By Sue-Ann Wayow

THE public is being warned that if anyone uses social media or other digital platforms to incite violence, that person will face law enforcement officers.

The warning comes from Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro.

In a media release on Tuesday, Guevarro said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has observed with serious concern the recent increase in social media posts in which individuals have made threats of violence against one another, as well as threats directed at public officials.

Guevarro said, “Let me state unequivocally: this behaviour is unlawful, dangerous, and will not be tolerated. Freedom of expression is a right, and every citizen is free to share their thoughts and opinions.

“However, that freedom ends where criminal conduct begins. No one has the right to incite violence, intimidate others, or use online platforms to threaten harm. Such actions undermine public safety, destabilise communities, and erode the peace and order that citizens deserve.”

Guevarro reminded that in accordance with paragraph 2 of the Schedule of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025, the Minister responsible for national security was empowered to issue a Preventive Detention Order to any person, to prevent such persons from acting in a manner prejudicial to public safety.

This power is activated when individuals use social media to publish posts or comments that incite violence, invite external interference, or otherwise endanger the safety and stability of the nation, he said.

Guevarro said, “The TTPS will take decisive action. Any individual who uses social media or any digital platform to issue threats, encourage violence, or endanger the safety of any person, including government officials, will face the full force of the law. Our Cyber and Social Media Unit continues to track these offences, and once evidence is gathered, offenders will be identified, located, and prosecuted.”

The CoP is urging all citizens to conduct themselves responsibly online but within the boundaries of the law.

Guevarro’s statements comes after Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander also warned social media users who use the platform to incite violence and is also considering legal options for those who deliberately spread misinformation.

On Saturday, former Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne posted on social media that he made a police report after a commenter threatened to kill him and his family.

He wrote, “I have made a full report to the Police Service based on on-line death threats made against me and members of my family in the form of specific comments on my Facebook wall. I have been involved in the active politics of Trinidad and Tobago since 2007, and have never experienced anything like this. I am treating the issue very seriously.”

A screenshot of the comments and the commenter were also posted.

Alexander had confirmed that an investigation was launched following the report.