The State of Emergency declared on 30th December 2024 has officially ended, with Minister of National Security Marvin Gonzales hailing it as a success.
Noting that the recent State of Emergency allowed law enforcement agencies to engage in more robust operations, Minister Gonzales said as a result , fifteen gang operatives are now facing serious criminal charges.
“The reality, the fact is, that you had a reduction in murders by about 30% and other serious crimes by 30%, confiscated over 200 firearms, large assortments of ammunition, large amounts of drugs, marijuana and cocaine.”
He said although the SOE has ended, it is their intention to maintain the robust mode of police operations to ensure the continued reduction in criminal gang activities, murders, and serious crimes.
“You might have also heard the government has taken a decision to extend the call-out of the reserves – the army – and that is until June, and that is to allow the police to continue their operations, to support law enforcement efforts on the ground so that they can maintain their presence in the communities and on the streets and to give that sense of safety and security throughout the country.”
Minister Gonzales also emphasised the need for the appropriate management of State resources, saying this will ensure that when called upon, various agencies responsible for safeguarding Trinidad and Tobago can effectively respond.
“They cannot discharge their responsibilities if they are not provided with the appropriate resources. The fire services must be given necessary resources. The Coast Guard must be provided with the necessary resources. The police must be given the necessary resources, and when you give them the necessary resources, you expect management to hold them to account.”
April 13th 2025 marked three and a half months since the State of Emergency was declared to address increased gang activity and violent crime.