2 weeks ago
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Allister Guevarro - COMMISSIONER of Police Allister Guevarro (CoP) says while the current state of emergency (SoE) has produced significant results, it must be maintained to permanently dismantle criminal networks. For that reason, he has recommended an extension of the measure.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirmed on the Crime Watch television programme on October 27 that Guevarro had formally advised the government to extend it.
The SoE was first implemented on July 18 based on the CoP’s recommendation and later extended on July 28 for an additional three months.
In a series of voice notes issued on October 29, Guevarro explained his rationale for recommending a further extension, while emphasising that the final decision rested with Parliament.
“The decision to extend the state of emergency falls squarely within the remit of Parliament."
Guevarro added that neither he nor the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) would have any say over the duration of the extension if it was approved.
“It is not within the authority of the CoP or the TTPS to determine its duration. What I can confirm is that I submitted a classified report to the National Security Council, which includes operational assessments and recommendations.
"The contents of that report are not for public disclosure, given the sensitivity of the material. Any decision beyond that, particularly regarding the length of the extension, is a matter for parliamentary debate and resolution.”
The CoP said the initial threat that triggered the SoE had been “decisively addressed,” but warned that criminal networks remained adaptive.
“When leadership structures are disrupted, others attempt to fill the void. Our disruption phase was successful, but the dismantling phase requires sustained precision.
“Several individuals of interest have gone into hiding, and we are actively pursuing them through intelligence operations. The situation remains dynamic, and while significant progress has been made, our work continues to ensure long-term stability.”
Asked whether his recommendation was linked to the ongoing regional tensions involving Venezuela and the United States, which recently deployed a fleet of military assets to the Southern Caribbean to counter-narcotics operations, Guevarro distanced the police from geopolitical issues.
“You asked me about Venezuela and the current situation, which delves into the realm of geopolitics. I will respectfully steer clear of that, as my role is to protect and serve the people of TT, not Caracas.
"The TTPS’s recommendations are based solely on the previous SoE period, threat evaluations, existing intelligence, and other key considerations. Any linkage to external affairs is outside my purview, and I would caution against speculation that detracts from the seriousness of our internal security efforts.”
The government has scheduled a sitting of Parliament for October 31 to debate the proposed extension.
The government does not require opposition support to approve an additional three-month extension in the Lower House. Any period beyond that would, however, require a three-fifths majority.
The July 18 SoE – which followed a similar initiative by the former PNM administration prior to the April 28 general election – was declared in response to a surge in murders and intelligence reports of planned attacks by criminal networks operating within and outside the prison system.
Authorities said potential targets included senior government officials, members of the judiciary, law-enforcement officers, and prison personnel.
Under the SoE, the police and Defence Force have been granted powers to arrest individuals suspected of illegal activities and to conduct searches of public and private premises as necessary.
English (US) ·