Senior Political Reporter
Following criticism over recent social outings by some UNC parliamentarians, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has urged members of her Government to avoid “partying and feteing” while the country remains under a State of Emergency (SoE), saying this is not the time for such activities.
Minister in the Ministry of Housing Phillip Alexander confirmed the directive yesterday and defended the Government’s decision to implement the SoE, referencing the T&T Police Service’s (TTPS) formal request for it and legal advice from Attorney General John Jeremie, who supported the move.
Alexander spoke to Guardian Media during a break in yesterday’s budget consultations at City Hall, Port-of-Spain, which drew over 600 attendees.
He declined to comment on the cancellation of the UNC’s public meeting scheduled for tonight in Couva, where the Prime Minister was set to speak. When contacted, Persad-Bissessar said: “All citizens should exercise a heightened sense of alert during the SoE.”
UNC PRO Kirk Meighoo explained that the meeting was cancelled on the advice of security officials, though he declined to specify the nature of that advice.
Alexander acknowledged that the Prime Minister’s directive to Government members came after some UNC parliamentarians attended the United States Embassy’s Independence Day cocktail party, which had been postponed from July 4.
“It was a good networking event... a bunch of us went,” he said. “But she said that’s not a good look right now, so we’re being guided.”
He clarified, however, that he was not present at a recent social event held in Tobago.
Alexander also pushed back against criticism from smaller political parties, who claimed the SoE was a recycled strategy from the “PNM playbook.”
He said: “The Constitution allows for a serious intervention when national security concerns go beyond the scope of normal law enforcement. It’s usually reserved for catastrophes or disasters.
“Crime in Trinidad and Tobago has almost become a natural disaster,” he added.
“The Government has been doing everything it can to address it, but we’ve seen a spike, especially with a lot of political hyperbole in the public space that seems to be inciting people.”
Alexander said he had heard voice notes circulating in which gang members appeared to be encouraging unrest.
“The Government is being tested, and I think the Prime Minister is not above responding. So the SoE is an excellent decision at this time to cool down all of that rhetoric.”
Responding to claims that the UNC Government is “bereft of ideas” and merely copying the PNM, Alexander said, “Bereft of ideas? She (Persad-Bissessar) has access to many brilliant minds and a powerful Cabinet. We have no shortage of ideas.”
He added: “We all read the same TTPS release asking for the SoE. The AG advised it was the right move, and the Government acted accordingly. The SoE is not a crime-fighting tactic—it addresses specific security threats that were inherited from the last administration. We’re managing that and putting it ‘back in the bottle.’”
Alexander accused the previous administration of calling an SoE without providing updates or transparency.
Regarding when the SoE might end, and whether Parliament will reconvene before the initial 15-day period expires on August 2 to seek an extension, Alexander said no guidance had been given to ministers so far.
“I believe the Prime Minister is being advised by the National Security Council and the TTPS. When she’s briefed, we’re briefed.”
As for whether a dedicated Communications Minister will be appointed, Alexander said: “The Prime Minister is keeping a firm grip on messaging, and that’s a wise move given all the moving parts. She understands communication better than most, and I too look forward to the appointment of a substantive Communications Minister.”