Trinidad and Tobago declare another State of Emergency

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has declared a new state of emergency following a spike in violent criminal activity across the twin-island republic.

The announcement came after a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) on Monday, March 2, 2026, shortly after the previous state of emergency ended on January 31. The meeting included Chief of Defence Staff and the head of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), who briefed officials on the country’s crime situation.

In a statement, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-B ... said that since the end of the earlier emergency measures, the country has seen a sharp rise in violent crimes, many of which are believed to be linked to organized criminal gangs.

According to the NSC, several of these incidents involved mass shootings that resulted in multiple deaths. Officials warned that ongoing retaliatory attacks between rival gangs could further threaten public safety if not addressed swiftly.

The council also received intelligence reports indicating credible threats against police officers, prison officers and other members of the security and legal services.

Persad-Bissessar said her government intends to take a firm stance against criminal activity. “I will do everything legally possible to terrorize criminals and those who aid and abet them,” she stated.

Following the meeting, the NSC agreed to advise the President to declare a state of public emergency with effect from March 3, 2026.

The government said the move is in keeping with its zero-tolerance approach to crime and organized gangs.