Unions and opposition question extension of Trinidad and Tobago state of emergency
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar plans to seek a further three months of emergency measures, alongside 15 new no-protest zones, as critics warn of a “perpetual” emergency.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago. Labour unions and opposition parties in Trinidad and Tobago are pushing back against the government’s plan to extend state of emergency measures, arguing that the country cannot live under a perpetual emergency to fight violent crime.
The current three-month period expires on June 17. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has said she will soon ask parliament for another three months, alongside 15 no-protest zones that authorities imposed in the past week.
The zones ban public protests and assembly near state buildings including the prime minister’s office, the finance ministry and parliament. Union leaders and opposition parties say basic freedoms are being restricted.
Unions demand justification
The umbrella National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) has asked the government to justify a further extension and the continued no-protest zones.
“The government must provide clear, transparent and compelling justification for any continuation of emergency powers,” general secretary Michael Annisette said in a statement, calling on parliament, political parties, independent senators, civil society and religious bodies to scrutinise any proposal.
“Security and democracy must coexist. The protection of one must never become the sacrifice of the other,” the union body said.
Crime figures
Police have recorded 164 murders so far this year, four fewer than in the same period last year. The country has been beset by gang violence, weapons and human smuggling from nearby Venezuela, drive-by shootings and home invasions.
Since taking office 14 months ago, the government has imposed two three-month states of emergency and is now heading for a third.
Opposition position
The main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) argues that extensions should not be treated as unlimited and should be used sparingly.
“It can’t be that you’re going to run a country with a perpetual state of emergency,” opposition leader Pennelope Beckles told reporters. “If you have a reduction in crime, why would you want a State of Emergency?” She said the opposition had offered to work with the government but had received no indication of support.
Before losing office in the general election in April last year, the PNM had also imposed emergency measures to curb a murder rate that had averaged about 600 a year.
