T&T prime minister declares limited state of emergency

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar Sunday night said that President George Maxwell Richards will issue a proclamation declaring a limited state of emergency in “hot spots” across the country from midnight, as her administration battles to deal with an upsurge in criminal activities that included the murder of 11 people over a 48 hour period.



Speaking at a news conference held at her private home at Phillipine, south of here, Persad Bissessar, flanked by members of her Cabinet, said that other details relating to the limited state of emergency, such as the emergency powers and the times of the curfew will be announced on Monday.



“The situation cannot continue like this without a response commensurate with the wanton acts of violence and lawlessness; it must be a response as well that will halt the current spike in gang activity and crime in general in the shortest possible time.



“After much deliberation with the National Security Council and members of the Cabinet it has been agreed that the government consider the imposition of a limited state of emergency in hot spots across the country.”



The Prime Minister said that the limited state of emergency, which goes into effect from midnight on Sunday, “ is a crime fighting measure” and reminded law abiding citizens that while they would be affected in performing their normal activities “our nation must not be held to ransom by a group of thugs.



We are aware that such a decision will have an impact on the daily lives of innocent, law abiding citizens in these areas but I feel confident that they will recognise and appreciate the need to protect them and bring the current crime surge affecting them under control.



“Nothing is more important than the right of each citizen,” she said, noting that she felt confident that the citizens would realize the need to be protected from criminals.



Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said that it was not “a light thing to do” in triggering the measures in the Trinidad and Tobago Constitution regarding a state of emergency, “but when circumstances call for it….I do believe we need to give the greatest protection to our citizens”.



She said as a result of the new measures, the military and law enforcement officials will have certain powers of search, seizure “which they do not have now” and that the 5,000 Defence Force members “can now assist in the greatest battle we are facing”.



“There is a proliferation of guns out there …we need to clear it up, we need to find those guns,” she added.



The Prime Minister said that without revealing much of the strategies to be employed in the fight against the criminals, the authorities have already instituted policies that would prevent criminals from moving from the “hot spots” to other areas across the country.



“We have discussed that and to have in place mechanisms to deal with that,” she said, noting also that among the other efforts include the possibility of a gun amnesty for which details would be forthcoming as well as seeking legislative support for various measures including the establishment of a gun court and the death penalty bill.



The limited state of emergency would be in effect for 15 days and Persad Bissessar said any extension would require parliamentary approval.



Over the last 48 hours, at least 11 people were shot and killed across the country, including seven, who were killed during the period Thursday night to Friday afternoon.



In one incident on Thursday, four men were shot and killed, while three others were wounded, when two gunmen indiscriminately opened fire on residents.



Media reports said that residents of Jonestown, in Arima, east of here, including children and mothers with their babies, were forced to flee after two gunmen went on a shooting spree.



The main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) said that the murders “point to an alarming and terrifying escalation” of the violent crime situation in the country.



Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley said that the Opposition is prepared to hold the “necessary discussions with the Government to facilitate any appropriate changes in the laws to facilitate more effective policing and swift justice in an effort to confront the current siege.



Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said she had taken note of the Opposition’s views and would be seek to have a meeting on the matter:



"In fact, I intend to hold discussions with the Leader of the Opposition to seek his party's support with certain legislative matters in Parliament. Trinidad and Tobago comes first. Nothing is more important than the right of each citizen to be protected and to enjoy a life of peace and tranquility."



So far this year, 270 people have been murdered as compared with 325 for the corresponding period in 2010.