P.M. Kamla Persad-Bissessar RESPONDS To Criticisms Over Latest SOE Declaration

By —

Prime Minister the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP, has responded to criticisms from the Opposition and elsewhere regarding her announcement early this morning (Tuesday 3rd March, 2026) that Trinidad and Tobago has been placed under another State of Emergency (SOE).

According to Leader of the Opposition, Pennelope Beckles, MP, “Every day, another failure. The 2nd State of Emergency in under a year proves the Government has no crime plan, only excuses and authoritarian overreach. Even Kamla Persad-Bissessar once called an SOE a ‘shameless gimmick.’ T&T deserves real solutions, not rule by emergency.”

The Opposition Leader further stated, “The PM is asleep: where was the Chair of the National Security Council? The Prime Minister continues to be absent from these crucial discussions. We urge the PM to face the media and address the SOE.”

See the Prime Minister’s full statement below in response to critics:

I AM NOT AFRAID TO TAKE TOUGH DECISIONS IN THE DEFENCE OF LAW ABIDING CITIZENS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO.

Following the declaration of the State of Emergency today, I received questions from the media pointing out criticisms from the Opposition and seeking answers to what has been clearly outlined. For far too long citizens have been at the mercy of criminals and my Government has demonstrated it has the political will to fight the criminals.

I stand firmly by the words I spoke in 2024. The former PNM administration had no tangible, sustainable plan to confront crime. Their State of Emergency was not a strategy — it was a spectacle. It was a political gimmick designed to create the appearance of action, not to deliver results. How could they realistically confront criminality when that party was itself embedded in the belly of it?

They turned a blind eye to illegal drugs, illegal arms, and human trafficking. They ignored allegations of rampant paedophilia within the hierarchy of their own party. They failed to take meaningful action to strengthen national security while thousands of women were raped or sexually assaulted, more than 5,000 people were murdered, and thousands more were terrorized in violent robberies.

The States of Emergency declared under my Government are not band-aids. They are triggered by credible intelligence of threats to our nation. Criminals will not hold Trinidad and Tobago to ransom. They will not dictate terms to those in authority, and they will not overpower law-abiding citizens.

Both the Attorney General and I have outlined in detail the basis for this State of Emergency. We will not be threatened by criminal elements or by those who seek to shield and protect them. We will use every lawful tool available to us to confront and dismantle criminal networks.

We inherited a crime-ridden nation where gangs operated with impunity and the blood of innocents flowed far too freely. We promised to restore law and order — and we are doing exactly that. Comprehensive, holistic plans are already in motion. I commend our law enforcement officers for their courage, sacrifice and relentless hard work.

The people of Trinidad and Tobago must ask themselves: why is there such a coordinated and focused effort by the Opposition and certain President-appointed Senators to act as representatives of criminal interests? It is telling that every serious effort to tackle crime is met with fierce resistance from these quarters.

They opposed the US radar system, which has strengthened our border security. They opposed the Zones of Special Operations legislation, which would have empowered law enforcement to root out criminality in identified hot spots — many of which are constituencies represented by the PNM — while rebuilding the social infrastructure of those communities.

Why is the PNM so determined to obstruct policies designed to target criminals?

My Government will not treat threats or destabilization plots lightly. My first duty is to safeguard law-abiding citizens. Within months, we enacted Stand Your Ground and Home Invasion legislation. We strengthened partnerships with the United States to secure our borders. We ensured permanent leadership at the helm of the Police Service. We increased boots on the ground, expanded visible patrols, and deployed additional resources. We tightened Road Traffic laws to restore order on our nation’s roads.

We are cleaning up the lawless mess left behind by the PNM and its dangerous tolerance of criminal elements.

We understand that every arm of law and order must function effectively. That is why we are working collaboratively with the judiciary to address the backlog and strengthen the criminal justice system.

There is no sleeping at the wheel. There is no political interference. There are no backroom machinations. There is decisive action on all fronts — including the State of Emergency — to eliminate threats and prevent Trinidad and Tobago from returning to the killing fields that existed under the PNM.

