Dear Citizens
On December 30, 2024, the government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a nationwide State of Emergency (SOE) in response to rising criminal activity.
As we enter the New Year, many of us reflect on our current situation, the journey that brought us here, and our future direction.
During the SOE, the government has implemented several key measures:
- The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is empowered to:
- Arrest individuals suspected of criminal activities;
- Conduct searches of public and private properties as needed;
- Bail provisions are suspended for those accused of crimes;
- Members of the Defense Force will operate under similar guidelines as the TTPS;
- No curfew or restrictions on public gatherings are currently in place;
However, it is essential to recognize the underlying issues that the SOE fails to address:
- The increasing cost of living affecting vulnerable populations;
- High banking fees impacting financial accessibility;
- Lack of credit opportunities for small entrepreneurs;
- Unequal foreign exchange distribution across the nation;
- Challenges within the healthcare system driving citizens to seek costly private care;
- An education system that fails over fifty percent of students annually, perpetuating gang culture;
- A Customs and Excise Division that inadequately regulates imports while imposing excessive fees on small businesses;
- Health regulatory bodies that restrict small importers while benefiting large pharmaceutical entities;
- A Coast Guard that lacks effective oversight and control, enabling drug trafficking;
- Management challenges and corruption within the TTPS, affecting morale and operational efficiency;
- A lack of proactive policing resources and underutilization of military forces;
- Government corruption draining essential resources from state agencies;
- Absence of effective housing assistance leading to exploitation of vulnerable citizens;
- Policies that hinder local food production, benefiting large importers at the expense of local farmers;
- An absence of a comprehensive job creation strategy, leaving many resorting to low-paying jobs;
- Government practices promoting monopolies, limiting competition and inflating living costs;
- Inadequate response from oversight agencies failing to address public complaints;
- A declining quality of life fostering despair among all demographic groups, particularly the vulnerable.
These persistent issues contribute to an environment that fosters crime and desperation among the youth, who fall prey to gangs and violence.
It is crucial to question who is responsible for bringing guns and illegal activities into our communities. The government must take accountability for these matters. With millions allocated to national security, there should be clear answers to these pressing questions.
It is time for change. Trinidad and Tobago can undoubtedly rise from being perceived as a failed state by addressing the root causes of crime without infringing on human rights.
The problems we face today stem from years of mismanagement and corruption. A timely election offers the opportunity for renewal and reform. Every citizen’s voice is vital in shaping our future.
As elections approach in the next nine months, it is imperative for all citizens to make informed decisions. Your vote is crucial for forging a path towards a better Trinidad and Tobago.
A collective effort is essential for a brighter and more prosperous 2025 and beyond.
