Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is crediting the country’s protective services for the reported decline in violent crime, as she salutes the men and women who continue to put their lives on the line to protect the public.
Speaking at the toast to the nation Independence Day hosted by the TTPS, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the work of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and other protective services has helped save lives and reduce crime.
“Between January 2025 and today, there have been 400 fewer murders than were projected to occur and that is because of the efforts of the rough men and women of the TNT police service and all the other protective services. Over 400 of our citizens are alive today because of your dedication and your commitment, all your efforts. Today we say thank you for your sacrifices.”
The Prime Minister said the progress is reflected in several key crime indicators.
She noted that murders fell by 42 percent in 2025 compared with 2024, with the current homicide figure at its lowest level since 2011.
“I also understand that the state of emergency, of unpredictable emergencies like the recent numerous bomb threats, your staffing shortages often mean cancerous days off and long, exhausting shifts. Due to your great personal and professional sacrifices, we have achieved much. There has been a 42% reduction in murders in 2025 when compared to 2024. At present, the homicide figure is the lowest it has ever been since 2011.”
She added that the murder rate is the lowest it has ever been since 2011. She also pointed to a reduction to woundings and an improvement inroad safety.
“Woundings and shootings fell from 523 to 298. Robberies dropped from 1,636 to 876. Road safety has also improved with fatal road traffic accidents reduced by 51%. Serious injuries have also been reduced by 35% and minor injuries by 33%. Total road traffic accidents are currently trending around 42% less than in 2025.”
But while highlighting the statistics, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the human cost behind the figures. She further recognized the emotional toll the
Toasting to the nations on this Independence day, She said the TTPS is regaining control of public safety and assured officers that the government remains firmly behind them.
“Today as we toast not only to our nation’s 64th anniversary of independence, but we also toast and I would want us to do so and join together to the resilience of our wonderful men and women in the TTPS uniform and in the uniforms of the other protective services. This government and this Prime Minister stand firmly in your corner. The Holy Book tells us, and I quote, blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.”
She saluted the resilience of the protective services, while calling on citizens to recognize the sacrifices made by officers and their families in the fight against crime.