Introduction
On 30th December 2024, the government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a nationwide state of emergency, following a year marked by unprecedented levels of violence. With 623 recorded homicides, 2024 became the deadliest year in the country’s history, prompting urgent security measures and intensifying public debate over long-term solutions to systemic challenges. The emergency powers were introduced in response to escalating gang-related violence, particularly in Port of Spain and surrounding areas. Parliament later extended the measure by three months on 14th January 2025, though no curfew was imposed.
In parallel with the security challenges, the country has also faced rising inflation and mounting frustration over the cost of living. Food prices have spiked significantly, placing pressure on households across income levels. This economic hardship triggered nationwide protests in the final quarter of the year (see peaceful assembly).
Peaceful Assembly
Waves of protests spotlight inequality, labour disputes and service failures
From October to December 2024, a series of protests across Trinidad and Tobago has laid bare deepening frustrations over economic inequality, government inaction, and deteriorating public services. Some of them are described below:
- On 3rd October, pilots employed by Caribbean Airlines conducted a peaceful protest at Piarco International Airport, calling on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to address wage payments and salary increments. According to the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA), the protest did not disrupt airport operations or flight schedules. The pilots also demonstrated in front of the Ministry of Finance to express concern over the lack of engagement by the Minister of Finance. The pilots reportedly offered to accept a four per cent salary increase; however, the matter remained unresolved at the time of the protest.
- On 7th October, dozens of residents of St. James gathered at the intersection of Jeffers Lane and Western Main Road to protest the inadequate water supply in their community. Protesters burned debris to draw attention to their grievances with the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). WASA attributed the disruption in water services to ageing infrastructure, specifically deteriorated pipelines affecting water flow.
- On 9th October 2024, over 20 members of the Transport and Industrial Workers Union (TIWU) protested outside the City Gate transport hub following the postponement of a scheduled meeting to address wage negotiations with the Chairman of the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC). The union expressed dissatisfaction with the failure to reschedule the meeting. TIWU President Shawn Roberts stated that negotiations on a proposed salary increase could not proceed in the absence of an appointed board. He further criticised PTSC for failing to fulfil its responsibilities to workers, adding that workers remained aggrieved.
- On 28th October, dozens of former employees of Petrotrin held a protest outside Republic Bank, raising concerns over the alleged risk of losing their pension benefits. The president of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) called on the government to take immediate measures to avert a financial crisis that could affect approximately 7,000 retirees. He alleged that the Government had failed to provide necessary funding to sustain the Petrotrin Employees Pension Plan (PEPP). Petrotrin, the state-owned oil company, ceased operations in 2018 due to claims of sustained financial losses.
- Employees of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) held a nationwide protest despite pending legal proceedings initiated by the company. The President of OWTU, Ancel Roget, clarified that workers were not engaged in industrial action but were exercising their right to peaceful assembly outside of working hours. On 8th November, protesters also gathered outside the private residence of the Minister of Public Utilities, Marvin Gonzales. In response, the Minister reportedly expressed no objection to the protest. As essential service providers, T&TEC employees are subject to legal restrictions on industrial action under national law. Roget cautioned that failure to resolve the ongoing issues could escalate tensions further, placing responsibility on the management, board, line minister and the government.
- On 11th November, port workers in Tobago went on strike citing occupational health and safety concerns. The Chairman of the Port Authority, Lyle Alexander, stated publicly that he was unaware of any outstanding health and safety issues. He suggested the industrial action may be linked to broader labour-related developments occurring concurrently in Trinidad.
- On 5th November, a dozen retirees from Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) protested in Claxton Bay, alleging that the company owes them approximately TTD 26 million (USD 4 million) in payments. A spokesperson for the group, Learie Mike, indicated that 68 retirees had been affected and called for the company to meet its obligations. TCL had not publicly responded at the time of reporting.
- On 15th November, postal workers organised a march from Aranguez to Port of Spain to demand the implementation of an 18.6 per cent wage increase. The demand stems from a job evaluation reportedly concluded in 2011. Workers asserted that the government had yet to act on the findings and recommendations of that evaluation.
- On 7th December, labour unions mobilised citizens to participate in a demonstration in front of the Prime Minister’s official residence at White Hall. The protest aimed to express opposition to the Government’s acceptance of the 120th Report of the Salaries Review Commission (SRC), which recommended a 47 per cent salary increase for senior public officials, including the Prime Minister, the President, the Opposition Leader, and members of the judiciary. The President of the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), Ancel Roget, called on the Government to withdraw acceptance of the SRC recommendations and revise the proposed four per cent salary increase for public servants, arguing that it lacked parity with increases granted to senior officials.
Expression
Finance Minister criticises media over Tobago airport reporting
On 10th December 2024, the Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert, publicly criticised media outlets for allegedly withholding documents that, in his view, could clarify public misunderstandings concerning the Tobago Airport Project. He specifically referred to the reporting of a leaked Cabinet Note, which he claimed had led to the dissemination of inaccurate information.
Minister Imbert stated that the media’s alleged failure to publish what he described as “substantive evidence” constituted a form of suppression that, in his view, contradicted established professional standards of journalism. He cited an article published in the Daily Express on 6th December 2024 to support his assertions. Despite his remarks, the Minister subsequently revised his initial statements concerning cost overruns associated with the Tobago Airport Project.