Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has pledged that her Government will continue to support the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), assuring officers they will not be abandoned as they work to protect citizens and combat crime.
Speaking at the first-ever TTPS Divali Celebration on Thursday evening, the Prime Minister praised officers for their efforts in improving national security, saying their work had contributed to a significant reduction in murders and other serious crimes.
She highlighted that more than 490 lives had been spared since the UNC Government took office in April 2025, and also reported that 283 murders had been recorded between January and October 26th this year, compared with 518 during the same period in 2024. The Prime Minister said this represented a 46% reduction, with 22 fewer murders than the 305 recorded over the corresponding period last year.
She also pointed to improvements in other areas of crime, including shootings and woundings, robberies and road traffic accidents.
“Shootings and woundings decreased from 523 in 2024 to 298 while robberies dropped from 1,636 to 876. On our roads where the police have been a visible presence fatal accidents fell by 31%. Serious injuries declined by 35%. Minor injuries by 33%.Total road traffic accidents are trending now approximately 42% lower than in 2024. These figures carry a human being. Families spared. Devastating loss and communities are given more reason to hope.”
Quoting from the Ramayana, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said the teachings of Lord Rama reinforced the responsibility of leaders to ensure that members of their security forces receive their provisions and salaries without delay.
She said her Government recognises the sacrifices officers make, including time spent away from their families, and stressed that their service must be matched with fair treatment.
“My government, as you may know, has provided $458 million for police overtime this fiscal year to support a payment of properly authorised claims. Today, in the spirit of Divali, I pledge that my government will never abandon the Police Service and its sacred duty to defend our nation against evildoers and criminals. As you stand between our citizens and danger, I will stand with you so that goodness prevails and the light continues to shine across our nation.”
The Prime Minister also urged officers to uphold integrity in the execution of their duties, warning that corruption and unfair treatment could undermine public trust in the uniform.
“Divali also asks us to uphold that goodness in our own conduct, in our own behavior. For those entrusted with authority, integrity keeps the inner light burning. Every officer who refuses a bribe, every officer who treats a vulnerable person fairly or resists pressure to do wrong, honors the oath that you have all taken. Your example gives citizens reason to trust the uniform.”
Mrs Persad-Bissessar said Divali’s message of light overcoming darkness was particularly meaningful for police officers, who confront wrongdoing daily.
She thanked officers and their families for their sacrifices, while also remembering those who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Prime Minister ended by assuring officers that the Government would stand with them as they continue working to make communities safer.
“As long as you stand and do your duty, we will stand and fight with you and, in that way, the darkness must never win.”