The toll of 61 murders for the month of December has triggered Trinidad and Tobago’s police and the government’s urgent reaction on Monday. A State of Emergency has been declared across the nation, but according to the National Security Minister, the SoE will specifically target criminals and not law abiding citizens.

The issue of high powered gun use across the Caribbean region, and specifically in Trinidad and Tobago, is something of major concern, according to government. This morning it was noted that events that have taken place over the past month, with further violent attacks over the past seven days, crystallized the situation to authorities. The police, according to government officials, are of the view that reprisal attacks are forthcoming – something that will ultimately affect law abiding citizens.

A curfew will not be immediately implemented, according to Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart Young. Further to that, public gatherings and marches will not be denied or restricted. The SoE will however give police the right to stop and search as needed, enter private premises to search without warrants and detain persons deemed suspicious of criminal activity, without warrants. Those held will be detained for 48 hours at the onset, with the possibility of a request for an extension, which may be allowed for up to seven days. There will be no bail application allowed during this time.

On Monday, during the government’s press conference Minister Young said the decision not to implement a curfew is done in a bid to avoid economic interruption.

Trinidad and Tobago has recorded more than 614 murders for the year thus far.

Trinidad and Tobago soca artiste, Neil ‘Iwer’ George has threatened legal action against state owned, NIDCO (National Infrastructure Development Company), arising out of the company’s indecision following his sole bid for the purchase via auction, of three vessels last year.

According to legal documents obtained, it is noted that George, the owner of radio station, TriniBashment 91.9FM, placed bids for the purchase of the HSC Milancia, the HSC Olivia, and the HSC Katia, on December 29th, 2022. Following the bidding process, George received a letter issued by the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, indicating that his bid submission had in fact been received for and on behalf of NIDCO, however there has been no further correspondence from either company.

Iwer, documented as the sole bidder in the process, is now demanding that NIDCO and PATT prepare and execute the Sale Agreement to transfer the vessels to him. George’s attorney, Annabelle Davis has offered a 28 day timeframe, following which she warns legal action will proceed, should either of the parties ignore the pre-action protocol letter.

Iwer George is the owner of the the Coral Vision party boat. It is not yet known what his plans are, relative to the acquisition of three additional vessels.

In June 2012, the Trinidad Express newspaper reported the four water taxis, which cost tax payers in Trinidad and Tobago some $133 million dollars, were sold for $6 million. The vessels were purchased by the People’s National Movement government, according to that report. The vessels that were in fact bid upon by George, in December 2022, were among the four that were said to have been sold. They had cost tax payers $12 million each.