CJ sets up SoE tribunal

News Jada Loutoo 14 Hrs Ago

Chief Justice Ivor Archie. - File photo

CHIEF Justice Ivor Archie has announced the appointment of members to the Review Tribunal established under the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025. The announcement was made through a gazetted notice issued on July 21.

The tribunal, created under Section 11 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Chapter 1:01, and Paragraph 5(1) of the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025, will oversee reviews related to emergency powers.

David Alexander has been named chairman, with Kent Samlal and Shivangelie Ramoutar appointed as members.

Archie said that the appointments were made in accordance with the authority granted to him under Section 11 of the Constitution and Paragraph 5(2) of the Emergency Powers Regulations.

President Christine Kangaloo declared a state of emergency (SoE) on July 18.

Hours later, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro said intelligence revealed that organised gangs inside correctional facilities were using smuggled mobile phones to coordinate murders, kidnappings, robberies, and attacks on senior law enforcement and justice officials. He personally oversaw the extraction of “gang leaders” from the prison to disrupt what he called a “reign of terror.

The government also defended the move, saying it was necessary to protect the public. Attorney General John Jeremie said the SoE was triggered by a “credible and coordinated plot” by a criminal syndicate to kill senior justice and security officials and disrupt national security. He said the government fully supports the emergency measures, which allow law enforcement to relocate high-risk prisoners and conduct operations with expanded authority.

Jeremie added that the SoE would remain in place “as long as security forces deem it necessary.” He praised the work of the police and prison services, saying they required “leeway to operate” to protect citizens. No nationwide curfew has been imposed.

Guevarro said the extraordinary measures were designed to dismantle organised criminal command structures operating inside prisons. “We have seen recent acts of kidnapping and homicides traced back to these gangs. As your CoP, I cannot stand before you knowing what I know and not take definitive action,” he said.

In a press briefing, Guevarro said he personally supervised the “extraction of gang leaders” from the Maximum Security Prison to prevent them from “using liberal communications to facilitate a reign of terror.” He said the transfers were designed to break up the command structure of the criminal network and protect public officials.

Jeremie said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had been “commanding her troops from the front,” working closely with security agencies since the threat emerged. He added that the government was prepared to recall Parliament to extend the SoE beyond the initial 15-day period if required.