TRINIDAD and Tobago may be a ‘dot in the world’, but it remains vulnerable to threats and must stay vigilant, Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein has warned.
Hosein made the remarks while addressing the United Nations in New York, USA, on Monday, at a conference titled ‘A Future Free from Terrorism: Consolidating the Global Commitment to Multi-Stakeholder Approaches to Counter-Terrorism through Member States’ Leadership and Action’.
The minister said terrorism has evolved into an increasingly fluid concept, requiring countries around the world to adapt their legislation to capture the broadest possible definition.
‘It has morphed from revolutions to physical bombings, mass killings, and now weaponising technology as a form of terrorism. It continues to evolve across borders, exploiting technological innovation, transnational criminal networks, online platforms, and increasingly sophisticated financing mechanisms. These developments underscore a fundamental reality,’ he said.
Hosein added that terrorism cannot be effectively addressed by any single state, institution or sector acting alone. He noted that T&T, as a small developing state in the Caribbean, has also had its own experience with terrorism.
He recalled that in 1990, a group of extremist individuals (Jamaat-al-Muslimeen) attempted a coup d’état through violence to overthrow the sitting government.
‘It remains a sad day in our history, but certainly it was a learning experience,’ he said.
‘Geographically, Trinidad and Tobago is a dot in the world. Putting it in perspective, the land size of Trinidad can fit 2,000 times in America. But this teaches us one thing. We are not too big or we are not too small for a threat. We must always be vigilant and ready,’ said Hosein.
The minister said T&T has a population of approximately 1.4 million people and prides itself on its cosmopolitan nature. He emphasised the country’s harmony among different creeds, races and religions, noting that citizens celebrate each other’s traditions.
‘Hindus and Christians will join Muslims in the celebration of Eid, and the same for Divali and Christmas,’ he said.
Hosein said citizens are extremely tolerant and respectful of one another’s beliefs.
‘I say that to emphasise the point that when dealing with issues of terrorism, we must be extremely sensitive and mindful of the cultural and religious sensitivities of the issue. We can all admit that when addressing this controversial issue of terrorism, there have been groups and individuals who may have felt attacked and marginalised,’ he said.
He added that the conference would hopefully educate and sensitise delegates in the ‘august chamber’ on how to address these issues within their respective states.
Hosein said T&T remains committed to implementing measures to criminalise terrorist acts and terrorist financing, impose targeted financial sanctions, facilitate international cooperation, strengthen border security, and prevent the misuse of financial and non-financial systems by terrorist actors.
He said the country is also committed to implementing the standards of the Financial Action Task Force, while remaining mindful of the repatriation of individuals from conflict zones.
The minister noted that T&T was recently elected to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 20272028 term and pledged that the country would use its tenure to advance the initiatives contained in the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
‘A future free from terrorism requires us to remain vigilant, have unconditional resolve, and demonstrate strong political leadership in responding to emerging threats,’ he said.
Hosein concluded by praising Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s leadership, saying it ensures T&T remains steadfast in its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.
Said Hosein: ‘Trinidad and Tobago condemns terrorism. As we work collectively towards a safer and more secure world, let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to confront terrorism through cooperation, solidarity, and decisive action.’
