COMMISSIONER of Police Allister Guevarro believes that fear, more than crime itself, is becoming one of the most damaging forces affecting Trinidad and Tobago’s economy and public confidence.
Addressing members of the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce yesterday at the chamber’s head office, Westmoorings, Guevarro argued that national discourse around crime is being distorted, despite data showing measurable improvements.
“Economic stability and public confidence are more interconnected than ever. This morning, I want to speak to you not just about crime itself, but about something that is far more corrosive, persistent and economically damaging, which is fear,” he said.
He continued, “Fear is not just a feeling, it is a force that shapes behaviour, it influences national decision-making long before a single crime occurs.”
Guevarro highlighted statistics from the T&T Police Service showing that 2025 recorded 370 homicides, the second-lowest annual figure in nearly two decades.
“The records from 2008 to 2026 show that the second-lowest homicide figure during that entire period was 2025. Yet, no matter what you do with regard to crime, there will be criticism,” he said.
He also highlighted a 42% reduction in homicides, describing it as “the second largest annual percentage reduction in the world”, behind only El Salvador.
According to the Commissioner, serious reported crimes have also declined significantly from 3,413 in 2025 to 2,397 for the same comparative period, representing a 30% national reduction.
He added that every policing division recorded improvements: “North Eastern Division saw a 55% reduction, Western 41%, Eastern 40%, Northern 40%, Central 34% and Southern 32%. These are not opinions or political talking points. These statistics tell a different story.”
Despite the data, Guevarro said public perception remains gripped by fear, which he argued is being amplified by certain interests.
“Fear has become a kind of currency amplified and galvanised by those who profit from insecurity and those who build their platforms on negativity,” he said.
He questioned whether some narratives are driven by self-interest: “Is it because their business model depends on crime? Is it because a safer country threatens your influence, your narrative or your revenue streams?”
Guevarro warned that fear is distorting behaviour and increasing costs for businesses.
“Fear convinces businesses to invest in every possible security measure…alarms, cameras, gates—every marginal gadget you can think of,” he said. “It pushes people towards decisions that do not actually make them safer.”
He added that fear also discourages investment and affects workforce confidence: “Your customers stay at home, your costs rise, and investors look only at crime statistics and not at confidence.”
The Commissioner also defended the ongoing state of emergency (SOE), insisting it has not negatively affected legitimate business activity.
“The SoE does not negatively affect law-abiding citizens, and there is no interference with business operations. The only people affected are those who terrorise communities, extort businessmen and traffic firearms,” he said.
He outlined enforcement results, noting that within 42 days, police conducted over 3,500 operations, made more than 1,500 arrests and charged 340 individuals.
“These are not the results of failure. They are the results of disruption and relentless enforcement,” he said.
Guevarro said the Police Service is pursuing intelligence-driven operations, expanding surveillance systems and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to sustain progress.
“We are not guessing. We are not hoping. We are executing a clear strategy,” he stressed.
He urged the business community to support ongoing efforts and help rebuild public trust.
“We are not asking you to ignore the reality. We are asking you to recognise progress, support the systems that are working, and partner with us to accelerate healing,” he said.
Guevarro maintained that while crime remains a challenge, the national trajectory is improving.
“The truth is, crime is real, but the fear of crime is not always rooted in fact. If fear continues to dominate the national conversation, it will undermine every single piece of progress that we have made,” he said.
