Port of Spain, Trinidad — The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago has approved a three-month extension to the ongoing state of emergency amid disturbing revelations that elements within the nation’s prison system have been compromised, with alleged assistance from both prison officers and legal professionals.
The decision follows a stark warning from Attorney General John Jeremie, who told legislators during an emergency session on Monday that the nation’s prisons had effectively become “protected criminal command centres” for incarcerated gang leaders.
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According to Jeremie, some prison guards were audibly warning inmates in advance of special operations conducted by elite police units. He further accused certain attorneys of illegally aiding inmates linked to violent plots, including alleged assassination plans targeting senior government officials.
“The system has been compromised,” Jeremie declared, “and it is no longer serving its intended function of confinement and rehabilitation — rather, it is enabling continued criminal operations from behind bars.”
High-Risk Prisoners Relocated, Yet Threats Persist
As part of a sweeping crackdown, the government has relocated high-risk prisoners to military bases in western Trinidad. These inmates stand accused of coordinating robberies, kidnappings, and targeted killings via smuggled cell phones, in collaboration with criminal networks on the outside.
Despite the transfer, Jeremie revealed that two drones had recently attempted to infiltrate the military compounds, likely in efforts to maintain illicit communication. “Fortunately, the military intercepted and neutralized the threats,” he said.
State of Emergency Extended Through October
Initially declared on July 18 for a 15-day period, the state of emergency was extended until late October following a unanimous vote in Parliament. The measure grants authorities broader powers to detain individuals and conduct surveillance and raids.
“We are here for an extension because the threat remains real and imminent,” stated Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein during Monday’s extraordinary sitting.
Despite bipartisan support for the extension, the opposition raised concerns over the absence of high-profile arrests, questioning the effectiveness of the emergency thus far.
In response, government officials reported that over 340 individuals have been arrested and more than 800 police operations conducted since the declaration of the emergency.
Context of Rising Tension and Historical Parallels
This marks the second state of emergency within a year for the twin-island republic. A previous measure was implemented in December in response to escalating gang violence and remained in place until mid-April.
The renewed emergency comes just one day after the country observed the 35th anniversary of the 1990 attempted coup by the Islamist group Jamaat al Muslimeen, which resulted in 24 deaths and left a lasting imprint on the nation’s psyche.
Attorney General Jeremie referenced the failed insurrection, warning that the current climate bears “disturbing similarities” and must be addressed with vigilance and decisiveness.
Pushback from Prison Officers’ Association
Meanwhile, the Prison Officers’ Association has strongly objected to the Attorney General’s assertions, defending its members and demanding evidence to support the serious allegations of collusion.
As the state of emergency continues, the government maintains that the extraordinary powers are essential to restore integrity to the penal system and ensure national security.
