Business chambers are calling for the proposed extension of the state of emergency (SoE) to be supported by evidence and facts demonstrating that it is producing tangible results.
Government will go to Parliament tomorrow to extend the SoE for a further three months.
In a media release yesterday, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (T&T Chamber) acknowledged the Government’s intention to request a three-month extension and recognised the need for decisive action to combat serious and organised criminal activity. However, it called for evidence to support the proposal.
“The Chamber’s position is clear: any extension should be supported by evidence that crime prevention and mitigation measures are producing tangible results. Our interest is not in the continuation of emergency powers, but in achieving sustained reductions in criminal activity that create the conditions for the SoE to be lifted at the earliest appropriate opportunity,” the release stated.
It noted that citizens must feel safe in their communities, businesses must be able to operate with confidence, and investors must continue to view T&T as a secure and stable place in which to invest and conduct business.
The Chamber encouraged transparent reporting on progress, including measurable indicators that demonstrate improvements in public safety and the disruption of criminal networks.
It added: “At the same time, lasting success will require sustained investment in intelligence-led policing, stronger border and correctional facility security, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and measures that address the underlying drivers of crime.”
The release noted that crime remains one of the most significant threats to national development, economic growth, and social stability. Therefore, the Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government and relevant authorities.
“The T&T Chamber therefore remains committed to working with Government, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and the private sector to support initiatives that strengthen public safety, build investor confidence, and reinforce T&T’s reputation as a safe and competitive place to live, work, and do business,” it stated.
Jairam: Facts and national interest
Chief strategic officer of the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) Angie Jairam also stressed that any discussion on the extension of the SoE should be guided by facts, evidence, and the national interest rather than politics.
“If available data indicates that serious criminal activity has declined under the existing measures, those outcomes should be acknowledged and carefully evaluated as part of the national conversation,” she said in a WhatsApp response to the Express yesterday.
While noting that crime and national security remain among the most pressing concerns facing T&T, she said the public’s concerns regarding a continued SoE are understandable.
“Citizens have endured emergency measures for an extended period and naturally expect to see meaningful and sustained improvements in public safety. Many continue to question whether these measures are delivering the level of change that the country desires,” Jairam said.
She added: “The CRBC believes that the central question is not whether one supports or opposes the SoE, but whether it is achieving measurable results and contributing to a safer environment for citizens and businesses.”
However, she emphasised that emergency measures alone cannot be the long-term solution to crime.
“Lasting success will require a comprehensive national strategy that includes stronger intelligence-led policing, improved border security, more effective prosecution of criminal matters, judicial efficiency, modern technology, youth intervention programmes, community engagement, and greater economic opportunities,” Jairam said.
She said the business community would welcome an extension that includes clear objectives, measurable performance indicators, and regular public reporting on progress.
“Citizens deserve to understand what specific goals are being pursued, what results have been achieved, and what benchmarks will determine future decisions,” she stressed.
Spirit of national unity
Jairam called on the Government, Opposition, civil society, and the private sector to approach the matter in a spirit of national unity and responsibility.
“Crime affects every citizen regardless of political affiliation, and the country’s response must ultimately be guided by what best protects lives, strengthens communities, and secures T&T’s future,” she said.
She continued: “The business community remains committed to supporting practical, evidence-based solutions that improve public safety, restore confidence, and create an environment where businesses can thrive and citizens can live without fear.”
She pointed out that beyond the statistics, legislation, and policy discussions lies a painful reality that continues to weigh heavily on the conscience of the nation—the tragic loss of innocent lives, particularly those of T&T’s children and young people.
“Every child lost to violence represents a future stolen, a family shattered, and a wound inflicted on the entire country. We cannot accept a society where our children grow up in fear or become victims of senseless acts of violence. The protection of our nation’s youth must be at the heart of every decision we make, as they represent the future of T&T,” Jairam said.
She added that the nation must collectively reject the normalisation of violence.
“As a nation, we must collectively reject the normalisation of violence and work together to create safer communities where our children can learn, grow, dream, and fulfil their potential without fear. Their future, and the future of our country, depends on it,” Jairam said.
Ali: Different approach needed
In the same vein, president of the San Juan Business Association (SJBA) Abrahim Ali said the country has been under a state of emergency for some time, but the association is “not sure of the results it has achieved”.
“The country continues to experience a high level of crime and violence against children and women that is unprecedented. While the police have a significant responsibility in combating crime, there are other areas that need to be addressed,” Ali said via WhatsApp.
He said the increase in home invasions and other serious crimes requires a different approach.
“Given the ease with which criminal gangs are recruiting young people and using them to carry out home invasions and burglaries on a regular basis, the SJBA believes that the authorities must engage the unemployed in order to prevent this from happening,” Ali said.
Recalling the peace march that drew dozens of people onto the streets on June 3, he said:
“How can a country be comfortable with so many people unemployed and ready to take to the streets at a moment’s notice? This is an unacceptable situation that could develop into a nightmare for the country.
“The main effect of a limited SoE is the use of detention orders. These are designed to incarcerate individuals who may pose a serious threat to society. However, many other offences are not adequately addressed in a way that prevents criminal activities from recurring,” Ali said.
