Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has warned wealthy citizens allegedly involved in organised crime that they will face prosecution as the government prepares to end the country’s current State of Emergency.
In a statement posted on social media, Persad-Bissessar said residents in affluent communities, particularly in western Trinidad, would be subject to the same laws and enforcement measures as other citizens. She accused some wealthy and politically connected individuals of benefiting from criminal activity and contributing to the country’s illegal drug and firearms trade.
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The Prime Minister specifically cited communities including Westmoorings, St Clair and Federation Park, alleging that criminal networks operating from those areas are involved in moving illegal drugs and firearms. She said her administration is working with local and foreign law-enforcement agencies to target what she described as the country’s “local drug mafia” and individuals who believe their wealth places them above the law.
Persad-Bissessar also warned that the end of the State of Emergency would not mean a softer approach to crime. She said criminals, their supporters and others involved in activities that threaten law-abiding citizens would continue to face tough enforcement measures.
The six-month State of Emergency is due to expire on September 17. According to figures released by the Government, 5,802 people had been arrested during the emergency period, with 3,552 charged. A total of 702 Preventive Detention Orders were approved, while 574 were executed.
Among those detained was 69-year-old businesswoman Star Sabga, who was held under a Preventive Detention Order in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate government officials, including the Prime Minister. Sabga was subsequently released, while businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve, were also released after being detained in connection with the investigation. The allegations have not resulted in criminal charges against those individuals at the time of the latest reports.
Persad-Bissessar said she has also authorised the declassification and release of a report detailing the results of operations carried out by the protective services during the State of Emergency, describing the move as part of efforts to improve transparency and accountability.
The Prime Minister’s latest warning comes amid a broader government campaign against organised crime and as debate continues over the use of emergency powers, preventive detention and the treatment of high-profile detainees. The administration maintains that its measures are necessary to disrupt criminal networks and reduce violence across Trinidad and Tobago.
