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In a major parliamentary address marking the commencement of the 2026 legislative year, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar declared her government’s intention to terminate the nationwide state of emergency on January 31. The emergency measures, initially imposed in July and subsequently extended twice, will be replaced by targeted zones of special operation to maintain security gains.

Addressing the House of Representatives on January 16, Persad-Bissessar defended her administration’s aggressive stance against criminal organizations, crediting security forces with achieving a dramatic 42% reduction in homicides—a statistic she characterized as globally significant. ‘From day one we have acted forcefully and decisively to frontally attack criminal entities that have brought bloodshed and terror to our citizens,’ the Prime Minister stated, asserting that these measures have spared lives and enhanced public safety.

The Prime Minister notably endorsed recent US military operations that destroyed suspected drug-trafficking vessels in Trinidad and Tobago’s waters, asserting that legal counsel had confirmed no breach of international law. When challenged by opposition members regarding the legal basis for these actions, Persad-Bissessar retorted, ‘Find a good international lawyer!’

Her comprehensive legislative agenda includes profound judicial reforms, notably a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to a trial within a reasonable timeframe. ‘It cannot be right for a person to be locked up for years without trial, potentially for the same duration as their sentence would be, with their reputation ruined,’ she emphasized.

The government proposes restructuring homicide trials to include three-judge panels instead of jury trials, establishing the new judicial position of Chancellor, and implementing measures to accelerate justice delivery while protecting victims’ rights. Additional reforms encompass firearms management, plea bargaining mechanisms, and record expungement for rehabilitated offenders.

Following recent discussions in Tobago with re-elected THA leader Farley Augustine, the Prime Minister committed to advancing Tobago’s autonomy through new legislation that would establish the island as ‘an equal, autonomous partner’ within the republic.

Persad-Bissessar also addressed societal concerns including noise pollution and fireworks regulation, while denying allegations of intending to restrict cultural festivities. Further proposed legislation seeks to raise the legal age for alcohol and cannabis consumption to 21, and gambling to 25.

In a landmark judicial ruling, the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago has determined that the Ministry of National Security violated statutory obligations under the Freedom of Information Act. The case centered on the ministry’s failure to provide timely and substantive responses to information requests filed by Darielvis Eliannys Sarabia Morillo, a Venezuelan national whose infant son was fatally shot during a Coast Guard operation in February 2022.

Justice Devindra Rampersad delivered the judgment, declaring that the ministry failed to meet the mandatory 30-day response requirement stipulated in Section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act. The court has ordered the ministry to resolve all outstanding information requests by January 23.

The tragic incident occurred on February 5, 2022, within Trinidad and Tobago’s territorial waters, when Morillo’s newborn son, Yaelvis Sarabia Santoyo, was killed during an encounter with the Coast Guard. Morillo herself sustained gunshot wounds requiring emergency surgery.

Between March and April 2022, Morillo submitted five separate freedom of information requests seeking crucial documents, including her son’s autopsy report and records related to the Coast Guard operation. While some information was eventually provided, Justice Rampersad determined that the ministry failed to issue lawful, substantive decisions within the statutory timeframe for two critical requests.

The judgment emphasized that public authorities cannot discharge their FOIA obligations by simply directing applicants to other agencies without making independent determinations. “A letter that amounts to ‘ask someone else’ is not a substantive decision,” Justice Rampersad stated in his ruling. “Section 15 does not permit a public authority to discharge its duty simply by passing the applicant from one door to another, particularly where it has the power to call for the information itself.”

The court found the ministry in breach of its duties regarding Morillo’s request for the autopsy report—which has since been provided—and her fifth request concerning information about the Coast Guard’s operation. The court issued an order compelling the ministry to process and determine the remaining items from Morillo’s April 26, 2022 request. Additionally, the ministry was ordered to pay 75% of Morillo’s legal costs, to be assessed if not mutually agreed upon.

In a sweeping post-election address from the Office of the Chief Secretary, Farley Augustine has declared a transformative governance agenda for Tobago that combines immediate administrative reforms with a strategic push for legislative autonomy. The newly sworn-in leader outlined a comprehensive vision addressing systemic inefficiencies, economic diversification, and self-determination for the island territory.

Augustine announced a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy toward bureaucratic delays within the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), warning that public officers failing to execute lawful instructions would face accountability measures, even if resulting in legal challenges. This hardline approach comes alongside revelations that some tourism division employees haven’t received salaries since December, prompting an immediate investigation pledge from the Chief Secretary.

The autonomy initiative represents a landmark constitutional effort, with Augustine targeting legislative changes by end-2026 that would grant Tobago independent lawmaking authority. This would be followed by island-wide consultations to determine Tobago’s preferred governance structure, including debates about legislative chambers, power separation, and electoral systems. Augustine emphasized that these structural matters should not require Trinidad’s approval for future modifications.

