Caribbean Civilisation Think_Piece

The article “State of mind” is based on the current state/status of Trinidad and Tobago; that is, the imposition of a state of emergency and ‘limited’ curfew by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in an attempt to combat the issue of an alarming increase in violent crimes. This article also serves as a reminder of the effect of the previously imposed curfew in relation with the unsuccessful attempted 1990 ‘Coup’. It also questions the formalities and manner in which the Prime Minister declared the state of emergency. When Prime Minister Kamla Bissessar declared a state of emergency, the appointed Police Commissioner and President of Trinidad and Tobago were not even aware of her intentions. Some may see this as inhumane; moreover the actions of the Prime Minister were in fact illegal because the appointed officials did not sign the orders. The term ‘State of emergency’ can be defined as “a governmental declaration that may suspend certain normal functions of government, alert citizens to alter their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a rationale for suspending civil liberties”1. Violent crimes in Trinidad and Tobago have rapidly increased over the years. I do agree that some governmental stand had to be made against these crimes, however I disagree with the Prime Minister, in that a ‘state of emergency’ was the only option or only crime-fighting tool remaining in the government arsenal to deal with ‘marauding gangs’. As such the basis for my argument will be centred around three viewpoints: Economical (national economy), Social (human right) effects of a state of emergency and ‘limited’ curfew on Trinidad and Tobago, and the Administration.

The imposition of this state of emergency, ‘limited’ curfew will have a direct impact on the economy of Trinidad and Tobago