Joshua Samaroo Killing: TTPS Issues Guidance On Public Gatherings After Dispersing Protesters In Port-of-Spain

“While protests are not expressly prohibited under the current State of Emergency (SOE), all public gatherings must strictly comply with the Emergency Powers Regulations.” This according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Operations, Suzette Martin, following the dispersal of a crowd of protesters on Sunday (24th May, 2026). 

The group had gathered outside the Police Administration building in Port-of-Spain to protest the fatal Police shooting of 31-year-old Joshua Samaroo and the critical wounding of his girlfriend, 24-year-old Kaia Sealy, as well as the decision to charge Sealy with Samaroo’s murder and the attempted murder of three (3) Police Officers.

In a Media Release on Sunday, DCP Martin said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) “acknowledges the presence of individuals who assembled today [Sunday]. The TTPS has a statutory responsibility to maintain public safety and preserve public order. Where any gathering presents a potential risk to either, Officers are duly empowered to take appropriate and proportionate action, including the lawful dispersal of such assemblies.”

According to Martin, “In this instance, Officers engaged the individuals present and issued clear, lawful instructions in accordance with the Emergency Powers Regulations. The decision to disperse the gathering was based on assessed concerns relating to public safety and the maintenance of order. Members of the public are reminded that the Emergency Powers Regulations confer broad authority on law enforcement to regulate, restrict, or disperse assemblies where necessary.”

Key provisions include:

• The Commissioner of Police may restrict the association or communication of individuals and prohibit entry into specified areas.
• Any location may be designated a “protected place,” rendering unauthorized entry an offence and permitting Police to search or remove persons from such areas.
• Police Officers are granted expanded powers to stop, search, detain, and arrest individuals without a warrant where there is reasonable suspicion that actions may be prejudicial to public safety.
• Public speech, organizing, or advocacy activities connected to protests may fall within offences where such actions are deemed capable of influencing public opinion in a manner detrimental to public safety.
• Protest activity, particularly in the vicinity of Police Stations or other sensitive locations, must comply strictly with public order laws and SOE regulations.

The public is further advised that breaches of the Emergency Powers Regulations carry significant penalties, including fines of up to TT $100,000 and imprisonment for up to five (5) years.

DCP Martin added, “The current legal framework is established under the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 40 of 2026), enacted pursuant to the declaration of the ongoing State of Emergency.”

The Media Release concluded by saying, “The TTPS remains committed to balancing the constitutional rights of citizens with its duty to ensure safety, stability, and good order during this period. The Service continues to urge all persons to act responsibly, co-operate with law enforcement, and adhere to all regulations currently in force.”

More on this as it becomes available.

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