President's reason for declaring emergency to be debated

Parliament will on Friday debate the reasons outlined by President Max Richards for agreeing with the government's recommendation to declare a state of emergency.

The president provided his reasons within the time frame required by the constitution.

He stated that since the seizure of drugs with a value of over $20 million, there was a real risk of reprisal and retaliation by gangs that will compromise and can continue to compromise and endanger public safety, law and order.

"The present unprecedented escalation in the murders and other serious acts of violence and lawlessness warrants the adoption of more decisive and stronger action to ensure the safety of the public. There is urgent need to address this threat to public safety and the upsurge in violent crime in the shortest possible time.

"The majority of these murders are occurring in specified geographical areas across Trinidad and Tobago, often committed by members of criminal gangs or persons involved in the drug and arms trade. The statistics from the Police Service reveal that the murders are disproportionately occurring in certain geographical areas where these gangs are based.

"As the consequence of these events and facts I am satisfied that the nature and extent of these events endangers public safety to an extent that warrants the decision of a state of public emergency," the statement said.