Trinidad PM issues stern warning to gangs

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has issued a stern warning to gangs and recently released detainees, saying law-abiding citizens are fed up with criminal activity.

“I will have no hesitation in enacting another SOE (State of Emergency) if you cannot behave yourselves,” she said in a statement on social media.

“You will be returned straight to prison, and this time, your friends and family who aid your criminality will accompany you. If criminals want to terrorise law-abiding citizens and their families, I will do everything legally possible to terrorise criminals and their families. It’s time to tip the scales in this country toward law-abiding citizens. I will use every means within the law to make criminals, and their friends and families’ lives an absolute hell,” she added.

The Prime Minister said her government is committed to keeping citizens safe.

“Your UNC government and the security services are prepared for the end of the SOE.

“I never cared about the tired, outdated woke, race-baiting, and bigoted propaganda, and I still don’t. If anyone wants to mash up the place and burn down the country, go ahead, that’s your democratic choice. However, anyone wanting to do this should understand by now that I am willing to do what it takes to keep decent, law-abiding citizens safe, so be certain that I will meet you head-on.”

She said the government will not back down from the threat of lawlessness.

“Those who commit brutality against law-abiding citizens will be met with brutality from me, that’s a promise,” said Persad-Bissessar.

“It’s a reality that the combination of American assistance to secure our borders, the competent leadership of COP Allister Guevarro, and the incarceration of the persons detained under the SOE using PDOs, all contributed to 257 fewer murders in 2025 compared to 2024.”

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