Senior Reporter
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has again described Trinidad and Tobago as a “lawless dump,” urging “criminals and belligerent individuals” to stay home if they can’t behave so law-abiding citizens can enjoy themselves.
Her comments accompanied a Facebook video posted yesterday showing one of several disorderly incidents at the FOC: The Awakening breakfast party in Chaguaramas on Independence Day.
Patrons became unruly after police and fire officials shut down the event at Pier 2 around 7 am, two hours before its scheduled end, citing overcrowding. The party began at 3 am.
Angry revellers hurled paint bottles, water bottles and cans of tuna, distributed earlier by sponsors, at people on stage, including senior police officers who made the announcement and the DJs. The decision also angered ticket holders outside the venue. Some pushed down a section of steel fencing and forced their way into the event. In the video shared by Persad-Bissessar, police and firefighters were seen retreating to avoid being trampled during the ensuing stampede.
The event was reportedly closed after an estimated 6,500 people attempted to gain entry to a venue said to have a capacity of about 4,000. As more patrons arrived and tensions escalated, authorities decided to shut down the event in the interest of public safety.
In her Facebook post, Persad-Bissessar wrote: “Trinidad and Tobago, the irresponsible behaviour seen in the video clip occurred over the Independence weekend. The majority of citizens are decent, law-abiding people who should not have to live in a lawless dump because of criminals and belligerent individuals.”
She added: “Eighty-five murders have occurred this year because of altercations that were totally avoidable. We cannot keep blaming the TTPS, the Judiciary, the British Empire and every other entity for violence and crime when supposedly normal persons are behaving like this in public.
“If you can’t behave properly in public, please stay home so decent, law-abiding citizens and their families can enjoy the country without suffering from your lack of personal responsibility. Have a wonderful evening, Trinidad and Tobago. Love you all.”
Meanwhile, senior police officials criticised party promoters, urging them to put patron safety ahead of profit and avoid overselling tickets.
They also called on promoters to be forthright with police and fire officials when providing information about events, noting that accurate attendance figures are critical in determining the manpower and resources needed to ensure public safety.
“It is not always about profits,” one senior officer said.
“Promoters have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the patrons expected to attend their events. It is about the safety of all citizens.”
Although several people were detained on Sunday for using obscene language and engaging in disorderly conduct, no charges were laid.
Promoter promises redemption event
In response to Monday’s events, promoter Y.U.P Life announced plans for a free concert, FOC: The Redemption, on November 9.
“The turn of events at FOC 2026 was deeply disheartening. We recognise the disappointment and frustration our patrons experienced, and we sincerely apologise,” the promoter said in a Facebook statement.
“You trusted us with your time, money and expectations, and we understand that rebuilding that trust takes action.”
The statement added: “We remain committed to making things right and giving our patrons the experience they deserve. FOC: The Redemption will be our opportunity to honour that commitment. Thank you for your patience and for making your voices heard.”
Ticket holders have been promised free entry to the November event.
In a separate statement, organisers acknowledged the “frustration, disappointment and confusion” experienced by patrons and said they were actively working to address concerns arising from the event.
“We know we have to make this right and we intend to do just that,” they said.
Describing FOC: The Redemption as the first step in that process, organisers urged patrons to look out for further details in the coming days.
Contacted yesterday, the T&T Promoters’ Association (TTPA) said it was aware of concerns surrounding the event.
The association emphasised that promoters operate independently and that the actions of any single promoter should not be viewed as representative of the wider industry or TTPA membership.
The TTPA reaffirmed its support for responsible ticketing practices, compliance with approved venue capacities, patron safety and full cooperation with the police, Fire Service and other regulatory agencies.
Calling for higher professional and operational standards across the industry, the TTPA revealed it is developing a framework under which members will commit to responsible event management, regulatory compliance, patron safety and constructive engagement with authorities.
