A high-profile demonstration in Port of Spain that drew national attention over a police-involved fatal shooting has ended in criminal charges for three organizers, who have since been granted bail ahead of their upcoming first court appearance.
The three individuals – protest lead Alyssa Phillip, her mother Camille Caresquero, and independent blogger Jason De Silva – were taken into custody by police on Wednesday during the demonstration, which was organized to show public support for Kaia Sealy. Sealy is currently facing criminal charges stemming from the January death of her common-law husband, Joshua Samaroo, who was killed during an interaction with police officers.
By 8 p.m. the following day, all three had been processed, charged, and released on their own recognizance, according to senior Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) sources. Contacted by local media outlet the Express shortly after her release, Phillip confirmed that the trio was free and en route to their homes to recover from the experience. “We have been released, but I will not make any official statement until I rest and recuperate,” Phillip told reporters, adding that all three were in good condition and their first court date is scheduled for Monday. De Silva separately confirmed his release in a live broadcast posted to his personal social media channel Friday evening. As of Friday night, TTPS had not released public details of the specific charges filed against the three protesters.
Speaking at an official press conference held Friday at the Port of Spain Police Administration Building, Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin defended law enforcement’s actions throughout the protest, outlining the framework that guided the arrests. Benjamin explained that TTPS officers had engaged directly with protest organizers in advance of the demonstration to lay out clear ground rules, framing the event as an approved silent protest with specific noise restrictions. “Even prior to the situation, the officers spoke with persons about the protest. The police ensured that we were there early enough and we spoke to those who were in charge, letting them know what is required,” Benjamin said. He clarified that the pre-agreed terms prohibited loud chants, amplified speech via loudspeakers, and other audible public communication that would violate the silent protest parameters. When the agreed-upon conditions were broken, Benjamin said, officers issued multiple formal warnings before moving to detain the organizers.
“These things were explained, and again, when persons started to violate those conditions, they were warned, and after being warned, actions were taken accordingly,” Benjamin added. He emphasized that TTPS leadership fully endorses the conduct of its officers in this incident, saying: “We believe that the actions of our officers were in keeping with the (Emergency Powers) Regulations and therefore we stand backing our officers that they acted fairly and professionally in this matter.”
Benjamin acknowledged the intense public emotion and widespread concern surrounding the Samaroo case and subsequent charges against Sealy, and reaffirmed TTPS’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. At the same time, he stressed the service’s legal obligation to protect public order and enforce existing regulations fairly. “I want to say that we respect every citizen’s constitutional right to peaceful protest and the freedom of expression,” Benjamin said. “At the same time, the TTPS has a responsibility to maintain public order, ensure public safety, and enforce the laws fairly and professionally.”
He noted that all arrests were carried out in accordance with existing public safety laws and based on on-scene officer assessments of the developing situation. Addressing widespread public debate over the case, which has been fueled by the tragic circumstances of Samaroo’s death and the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision to pursue charges against Sealy, Benjamin urged the public to avoid premature judgment as the case moves through the judicial system. “We understand this case has generated strong public reactions…however, we want to urge the public today—do not pre-judge this matter as it is now before the judicial process,” he said.
Benjamin reaffirmed TTPS’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professional policing, and called for calm, law-abiding discourse around the case. He also issued an appeal to citizens to avoid spreading misinformation, using inflammatory language, or taking actions that could escalate community tensions and put public safety at risk. Citing Section 11 of the country’s Emergency Powers Regulations, Benjamin noted that the public has a responsibility to avoid actions that could undermine public safety. He concluded by outlining TTPS’s core balancing act in the case: upholding fundamental democratic rights while maintaining the security all citizens rely on. “Our priority as the TTPS is to ensure that our citizens remain safe. We want to ensure the protection of the democratic rights of all citizens and ensure the preservation of public confidence in the rule of law,” he said.