A public conflict over constitutional rights and public safety has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago, as the Peace Foundation TT is standing firm in its plan to hold a “Walk for Peace” in downtown Port of Spain, even after national police explicitly stated the event has not received legal approval under the country’s ongoing State of Emergency.
The standoff unfolded in coordinated statements released by both sides on Wednesday, with each party outlining their core positions and justifications for their stances. In its formal public response, the Peace Foundation TT emphasized that the gathering was never intended to disrupt public order — instead, the entire initiative was built around a simple, unifying mission: to push for an end to violent community conflict across the nation, and foster widespread values of unity, love, and collective peace.
The organization addressed law enforcement’s concerns directly, acknowledging the TT Police Service (TTPS)’s position while pushing back against the proposed restriction on the gathering. The foundation’s legal argument centers on a key principle of constitutional governance: that limits on fundamental civil rights can only be legally justified when there is clear, provable evidence that an event poses a real threat to public safety. To date, the group says, authorities have not produced any such evidence demonstrating their peaceful procession would put the public at risk. The foundation has formally requested clarity on the specific legal and operational justifications for blocking the event.
Despite the confrontation with police, the Peace Foundation TT reiterated its unwavering commitment to non-violence and adherence to the rule of law. “Our message remains simple: Trinidad and Tobago deserves peace, unity, and safer communities for all,” the group’s statement read. It closed by reaffirming its intention to move forward with the event, framing the walk as a broader movement for positive change: “The Walk for Peace remains a movement of hope, love, and positive change. One Nation. One People. One Peace.”
Earlier the same day, the TTPS had issued its own formal warning to the public, advising citizens against taking part in the event, which was scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. in Port of Spain, with a planned assembly point on Piccadilly Street. Police stressed that they share the foundation’s goal of reducing violence and building peaceful communities, and fully support legitimate initiatives aligned with those aims. However, they noted that all public gatherings, marches, and processions are bound by strict legal conditions and mandatory security reviews while the State of Emergency remains in effect.
“At this time, no authorisation has been granted for any public march or procession associated with this event,” the TTPS confirmed. Police warned that participating in an unauthorized procession along public roads qualifies as a violation of current emergency regulations, carrying potential legal consequences for attendees. Beyond the lack of approval, authorities also raised specific practical concerns around the planned Piccadilly Street starting point, citing unresolvable public safety and traffic management challenges, as well as the inherent risks of large, uncoordinated public gatherings under current rules.
The TTPS urged community members to avoid joining the unapproved event, follow official lawful directions from serving officers, and use pre-approved government channels to pursue advocacy and community organizing. Law enforcement added that it will continue actively monitoring developments around the planned walk, and will take all legally permitted action necessary to uphold public order, protect civilian life and property, and safeguard national security.