I commend the Commissioner of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the heads of all protective services for their diligence and devotion to safeguarding our citizens. I also thank the United States for its continued partnership in combating this scourge of crime.

Trinidad and Tobago now has an invite at the table where international and regional security is being addressed. I will continue to seek further cooperation and assistance to ensure that gangs and organized criminal networks are eradicated from our country. We will not surrender this nation. We will not retreat. We will restore law, order and safety — and we will do so without fear or favour!

More on this as it becomes available.

Comments

Post a Comment

Trending Right Now On Youthere1 News

Mandatory Fixed Penalty Warning System For These 18 Traffic Violations To Take Effect From Monday

By —
Image
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation is advising members of the public that, effective from Monday (2nd March, 2026), mandatory Fixed Penalty Warnings will be implemented for eighteen (18) specified traffic violations contained in the Eleventh Schedule to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act , Chap. 48:50, aimed at improving road safety, encouraging compliance, and promoting corrective action. In a Media Release on Friday (27th February, 2026), the Ministry said, “ Motorists in breach of the listed violations will be issued a Fixed Penalty Warning instead of a Fixed Penalty Notice. The warning provides motorists with an opportunity to correct the identified defect within a prescribed three (3) or seven (7) business day period , excluding weekends, public holidays, Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday.” The Ministry notes that upon issuance of a warning, the motorist is required to remedy the defect and present the vehicle at any Police Station or any office of the Licensing...
Read more

Man Ambushed, Shot Dead Outside Naafa’ Pizza, Near Grand Bazaar

By —
Image
UPDATE 2: The victim’s white Toyota Hilux (TDU 8733) was stolen by a man before Police and Emergency Health Services arrived on the scene. The vehicle was reportedly later spotted in Cunupia. UPDATE: CCTV footage has emerged of the deadly shooting, which shows two (2) gunmen alighting from what appears to be a silver/grey Nissan Wingroad wagon. The suspects pursued and opened fire on Curtis Pierre, who collapsed on the ground a short distance away. The gunmen continued firing at the victim, before one of them appeared to rip the gold chain from his neck. The men then re-entered the wagon and made their escape. A man is dead following a brutal shooting incident in Bamboo early this morning (Sunday 22nd February, 2026). The deceased has been identified as Curtis Pierre, also known as “Bird,” of Gopaul Avenue, Diego Martin. He was chased and executed by gunmen outside Naafa’ Pizza, near Grand Bazaar, just hours after attending a Carnival event. According to reports, Pierre had attende...
Read more

Police Constable Hospitalized In Critical Condition Following ‘Incident’ At Sangre Grande Police Station

By —
Image
UPDATE (24/02/26): The injured Officer has been identified as PC Jonathan Bonaldo, who is assigned to the Sangre Grande Police Station. He is still receiving treatment for his severe injuries at Hospital. Bonaldo reportedly managed to get to his feet after his fall and made his way into the station’s Charge Room. Bleeding from the head, he is said to have rested his head on the Station Diary, leaving it stained with blood. He then walked into the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) office, where he laid down on a desk, before being rushed for emergency medical treatment. A Police Constable attached to the Sangre Grande Police Station is currently warded in critical condition at Hospital, following an incident on the station’s compound on Friday afternoon (20th February, 2026). The Officer reportedly has less than a year of service. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), reports indicate the Officer may have fallen from a height on the Eastern side of the sta...
Read more

Diego Martin Man Shot Dead Inside Barataria Home — Police Investigating

By —
Image
A man is dead following a shooting incident in Barataria earlier today (Sunday 1st March, 2026). The deceased has been identified as Rivaldo Pierre of Gilkes Street, Four Roads, Diego Martin.  According to reports, Pierre was shot inside a house along 10th Street, Barataria. Police and Emergency Health Services were notified and responded to the scene. However, Pierre succumbed to his injuries. Investigations are continuing by Officers of the North Eastern Division and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI) Region II. More on this as it becomes available.  [Source: Ian Alleyne ]
Read more

