AS Trinidad and Tobago marks the 36th anniversary of the July 27, 1990 attempted coup, business leaders are reflecting on the impact of the crisis, the resilience of the nation, and the importance of safeguarding democracy and national unity.
President of the T&T Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI), Dianne Joseph, in an e-mail response to the Express, recalled returning home from work when news broke.
Describing it as one of the most defining and traumatic moments in the nation’s history, Joseph said, “At first, information was scarce, and much of what circulated seemed to be rumours. Reports of looting, fires, government leaders being taken hostage, and widespread unrest created an atmosphere of confusion and anxiety. With traffic at a standstill and little certainty about what was happening, my only priority was reaching home safely to my family.”
She added that more than three decades later, the memories of that day continue to evoke fear, uncertainty, and reflection for many citizens who lived through the crisis.
Joseph said it was only later that evening, while watching television news reports, that the magnitude of the situation became clear.
“The uncertainty quickly gave way to concern for the safety of my loved ones, the security of my job, and whether essential supplies would soon become scarce. Like many citizens, I journeyed to the supermarket to stock up on some essential grocery items and other necessities as the nation struggled to comprehend the unprecedented crisis,” she recalled.
Amid the fear and confusion, Joseph remembered the dedication of media professionals who worked tirelessly to provide continuous updates.
“Journalists and broadcasters worked tirelessly under dangerous conditions to provide continuous updates, ensuring that citizens remained informed during one of the country’s darkest hours. Their commitment demonstrated the vital role of responsible journalism during national emergencies,” she said.
She added, “While many eventually returned to normal life, others carried scars that have never fully healed. Families mourned loved ones who lost their lives, hostages endured physical and emotional trauma, businesses suffered devastating losses through looting and destruction, and countless individuals faced financial hardship. For many, the emotional impact remains long after the physical damage was repaired.”
Joseph said the attempted coup also serves as an enduring lesson for T&T.
“National leaders, security agencies, and citizens alike must remain vigilant and committed to protecting democratic institutions. Every credible threat deserves careful investigation, and proactive measures are essential to safeguard the nation,” she said.
Addressing the families who lost loved ones, those who endured the trauma of being held hostage, and every individual whose life was forever changed by the events of July 27, 1990, she said, “Your pain has not been forgotten. The courage and resilience you have shown continue to inspire our nation. While no words can erase the grief or restore what was lost, may the love of family, the support of our communities, and the passage of time continue to bring comfort and healing. As a nation, we honour the memories of those who died, stand with those who suffered, and renew our commitment to building a T&T where peace, compassion, justice, and unity always triumph over violence and fear,”
Never be repeated
President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Baldath Maharaj, also recalled returning from work that day and echoed Joseph’s sentiments saying what stood out during that time was the unease, false information spreading and the sense of uncertainty.
“In those immediate hours and the tense days that followed, none of us knew what to expect, whether basic public utilities would remain functional, or how many lives was lost or would be lost. That period was a dark stain on our otherwise peaceful country, exposing just how suddenly our daily life, public safety, and economic activity could be thrown into disarray. It was a tragedy that should never, under any circumstances, be repeated,” said Maharaj via WhatsApp.
He said for T&T, particularly for the business community, that period was a severe lesson in the true cost of instability.
“Beyond the tragic loss of life and the deep trauma felt by families, the breakdown of order led to widespread destruction, loss of livelihoods, and fear across every sector. The takeaway from 1990 is that violence, illegal force, and lawlessness have no place in a civilised society. No matter what political, economic, or social hurdles our country faces, our solutions must always be pursued through democratic processes, open dialogue, and the rule of law,” said Maharaj.
He continued: “As we reflect on this anniversary, our lesson must be to actively safeguard the peace we so deeply value. Stability, public safety, and national security are the essential foundations upon which every family builds a future and every enterprise operates.”
Noting the changes the coup had on T&T, chief executive officer of the T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), Dr Ramesh Ramdeen, said he cannot help but admire where T&T is today.
Speaking to the Express yesterday, Ramdeen said, “As we reflect on those times, we can’t help but marvel at where we are today, rising like a phoenix from the ashes, but at the same time, simultaneously sympathise with those that lost life, liberty, business and hope at that time.”
He noted the resilience of the business and manufacturing sector in particular and said, “Today, the non-energy manufacturing base of T&T has sustained itself and grown and has been the drivers and economic growth for the better part of the last decade. It is leading the diversification drive, while continuing to be a significant employer of people and more and more are becoming earners of foreign exchange, bringing this invaluable resource into the economy.”
Ramdeen said today T&T commemorates and pays tribute to all those who stood tall and held the country together during those difficult days and weeks of the coup.
Trinidad Express
