Ebuzz News
State of Emergency Declared in Trinidad and Tobago Two Days Before The New Year.
Two days before the New Year, Trinidad and Tobago’s President, Christine Kangaloo has declared a state of emergency.
The announcement came on Monday, December 30th, just days after the Prime Minister of the country expressed personal agony over the spate of violent crimes in the nation. To date, Trinidad and Tobago has recorded over 600 murders. This latest move by the President comes even as carnival celebrations, inclusive of a major Caribbean Festival event featuring Jamaican dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel, are being planned.
On Friday, December 27th, Dr. Rowley said, “To those who know and are doing or saying nothing, stop normalizing criminal conduct in your social life and to those who share the proceeds of violent criminal conduct, stop encouraging or shielding your family members and friends who are engaging in criminal conduct.”
Dr. Rowley said the Government will continue to provide full support to the Police and other agencies, adding that stakeholders from the home to the courthouse are encouraged to provide no safe harbor and comfort to the criminal element “which believes that it can plan, execute and terrorize the nation with impunity.”
A State of Emergency can only legally last 15 days without Parliamentary approval. A motion must now be taken to Parliament and debated. As a result, there has been no explicit details on the matter of citizen restrictions.
Trinidad and Tobago, known to the world as the country of Steelpan, calypso and carnival, has been the topic of heavier discussion for many years, with many living overseas, continuously pointing out the serious crime problem. On Friday, Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley said, “To those in authority who are responsible for dispensing justice, stop pretending that criminals are the victims who deserve only mercy when by their heartless, lawless behaviour they are to receive firm punishment as prescribed by the law as enacted in anticipation to cover the various destabilizing practices.”
The Prime Minister said the Government does not believe that the nation cannot get the upper hand of criminal conduct, which has evolved to becoming a major public health issue at this time, adding that we will all need to do more and even do differently if we are to keep violent criminal conduct where it belongs.
The State of Emergency declaration by the President allows the State to curtail constitutional rights of citizens while at the same time guarding against human rights abuses. The state of emergency simply authorises a temporary restriction of human rights, with the consent of Parliament. Even where Parliament may authorise intrusions into those constitutional rights, the High Court maintains final oversight of the legality of any measure.
A press conference has been announced for 10am on Monday, December 30th.
Caribbean Buzz
Destra Delivers Powerfully at Reflections.
“If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.” – DESTRA GARCIA
Trinidad and Tobago received a musical showcase of spiritual awakening yet again this past Saturday, at Destra’s ‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender.” The event took place at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s and proved to be a truly inspiring and uplifting musical experience.
From the onset, the show set a standard that fans of good music with powerful lyrics, would rave about for weeks. David Rudder – a cultural icon of Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the audience as he hit the stage first delivering the very fitting, ‘High Mas.’ It was a powerful blessing no doubt – something that would lead into a seamless spiritual production. He was subsequently joined on stage by Destra, something that created a full-circle moment that drew immediate emotion from the audience.
Known for her unmistakeable vocal ability, Destra took her audience on a carefully curated musical journey, opening her set with Free Again before transitioning into slowed-down, soul-stirring renditions of some of her most beloved songs, including Love Somebody and Fly and with each performance, she revealed a different layer of her artistry, offering vulnerability, reflection, and strength.
One of the night’s most touching highlights came as Garcia shared the stage with her daughter, Xaiya, for a heartfelt duet of The Prayer. Beginning at the piano, Xaiya gently set the tone before joining her mother in song, creating an intimate moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
The production, which was creatively directed by Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased the incredible talent of father and son pan duo Martin and De’jean Cain as well as the Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port- of- Spain choirs, whose vibrant and polished performances brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the stage. Gospel artiste, Nisa joined Garcia for a powerful duet of Bridge Over Troubled Water. She also performed her original composition Make Me Over, adding another layer of spiritual depth to the evening.
As the show built toward its finale, Garcia delivered a commanding rendition of Ella Andall’s Bring Down the Power, followed by classic hymns including A Little More Oil in My Lamp. This climactic segment was elevated by the presence of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, cultural fusion that brought the audience to its feet. Beyond the performances, the overall production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s choreography and Atiba Borde’s costuming, stood out for its seamless execution, immersive ambience, and thoughtful storytelling, reinforcing Reflections as more than just a concert, but a transformative experience.
Reflections certainly delivered a powerful blend of music, filled with deep messages and meaning. In what is a very spiritual season, Destra, through the delivery of ‘Reflections,’ has carved out a space for inspiration and connection within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – something that many would agree, is a necessity more than an option.
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