Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley Says S.O.E. Had to Happen to Give Law Enforcement a Chance to Deal with Crime

January 13, 2025 – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley did not offer Parliament a specific reason for extending the State of Emergency (SOE) but reiterated why it was initially declared. He expressed concern that law enforcement was on the verge of confronting gang warfare after a shooting incident outside the Besson Street Police Station in Trinidad.

The President authorised the State of Emergency on December 30, 2024. According to the Constitution, an SOE can only last 15 days unless Parliament approves a three-month extension. Dr. Rowley sought to achieve this in Parliament. He argued that the situation remains critical and that law enforcement requires additional powers to address the escalating criminal activity effectively. Despite the State of Emergency, Dr. Rowley assured Parliament that the government’s decision not to restrict the economy, limit movement, or curtail citizens’ ability to gather allows the population to function normally while law enforcement focuses on tackling criminal elements. Given the current circumstances, Dr. Rowley stated that extending the State of Emergency for three more months is the best course of action. Following the debate, the House of Representatives unanimously approved the three-month extension.