PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Jul 19, CMC – The business community has expressed strong support for the State of Emergency (SoE) declared on Friday, with several private sector leaders agreeing with a government minister that the emergency powers will not disrupt commercial activity or dampen economic confidence.
With no curfews, checkpoints, or movement restrictions currently in place, they say they are optimistic that day-to-day operations will continue as usual
Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, Kennedy Swaratsingh, sought to give assurance that the SoE would not affect local commercial activity or negatively impact foreign investor confidence.
“This SoE is for a specific purpose, so it would not impact on anything we have here. There is no limited movement of persons at this stage,” Swaratsingh told reporters while touring the Trade and Investment Convention in Macoya on Friday. “Internationally, people have confidence in what this government is trying to do, and we are very focused and confident in everything we do.”
The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce welcomed the decision to implement the SoE, which it said was “an urgent and necessary measure to protect citizens and preserve national order”. It added that not restricting the movement of citizens was a good decision, as it would help maintain economic stability during the period.
However, it stressed that the temporary measure must be part of a wider and more sustainable approach to crime.
“While the SoE is an essential short-term step, it must be supported by comprehensive and sustainable strategies to eliminate the root causes of criminal activities,” the chamber said in a statement.
Several regional chambers echoed that sentiment, applauding the government’s decision not to impose curfews and pledging their full cooperation with law enforcement.
The Greater Tunapuna Chamber urged businesses and citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with law enforcement as these operations unfold.
“As a business community, we are particularly mindful of the importance of national stability in preserving investor confidence, economic continuity, and public morale. We urge the government to continue providing timely and transparent updates and to ensure that the rights of law-abiding citizens are protected throughout emergency powers,” it added.
The Greater San Fernando Chamber also welcomed the move, with president Kiran Singh saying he did not anticipate the move would have a negative impact on commercial activity.
“The public is free to move about with their business, work, and leisurely activities,” he said.
The Chaguanas Chamber of Commerce applauded the move to dismantle criminal operations through robust, coordinated interagency responses and emphasised the private sector’s stake in national security.
President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association Dale Parson told Guardian Media that he was confident there would be no negative implications from the SoE on business in the country.
“I think this SoE is targeted specifically at the perpetrators. It is actually a positive thing that the government is taking proactive action to minimise any kind of disruption. I think it is a good thing and it is targeted,” he said.
While the general tone from the business community has been supportive, there were also calls for careful implementation and transparent communication.
The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) said that careful planning, transparent governance, and targeted support for the vulnerable are essential to minimise the long-term economic consequences of the SoE.
However, it did express support for the measure “as an urgent and necessary measure to protect citizens and preserve national order”, and said it must be supported by comprehensive and sustainable strategies to eliminate the root causes of criminal activities.
Vice Chairman of the Confederation of Regional Business Chambers, Ricardo Mohammed, was more measured in his response, saying past SoEs had failed to produce lasting results.
“This SoE must yield the results to inspire a little confidence and hope to the citizens of T&T,” he said.
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro said the SoE was declared in response to a credible threat involving an organised crime syndicate operating both inside and outside the prison system and allegedly targeting judicial and government officials.
CMC/ed/2025