Former Trinidad PM Rowley slams government crime strategy

Former prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley has sharply criticised the current administration’s approach to national security, describing its crime strategy as a “rolling state of emergency” driven by what he called “public manipulations.”

In comments shared on social media, Rowley argued that those now in office had previously dismissed his government’s attempts to frame violent crime as a public health issue. He accused unnamed officials of contributing little to governance beyond division and bias, and said leadership had become an “entitlement” used to shield corrupt behaviour.

“This then becomes the country, as hope shrivels and faith in the future is lost,” he said, warning that national morale and quality of life deteriorate when trust in leadership erodes.

The remarks come against the backdrop of recent crime statistics released by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, which her administration has highlighted as evidence of improving public safety.

According to government figures, serious reported crimes fell by 30 per cent in 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, dropping from 3,413 to 2,397 cases. Violent crime reportedly declined by 32 per cent, with the North Eastern Division recording a 55 per cent reduction.

The Prime Minister has maintained that citizens are experiencing improved security conditions under her government’s leadership. However, the narrative has faced renewed scrutiny following a recent quadruple homicide on Lady Young Road, which included the killing of a young girl, occurring shortly after the data was released.

caribbeannationalweekly.com