War of Words: Political Clash Erupts Over Government’s Anti-Crime Strategy
September 5, 2025- A heated political dispute has emerged over the government’s current anti-crime and anti-drug trafficking efforts. The latest spark came from a media release issued by the office of Barry Shiva Padarath, which both praises and criticizes past and present leadership on the issue.
Titled “Strong, Decisive Leadership from the Prime Minister,” the statement commends the current administration’s collaborative efforts with the United States in confronting the region’s drug trade. It describes these measures as a “strategic and timely intervention” aimed at dismantling transnational criminal networks.
However, the release takes direct aim at the previous administration, accusing it of inaction and alleging that it “turned a blind eye” to the growing drug trafficking problem. According to the statement, this lack of intervention allowed Trinidad and Tobago to become a key transshipment point for international traffickers.
Citing a significant rise in murder rates since 2018, the document draws a link between the surge in violent crime and drug-related turf wars and gang activity. It also dismisses the former opposition leader’s recent criticism of the government’s crime strategy, describing it as “lip service and platitudes.”
The release concludes with a call for national unity and support for what it describes as the Prime Minister’s “strong, courageous, and unafraid” leadership in the fight against organized crime.
