Trinidad and Tobago extends state of emergency by three months

Lawmakers in Trinidad and Tobago have approved a three-month extension of the country’s state of emergency as authorities continue efforts to combat rising crime.

The House of Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago passed two motions late Friday night in a 26–12 vote, with all government members supporting the measure and opposition lawmakers voting against it. There were no abstentions.

The motions were brought by John Jeremie and passed shortly after 11 p.m. following debate among seven lawmakers.

The first motion asked the House to take note of a statement issued by Christine Kangaloo outlining the constitutional grounds for declaring the state of public emergency under Section 9(1) of the Constitution. Lawmakers then debated and approved a second motion to extend the proclamation issued March 2 declaring a state of emergency effective March 3.

Under emergency powers, authorities are allowed to make arrests and conduct searches without warrants.

Opposition lawmakers criticized the extension, arguing the government has failed to adequately address the country’s crime situation. Members of the opposition who spoke during the debate included Marvin Gonzales, Stuart Young, Keith Scotland and Colm Imbert.

Government lawmakers who participated in the debate included Roodal Moonilal, Roger Alexander and Wayne Sturge.

Officials say the country has recorded more than 60 killings so far this year. Trinidad and Tobago has spent roughly 10 of the last 14 months under a state of emergency, which initially lasts up to 15 days but can be extended by Parliament.

The repeated use of emergency powers has also raised concerns about potential impacts on the country’s tourism industry as authorities attempt to curb violent crime.