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.
Ebuzz News
Jamaican Reggae Artiste, Jah Mason Loses His Son to Gun Violence in Jamaica.
A livestream on TikTok ended suddenly under tragic circumstances when the son of reggae artiste, Jah Mason was shot at point blank range. The victim, Jabari ‘Baba Skeng’ Johnson was reportedly approached and shot execution-style on Monday while live-streaming on TikTok near a shop along Red Hills Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica.
The St. Andrew North Police have launched an investigation into the incident. According to the Jamaica Observer, the young man’s father, Jah Mason has since confirmed the death of his son but at the time, was still coming to terms with the devastating news and preferred not to speak in detail.
According to reports, Johnson was broadcasting live on TikTok when he was approached by a masked individual dressed in black. The assailant shot him in the back of the head at close range, then continued firing after Johnson fell. The gunman then fled the scene.
Johnson’s death marks the fourth killing of a Jamaican TikTok personality in recent months.
Caribbean Buzz
Rising Superstar, Coutain Heads to Tobago for Easter Weekend, Rhthym and Soul Festival.
Like a breath of fresh air, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s very own rising stars has been added to the Easter cast of a major festival happening on the island. Coutain, a reserved Sangre Grande entertainer who’s been making waves, though humbly, is the one of the latest names plugged to entertain visitors to Tobago, and locals alike, at the Buccoo Seafood and Jazz event.
Coutain’s rise to prominence say him take Carnival 2025 by storm, performing at several major events and showcasing a unique essence that’s likable and palatable to all demographics. Songs like ‘Junction,’ ‘Artform’ ‘Jamtown’ with Tano, and ‘Carnival Darling’ with GBM Nutron, form part of the artiste’s enticing catalogue. An organic and true undercurrent that’s proven effective in marketing the artiste, now sees him stand alongside the likes of International superstars, Brian McKnight and Jon Secada in Tobago on April 19th.
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival aims to deliver a showcase of rich, cultural engagement this Easter and despite an election shadow, all efforts have remained strong in promoting the importance of showcasing Tobago’s tourism product, to the world.
Last week, the announcement of Buju Banton’s sudden replacement as a result of illness within his camp, led to some concern, however with Stephen Marley now headlining the Easter Sunday, ‘Fusion’ concert event alongside the likes of Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Singing Melody, Kes The Band and others, the show, according to organizers, is gearing up to be a highlight of the calendar year in Tobago.
Coutain, along with former Road March King, Mical Teja and St. Lucia’s Teddyson John, will be among the star studded line-up this Easter weekend in a festival that’s being touted as transformative and energizing on Trinidad’s sister isle.