28-Year-Old Man Shot Dead Inside Car In Santa Cruz; 23 Spent Shells Found

By —
Image
A man is dead following a shooting incident in Santa Cruz last night (Wednesday 25th February, 2026). The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old labourer, Hakeem Baker, also known as “Peng,” of Northwest Drive, Patna Village, Diego Martin. He was gunned down inside a car. According to reports, Officers of the North Eastern Division were alerted about several loud explosions heard on Sun Valley Extension, La Canoa Road, shortly before 9:00 PM, and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found Baker’s body slumped with multiple gunshot wounds in the front passenger seat of a silver Nissan B14, which was partly in a drain at the side of the road. Police believe Baker attempted to escape his attackers by driving away, but lost control under heavy gunfire and drove into a ditch, before climbing into the passenger side seat. However, the gunmen allegedly pursued the vehicle and continued firing in his direction even after it came to a stop. A District Medical Officer (DMO) was summon...
Read more

TRIPLE Murder Rocks Laventille — 3 Men Shot Dead Outside Home

By —
Image
UPDATE: Following this morning’s triple murder in Laventille, Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, is assuring that law enforcement personnel will be present in the community as efforts continue to address safety and security concerns across the country. Three (3) men are dead following a brutal shooting incident outside a home in Laventille early this morning (Friday 27th February, 2026), which has left residents traumatized and shaken. The deceased have been identified as 33-year-old Jesse Nelson, Keon Alexander and Dwayne Alexander, all of 53 Mc Shine Lands, Laventille. According to reports, the men were gathered outside a home along 42nd Street off Laventille Road, Laventille, when they were ambushed by several gunmen armed with assault rifles, shortly after 1:00 AM. The men opened fire on the group, striking all three (3) victims multiple times before making their escape. Police and Emergency Health Services were notified and Officers assigned to the Port-of-Spain Tas...
Read more

NO Electricity On Thursday In Parts of Diego Martin, Las Cuevas, Cumuto, Sangre Grande, Rio Claro

By —
Image
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is advising customers that planned maintenance work will affect several areas of Diego Martin, Las Cuevas, Cumuto, Sangre Grande and Rio Claro on Thursday (26th February, 2026). This may result in loss of electricity between the hours of works.  According to T&TEC, the affected areas in Diego Martin, Las Cuevas, Cumuto, Sangre Grande and Rio Claro are as follows:  DIEGO MARTIN (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) Along Western zone of Cemetery Street and all associated side streets. LAS CUEVAS (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) Along Zorro Road all associated side streets. CUMUTO (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) Saint Maire Emmanuel Road, including Dedier Trace, Carpenter Trace, Hakoo Trace, Sookoo Trace, Guatapajaro Road, Thanoo Trace and all associated side streets. SANGRE GRANDE (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) LP #56 on Oropouche Road heading East, including El Reposo Road, Sonja Circular, Ragbir Avenue, Boodoo Highway, Non Pariel Road, Juantia Boulevard, Felmina...
Read more

BODY Found Washed Ashore In Tobago Identified As ‘Stacy’ From Golconda, San Fernando

By —
Image
Following the discovery of a partially decomposed body along the shoreline at Blenheim Bay, Tobago, on Tuesday afternoon (Tuesday 3rd March, 2026), the deceased has been identified by tattoos as “Stacy” from Golconda, San Fernando. A formal identification is pending. Police in Tobago have since launched a homicide investigation. According to reports, Officers on mobile patrol along Windward Road, Mt. St. George, were alerted by residents to a body seen floating in the sea, around 3:00 PM. The body later washed ashore near the new Mt. St George/Goodwood electoral district office. With the assistance of civilians in the area, Officers were able to retrieve the body. Authorities reported that the deceased appeared to be a woman, who was found unclothed, with a rope wrapped around her neck. Investigators also observed several tattoos on the body, including the word “Shiloh” above the left breast, a flower and skull design on the left arm, and additional markings on the wrists and waist a...
Read more