Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago should be aware that this nation is now locked down under a State of Emergency. It was declared by this nation's President George Maxwell Richards on August 21.
Last Sunday the State of Emergency was extended for a period of three months, taking it up to the first week of December. Along with the State of Emergency is a curfew, which up to earlier this week remained in effect in the country's two cities and in four municipal areas. The curfew restricted movement from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. These hours have now being adjusted from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Visitors to Trinidad should plan their trips and vacations with these restrictions in mind. It must be understood that with a State of Emergency in place, certain rights and freedoms are curtailed.
The decision to declare a State of Emergency was made following a surge in murders that saw 11 persons killed in a 48-hour period. According to the government of Trinidad and Tobago, the decision to go ahead with the declaration was based on intelligence gathered on planned violent reprisals following the August 16 police interception of more than (TT) $20 million worth of marijuana at a port in central Trinidad.
The drug seizure was one among other successful raids by Trinidad and Tobago's Police Force. On March 12, a container bound for Jamaica was seized with $30 million worth of marijuana. Earlier in March, another $18 million worth of marijuana was seized. Cumulatively, the government's success in the war against crime has taken close to $180 million worth of drugs out of the underground economy in recent months.
According to the government, the straw that broke the drug mule's back was the August 16 seizure in central Trinidad. It led to a surge of underworld reprisal killings. Five days later, the government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a State of Emergency.
On August 26, Trinidad and Tobago's President Maxwell Richards released a statement citing the factors that were considered before making his decision.
"The government has said that the initiative averted an impending 'crisis' and had cited the drug bust and possible reprisals and gang warfare that could have flowed from this," Richards said.
He added: "The country has been witnessing within recent times the tragedy of multiple murders and an upsurge in gang-related violence. During the period 19-21 August 2011, there were 11 murders… Our criminal intelligence gathered by national security agencies shows that the escalation in violent criminal activity is linked to recent successes of the police in certain drug trafficking and interdiction exercises...
"…There is the real risk of reprisal and retaliation by gangs that will compromise and endanger public safety, law and order. Innocent citizens going about their daily business have lost their lives as a result of the actions of these gangs merely being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
"The present unprecedented escalation in murders and other serious acts of violence and lawlessness warrants the adoption of more decisive and stronger action to ensure the safety of the public. There is urgent need to address this threat to public safety and the upsurge in violent crime in the shortest possible time."
The State of Emergency has been successful so far, with a substantial reduction in murders and serious crimes. Up to this week, 1,356 arrests were made – out of this, 420 were gang related, 252 were drug-related, 285 were serious offences, 91 breach of curfew and 33 for homicides.
However, legitimate businesses and law-abiding nationals are also feeling the pain, particularly with the restrictions during the curfew hours. The livelihoods of many nationals, the profitability of businesses and the national economy as it recovers will surely be put to the test in the months ahead. Many of us living abroad would also be affected – nationals who visit frequently, tourists, and those among us who have investments there.