Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander says a United Kingdom report claiming there are more than 180 active gangs in Trinidad and Tobago is inaccurate.
On June 5th, 2026, the United Kingdom published a report indicating that more than 180 gangs operate throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister Alexander responded to that report, saying the Government has different information.
“What I can tell you is this: The figures are very different to what we have presently. Well, apparently they said it was higher, but we didn’t see that.”
Minister Alexander noted, though, that he hadn’t had an opportunity to fully analyse the report.
“They probably got their intelligence from whatever source. We have our intelligence here. We live here, so we understand what is happening here. So whatever information they have at this time, it is not enough time for me to really dissect it. I read it. It’s not enough for me to dissect it, for me to do an autopsy on it.”
He indicated that he has been speaking to some of the local gang members, telling them that the time has come for them to “wake up”.
“That change must come from you, and you must show me, as Homeland Security Minister, that you are serious about the change and that you are fed up of the killings and the shootings and all of that. And if you show me that for a considerable period of time, then I can approach my leaders and say, ‘Listen, these young men have made that change, and listen, everybody deserves a second chance, you know.’ And you see we are trying to display that now even with the probation laws and all of that now.”
The UK report was prepared in relation to Trinidad and Tobago nationals seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.