OVER the last decade, Trinidad and Tobago has seen a troubling rise in violent crime, with murder rates hitting record highs. Despite numerous promises and initiatives by the People’s National Movement (PNM) government, led by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, the crime situation has continued to worsen.
The government has struggled to implement effective strategies to combat crime, with a perceived lack of political will to address its root causes.
Grim tragedy
Between 2015 and 2024, the nation recorded more than 5,000 murders, with disturbing increases in gender-based violence, gang-related killings, and child murders. High-profile cases, such as the kidnappings and murders of Andrea Bharatt and Ashanti Riley, highlight the vulnerability of the population.
In 2023 alone, 577 murders were reported, while 2024 is shaping up to be even deadlier, with over 430 murders by early September. August 2024 stands out as the deadliest month in the country’s history.
The PNM government has repeatedly expressed its commitment to improving national security, yet the crime rate continues to rise. In 2017, Dr Rowley launched a National Crime Plan aimed at increasing police visibility, improving forensics, and fostering better community relations. However, six years later, the promised improvements have failed to materialise, and crime rates have escalated. Critics point to leadership challenges within the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), which struggles to address the ongoing gang v iolence and domestic disputes despite increased funding.
Analysts argue that the PNM government has politicised crime for electoral gain without delivering concrete solutions. As crime rates rise, public trust in the Rowley administration has eroded. Critics claim there is no long-term strategy to dismantle criminal organisations, and political interference in law enforcement has further hindered progress.
Moreover, the government has been criticised for failing to address domestic violence effectively. High-profile cases like those of Krystal Primus-Espinoza, Nyla Dyette, and Kimberley Lewis illustrate systemic failures in handling domestic violence complaints and implementing preventive measures. The absence of accountability in these cases exacerbates public frustration.
Despite calls for reform, the government has not implemented critical legislative changes that would enhance law enforcement capabilities. Efforts to modernise the criminal justice system by introducing CCTV networks, DNA databases, and advanced forensic technology have stalled. Many murder cases remain unsolved, leading to a growing sense of impunity.
Consequences of a failed crime strategy
The economic impact of the country’s soaring crime rate cannot be overstated. By early September 2024, over 430 murders had been recorded, forcing businesses to spend heavily on security measures. Small businesses, in particular, have been disproportionately affected, while concerns over safety have slowed foreign investment, weakening the economy.
In high-crime areas, social order has broken down, and residents live in fear. The rise in gang activity among young men has created a vicious cycle of violence, with devastating effects on local communities.
Public reactions
In a press briefing on September 6, 2024, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin claimed that the TTPS had crime “totally under control.” This statement, intended to reassure the public, was met with widespread skepticism. With over 430 murders recorded by early September and August 2024 being the bloodiest month on record, many citizens and commentators questioned whether the police leadership is truly in touch with the realities on the ground.
When National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds was asked if he agreed with Benjamin’s optimistic assessment, his response was more cautious and, to many, unsatisfactory. Hinds emphasised that crime is a “whole-of-society issue” and pointed out that while the police are making progress in certain areas, solving the crime crisis requires societal and governmental collaboration.
However, Hinds’ response was widely viewed as an evasive word salad, as he failed to directly address whether he agreed with Benjamin’s assertion that crime was “under control.”
Urgent need for change
Under Dr Keith Rowley’s leadership, the PNM government has had nearly a decade to address crime, yet the situation has worsened. Without a comprehensive plan to address gang violence, domestic abuse, and the lack of accountability in law enforcement, the murder toll will likely continue to rise. Public trust in the government has diminished, and Trinidad and Tobago needs new leadership that will prioritise crime reduction with transparent policies and real consequences for those responsible for the violence. The citizens deserve better than a reactive approach that has failed year after year.
