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Trinidad and Tobago declares emergency as murder rate soars
Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency as gang violence in the Caribbean nation continues to escalate.
President Christine Carla Kangaloo issued the declaration on the advice of Prime Minister Keith Rowley, who had been under growing pressure to take action over worsening crime figures.
The twin-island republic has one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a record murder tally of more than 620 this year so far in a population of 1.5 million people.
Organised crime is responsible for the majority of the murders, many of them linked to the international drug trade.
According to the US state department, the country’s close proximity to Venezuela, porous borders and direct transportation routes to Europe and North America make it “a prime location for narcotics trans-shipment”.
In the latest violent incident, five men were shot dead in a shop in the poverty-stricken Laventille area on Sunday. Police believe the killings were in reprisal for the murder of a prominent gang member the previous day.
Details of the state of emergency have yet to be disclosed.
The move comes as Trinidad and Tobago gears up for a general election, which must be held by August 2025.
Rowley’s governing People’s National Movement party, in power since September 2015, faces a strong challenge from the opposition United National Congress, led by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency as the murder rate in the Caribbean nation continues to soar. The government has taken drastic measures to address the escalating violence, including deploying additional law enforcement personnel and implementing a curfew in high-crime areas.
Officials have expressed deep concern over the rising number of homicides in Trinidad and Tobago, which has surpassed previous records. The spike in violence has been attributed to gang-related disputes, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.
The state of emergency declaration allows the government to take more aggressive actions to combat crime and ensure the safety of its citizens. Prime Minister Keith Rowley has vowed to crack down on criminal elements and restore peace and security to the country.
As the nation grapples with this crisis, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of violence and promote a culture of peace and tolerance. The government is urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement efforts and report any suspicious activities.
Trinidad and Tobago is facing a critical moment in its history, and the government is taking decisive steps to address the escalating violence. It is hoped that these measures will help to stem the tide of crime and restore stability to the nation.
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Trinidad and Tobago, emergency, murder rate, crime, violence, Caribbean, crisis, government, law enforcement, safety, security, homicide, urgent action
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