In a recent development surrounding the state of emergency (SoE) in Trinidad and Tobago, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander released four redacted copies of Review Tribunal reports on November 12, following attorneys’ claims that their detained clients had not received the tribunal’s recommendations. The reports, dated September 12, 19, 27, and October 6, revealed that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to review two requests but found sufficient cause for the preventative detention of other detainees. The tribunal had previously confirmed sending six reports to the minister between September and October, with a cover letter dated October 31.
Attorney Darren Mitchell, representing several detainees, criticized the government’s handling of emergency powers, labeling the indefinite detention of individuals as unconstitutional. He accused the police commissioner of using preventative detention orders (PDOs) as a substitute for proper investigations, stating, ‘The police have given up on crime detection investigations and convictions to embrace successful policing.’ Mitchell also questioned the timing of the reports’ release, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic to delay judicial review.
Mitchell further condemned the silence of professional bodies like the Law Association and the Criminal Bar Association, accusing them of failing to uphold justice and human rights. ‘Those expected to stand for justice are seemingly acquiescing or partnering with injustice,’ he said.
The tribunal defended its actions, emphasizing that its role under the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025 is limited to reviewing detention requests and submitting reports to the minister, who then decides whether to share relevant portions with detainees. The tribunal assured the public that it has performed its duties in accordance with the law.
The government extended the SoE for a second three-month period on October 31, with 98 of 156 PDOs executed by the police so far. The Ministry of Homeland Security has not clarified whether the remaining tribunal reports have been forwarded to other detainees.