PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — Legislators in Trinidad and Tobago have decided to extend a state of emergency due to serious concerns over the nation’s prison system. Attorney General John Jeremie indicated that the system has been compromised, with claims that prison officers and some attorneys have assisted inmates who are accused of plotting to assassinate high-ranking officials.
To address these threats, authorities have relocated high-risk prisoners to military bases as part of a crackdown targeting incarcerated gang leaders. These leaders are allegedly using smuggled cellphones to orchestrate a range of criminal activities, including assassinations, robberies, and kidnappings, with assistance from associates outside of prison.
During a parliamentary session on Monday, Jeremie outlined alarming details about the situation, noting that certain prison guards have been overheard warning inmates about impending raids by specialized police units. He also accused some legal representatives of unlawfully providing aid to inmates, stating, “The system has been compromised, and it has been serving inmates as a protected criminal command center.”
The recent extension of the state of emergency comes after the initial declaration made on July 18, intended to last for 15 days. However, ongoing threats have compelled the Parliament to hold an extraordinary session to prolong the emergency measures for an additional three months, indicating a sustained concern regarding plots against key government officials and public institutions.
Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein reinforced the necessity of this extension, stating, “We are here for an extension, we are here because the threat exists.” Despite moving high-risk inmates to military facilities in west Trinidad, attempts to undermine their detention continue, as evidenced by drone incursions at these new locations, which were successfully intercepted by the military.
The Prison Officers' Association, representing the interests of prison guards, has voiced strong condemnation of the allegations directed at their members. This marks the second state of emergency declared within months in the twin-island republic, following a similar measure taken in December due to rising gang violence, which lasted until mid-April.
While there was unanimous support for extending the emergency from both government and opposition members of Parliament, questions arose regarding the effectiveness of the initial ten days of the measures. Government officials have reported that more than 340 arrests have been made and over 800 operations conducted since the state of emergency was initiated.
This extended emergency coincides with the anniversary of the 35-year remembrance of a failed coup attempt by the Islamist group Jamaat-al-Muslimeen, which resulted in the deaths of 24 individuals. Jeremie alluded to this historical event, suggesting that the current challenges facing Trinidad and Tobago are reminiscent of those experienced during that tumultuous period.
The ongoing situation emphasizes the urgent need for effective measures to restore order and address security issues associated with the prison system, highlighting a complex interplay between organized crime, law enforcement, and the judiciary in the country.
