A state of public emergency (SOE) has been declared in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago due to escalating criminal activity.

In a statement on Monday, the country’s Ministry of Communication announced that the President of Trinidad and Tobago and Commander-in-Chief of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Christine Carla Kangaloo, declared the SOE on the advice of Prime Minister Keith Rowley, in accordance with Section 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

“The circumstances warranting the declaration of the public emergency are based on the advice of the police service to the National Security Council of heightened criminal activity which endangers public safety,” the statement read.

This declaration comes as the country’s murder toll has surpassed 600 for 2024, marking the highest annual tally in its history. Last year, 577 homicides were recorded.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has since expressed disappointment over the country’s alarming murder toll. The country continues to grapple with a surge in violent crime, which has spurred calls for urgent action to restore public safety.