity.
Speaking on the declaration, Minister Ameen pointed to a significant reduction in violent crime as evidence that the current administration’s national security strategy is yielding results. According to figures reported by Newsday, murders in Trinidad and Tobago fell from 626 in 2024 to 369 in 2025 — a 42 percent decline and the lowest level recorded in a decade.
The Minister attributed the decline not to chance but to “rigorous and sustained work” by the country’s police officers, soldiers, and intelligence units, backed by firm national security policies and the political will to confront criminal networks.
Ameen also levelled criticism at the previous administration, stating that years of hesitation and weak responses had allowed criminal networks to strengthen and communities to suffer. She said the country is still grappling with the consequences of what she described as a period of inaction.
While acknowledging that crime remains a serious national challenge, Minister Ameen expressed confidence that stronger enforcement and clearer policy direction are already producing gradual improvements. She called on citizens to cooperate with law enforcement as the Government presses forward with its community safety agenda.
“Every life saved, matters. If decisive action prevents even one family from losing a loved one to violence then those actions are justified,” Minister Ameen said.