Economic revitalization features prominently in the reform package. An Investment Commission will be established by February to evaluate both local and foreign investment proposals, reducing Tobago’s dependence on public-sector employment. Augustine defended foreign direct investment as essential for developing ports, parking facilities, and tourism infrastructure without risking taxpayer funds.

The administration will address longstanding worker concerns, including salary increases for contracted employees and resolution of outstanding increments and gratuities for teachers and other public workers. A monitoring website is being developed to track critical projects and identify responsible officers for delays.

Environmental and resource management also received attention, with Augustine criticizing Tobago’s slow adoption of solar energy despite abundant sunshine and reaffirming the island’s claim to authority over nearby maritime activities. The oil spill was cited as having delayed electric vehicle infrastructure projects.

Legal autonomy measures include centralizing handling of claims against the THA, asserting the Assembly’s independent capacity to sue and be sued without central government involvement.

After a six-month health-related absence, Trincity/Maloney Member of Parliament Camille Robinson-Regis resumed her duties in Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives on January 16. The former housing minister and attorney general had been on medical leave since July 2025 following surgical procedures, during which time she focused on recovery.

Upon her return to the Red House, Robinson-Regis engaged briefly with press representatives, noting this marked her first public appearance since her medical treatment. While confirming her physical presence in Parliament, she indicated she would not actively participate in the day’s legislative debates, citing concerns about the proposed bills that would be addressed through established party channels.

The parliamentary session featured significant legislative items, including the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2026, which mandates drivers to rectify vehicle defects within three to seven days or face financial penalties. Simultaneously, the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill 2026 proposes enhanced security measures and social development interventions in high-crime areas.

Attorney General John Jeremie was scheduled to initiate discussions on these legislative measures. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar prepared to introduce the Tobago House of Assembly (Amendment) Bill 2026, which expands the administrative structure of Tobago’s governing body. This development follows the Tobago People’s Party’s decisive victory in the January 12 THA elections, where they secured all 15 assembly seats.

The government has expressed commitment to collaborative governance with Tobago’s administration, emphasizing shared objectives in regional development and national progress.

In a major parliamentary address on January 16, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar declared her government’s intention to terminate the nation’s prolonged state of emergency upon its scheduled expiration on January 31. The security measure, initially declared in July and subsequently extended twice, will be replaced by the implementation of targeted zones of special operation to maintain law and order.

The Prime Minister delivered a comprehensive statement outlining her administration’s legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session, highlighting significant achievements in public safety. She revealed a dramatic 42% reduction in homicides, characterizing this statistic as one of the most substantial crime rate declines observed globally. Persad-Bissessar credited security forces for their efforts, stating: ‘From day one we have acted forcefully and decisively to frontally attack criminal organisations that have brought bloodshed, death, and terror to our citizens.’

Addressing international controversy, the Prime Minister staunchly defended recent joint operations with US military forces that resulted in the destruction of alleged drug trafficking vessels. When challenged by opposition members regarding the legality of these actions, Persad-Bissessar retorted that she had received legal counsel confirming no international laws were breached, bluntly advising critics to ‘find a good international lawyer.’

The government unveiled sweeping judicial reforms including a proposed constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to a trial within a reasonable timeframe. Persad-Bissessar emphasized the injustice of defendants awaiting trial for periods exceeding their potential sentences, noting the severe damage to reputation such delays cause. Additional measures include restructuring homicide trials to feature three-judge panels instead of jury trials, establishing the new judicial position of Chancellor, and implementing plea bargaining mechanisms.

Following her attendance at the swearing-in of re-elected Tobago House of Assembly leader Farley Augustine, the Prime Minister committed to advancing Tobago’s autonomy within the republic. She pledged to enact legislation establishing Tobago as ‘an equal, autonomous partner side by side with Trinidad,’ ending a decade of political stagnation on the issue.

The administration also announced forthcoming regulations addressing noise pollution, with specific attention to fireworks and amplified music near residential areas. Firearms legislation will be strengthened to streamline the destruction of confiscated weapons, while age restrictions will be raised for alcohol consumption (from 18 to 21), cannabis use (18 to 21), and gambling (18 to 25).

Trinidad and Tobago’s opposition lawmakers have launched a coordinated constitutional challenge against the government’s proposed ‘hot spot’ crime legislation, warning the bill establishes dangerously draconian powers that could persist long after the current State of Emergency expires.

Speaking ahead of Parliament’s first 2026 session on January 16, Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales characterized the proposed law as constitutionally problematic and poorly consulted. He revealed the opposition first became aware of the legislation during the Christmas period and has since identified numerous concerning provisions, including fines up to $20,000 for obstructing security operations or providing false identification.

‘The government should have engaged in appropriate consultations with national community groups for a bill of such constitutional gravity,’ Gonzales told reporters outside the Red House. ‘We intend to canvass these issues thoroughly during parliamentary debate.’

