Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency: Anatomy of a Security Crisis
Introduction
In late December 2024, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago—a twin-island nation long celebrated for its vibrant culture and economic dynamism—was thrust into the international spotlight for a far more troubling reason: a dramatic and deadly surge in violent crime. With more than 620 murders recorded in 2024, the country found itself grappling with one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America and the Caribbean. The government’s response was swift and severe: a nationwide state of emergency, granting sweeping powers to law enforcement and the military in an effort to stem the bloodshed.
This report examines the roots of Trinidad and Tobago’s security crisis, the measures taken under the state of emergency, the social and geopolitical forces fueling the violence, and the implications for the country’s future and the wider Caribbean region.