Shiva Ramnarine, founder of Mobius Solutions Consultancy, has over 25 years of experience as an executive and finance business leader. He is also a former chief financial officer of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary does not necessary reflect that of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited
Failure to Tackle Crime: Leading T&T into Deeper Crisis
Commentary
OVER the last decade, Trinidad and Tobago has seen a troubling rise in violent crime, with murder rates hitting record highs. Despite numerous promises and initiatives by the People’s National Movement (PNM) government, led by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, the crime situation has continued to worsen.
The government has struggled to implement effective strategies to combat crime, with a perceived lack of political will to address its root causes.
Grim tragedy
Between 2015 and 2024, the nation recorded more than 5,000 murders, with disturbing increases in gender-based violence, gang-related killings, and child murders. High-profile cases, such as the kidnappings and murders of Andrea Bharatt and Ashanti Riley, highlight the vulnerability of the population.
In 2023 alone, 577 murders were reported, while 2024 is shaping up to be even deadlier, with over 430 murders by early September. August 2024 stands out as the deadliest month in the country’s history.
The PNM government has repeatedly expressed its commitment to improving national security, yet the crime rate continues to rise. In 2017, Dr Rowley launched a National Crime Plan aimed at increasing police visibility, improving forensics, and fostering better community relations. However, six years later, the promised improvements have failed to materialise, and crime rates have escalated. Critics point to leadership challenges within the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), which struggles to address the ongoing gang v iolence and domestic disputes despite increased funding.
Analysts argue that the PNM government has politicised crime for electoral gain without delivering concrete solutions. As crime rates rise, public trust in the Rowley administration has eroded. Critics claim there is no long-term strategy to dismantle criminal organisations, and political interference in law enforcement has further hindered progress.
Moreover, the government has been criticised for failing to address domestic violence effectively. High-profile cases like those of Krystal Primus-Espinoza, Nyla Dyette, and Kimberley Lewis illustrate systemic failures in handling domestic violence complaints and implementing preventive measures. The absence of accountability in these cases exacerbates public frustration.
Despite calls for reform, the government has not implemented critical legislative changes that would enhance law enforcement capabilities. Efforts to modernise the criminal justice system by introducing CCTV networks, DNA databases, and advanced forensic technology have stalled. Many murder cases remain unsolved, leading to a growing sense of impunity.
Consequences of a failed crime strategy
The economic impact of the country’s soaring crime rate cannot be overstated. By early September 2024, over 430 murders had been recorded, forcing businesses to spend heavily on security measures. Small businesses, in particular, have been disproportionately affected, while concerns over safety have slowed foreign investment, weakening the economy.
In high-crime areas, social order has broken down, and residents live in fear. The rise in gang activity among young men has created a vicious cycle of violence, with devastating effects on local communities.
Public reactions
In a press briefing on September 6, 2024, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin claimed that the TTPS had crime “totally under control.” This statement, intended to reassure the public, was met with widespread skepticism. With over 430 murders recorded by early September and August 2024 being the bloodiest month on record, many citizens and commentators questioned whether the police leadership is truly in touch with the realities on the ground.
When National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds was asked if he agreed with Benjamin’s optimistic assessment, his response was more cautious and, to many, unsatisfactory. Hinds emphasised that crime is a “whole-of-society issue” and pointed out that while the police are making progress in certain areas, solving the crime crisis requires societal and governmental collaboration.
However, Hinds’ response was widely viewed as an evasive word salad, as he failed to directly address whether he agreed with Benjamin’s assertion that crime was “under control.”
Urgent need for change
Under Dr Keith Rowley’s leadership, the PNM government has had nearly a decade to address crime, yet the situation has worsened. Without a comprehensive plan to address gang violence, domestic abuse, and the lack of accountability in law enforcement, the murder toll will likely continue to rise. Public trust in the government has diminished, and Trinidad and Tobago needs new leadership that will prioritise crime reduction with transparent policies and real consequences for those responsible for the violence. The citizens deserve better than a reactive approach that has failed year after year.
Shiva Ramnarine, founder of Mobius Solutions Consultancy, has over 25 years of experience as an executive and finance business leader. He is also a former chief financial officer of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary does not necessary reflect that of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited