PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC—The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) has welcomed the government’s decision to declare a state of emergency in this country, urging all stakeholders “to work collaboratively toward a safer, more secure” country.
Acting Attorney General Stuart Young told a news conference that the public state of emergency (SoE) was declared due to the threat to national security posed by reprisal killings and the use of high-powered weapons.
Young explained that the SoE was declared based on information provided to them by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), adding that there were elements that could not be divulged.
In a statement, the TT Chamber said it recognizes that a state of emergency is “necessary in the public’s best interest given the current crime crisis.
“The alarming level of homicides and the proliferation of high-powered weapons highlight the grave reality that crime is out of control, posing a significant threat to the safety and security of our citizens and businesses.
“We view the SoE as an opportunity for our national security forces to address the situation head-on, hoping to restore some degree of normalcy to our society. However, the TT Chamber emphasizes that while the SoE is an important step, it is not a standalone solution to our country’s crime problem. It must be part of a broader, comprehensive, and sustainable plan to combat crime effectively”.
The private sector group said it remains ready and willing to assist in the national efforts to deal with the crime situation, adding, “Addressing crime is not only about saving lives but also safeguarding livelihoods and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and stability.
“During this period of suspension of rights under the SOE, we also expect that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service will be sensitive to heightened public sentiments and careful not to create any perception of abuse.
“Upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring the success of this measure,” the private sector group added,
Meanwhile, opposition leader Kamla Persad Bissessar dismissed the SoE as a “political gimmick” by the Keith Rowley government.
In a statement, she said she had called for a state of emergency in January this year as she had “correctly predicted that failure to do so would result in a most murderous year.
“I was roundly condemned by the Prime Minister and his political and business community supporters. Many lives could have been saved had they heeded my advice at the beginning of this year.
“This SOE was not called because of any genuine concern for the safety of citizens but rather as a shameless act of political gimmickry to be used as propaganda for the upcoming general election. The Prime Minister could not find the courage to address the nation. This is undoubtedly the most insulting act of cowardice and disrespect we have ever witnessed from this lazy, greedy old man,” she added.
Persad Bissessar, whose People’s Partnership government instituted a state of emergency when it held office here between 210 and 15, said that “the government is drowning in self-made failure and has resorted again to using the dead cat tactic, whereby they make a shocking announcement to divert attention away from society’s problems and issues.
“This government continues to embarrass itself and has become a laughingstock,” she said.
More than 600 people have been murdered here this year, up from the 577 figure recorded last year.
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