Gonzales questioned the timing of the legislation, noting it emerges just days before the State of Emergency’s expiration. He recalled government officials initially justifying the SoE based on specific security threats rather than general crime, yet now cite crime as the primary justification for the new powers.

Former National Security Minister Stuart Young delivered even sharper criticism, labeling the proposal ‘unconstitutional and draconian.’ He expressed particular alarm over the concentration of power in the prime minister’s hands, enabling the designation of neighborhoods for military and police lockdowns.

‘All power now resides in one person: a prime minister being able to say your neighborhood is one that security forces can literally lock down,’ Young stated. He noted the bill would authorize warrantless searches, curfews, and area cordoning without judicial oversight.

Young revealed the legislation appears borrowed from Jamaican statutes rather than establishing legal precedent, noting Jamaica’s Supreme Court has already ruled on similar provisions’ constitutionality.

Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle warned the bill could effectively create a permanent State of Emergency while stigmatizing entire communities. He questioned the vague criteria for designating ‘hot spots’ and cautioned against demonizing neighborhoods based on incomplete crime data.

Marcelle highlighted particularly concerning provisions allowing 72-hour curfews and warrantless home entries by Defense Force members for offenses ranging from loud music to serious crimes. ‘Soldiers aren’t trained to enforce summary offenses,’ he noted, warning the ambiguity creates risks for both citizens and law enforcement.

All three opposition MPs predicted legal challenges would emerge against the legislation, with Young noting lawyers are already preparing constitutional cases. Gonzales added that even with government control of the House, Senate support would be necessary given the bill’s constitutional implications.

A parliamentary session in Trinidad and Tobago turned contentious on January 16th as Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal and opposition MP Stuart Young clashed over energy sector management and cultural funding controversies. The debate revealed significant tensions regarding the National Gas Company’s (NGC) financial performance and its subsequent decision to terminate longstanding cultural sponsorships.

Minister Moonilal disclosed that NGC reported substantial financial losses totaling $1.3 billion in 2023, following another deficit in the previous five-year period. This financial strain compelled the state-owned energy corporation to critically evaluate all non-essential expenditures, resulting in the discontinuation of cultural sponsorships that had consumed over $10.2 million in steelpan funding and $258,397 in tassa support over the past five years.

‘The company must prioritize its financial sustainability,’ Moonilal stated, emphasizing that ‘NGC will continue to review all future sponsorship commitments based on current revenue projections.’

Opposition MP Stuart Young challenged the minister’s assertions, countering that NGC had actually achieved a $1.6 billion profit after tax in the most recent fiscal year. Young questioned whether the sponsorship cancellations—which affected Couva Joylanders, La Brea Nightingales, Steel X Plosion of Tobago, Pan Trinbago, and Trinidad & Tobago Sweet Tassa Group—represented a broader governmental attack on cultural preservation efforts.

The debate expanded to include energy sector developments, with Moonilal confirming that Woodside Energy had not notified the ministry of any operational closures in Trinidad and Tobago. The minister revealed that Perenco had completed acquisition of Woodside’s Greater Angostura assets on July 8, 2025—a transaction involving fields that contribute approximately 12% of the nation’s total gas production through daily output of 300 million standard cubic feet of natural gas and 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent.

Young distinguished between corporate divestment and operational shutdowns, noting that Woodside maintained minimal presence in the country with just one employee unrelated to the asset transfer.

The confrontation further touched on arbitration proceedings concerning the Beetham Wastewater Plant, with Moonilal citing confidentiality restrictions that prevented disclosure of outcomes regarding the $1 billion facility that has never become operational.

After a six-month health-related absence, Trincity/Maloney Member of Parliament Camille Robinson-Regis made her official return to Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives on January 16. The former housing minister and attorney general had been on medical leave since July 2025 following surgical procedures, during which time she focused on recovery and convalescence.

Upon her arrival at the Red House, Robinson-Regis engaged briefly with press representatives, noting this marked her first public appearance since her medical treatment. While confirming her physical presence in Parliament, she clarified she would not actively participate in the day’s legislative debates, citing ongoing concerns within her party, the People’s National Movement (PNM), regarding the proposed bills.

The parliamentary agenda featured three significant pieces of legislation: the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2026, which establishes stricter timelines for vehicle defect corrections; the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill 2026, designed to implement special security measures in high-crime areas; and the Tobago House of Assembly (Amendment) Bill 2026, introduced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to expand secretarial positions within the assembly.

This legislative session occurred against the backdrop of recent political developments in Tobago, where the Tobago People’s Party achieved a sweeping electoral victory on January 12, capturing all 15 seats in the assembly. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar had previously expressed the central government’s commitment to collaborative governance with Tobago’s administration for regional development.