Government Addresses Escalating Violent Crime with Sweeping Reforms

The Caroni Central Pre-Budget Consultation 2025 saw a room packed to capacity, with the presence of heavy security due to an urgent national issue of violent crime. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, alongside Central MP David Lee, expressed grave concerns about local criminal networks with ties to Venezuelan terrorist-designated groups. These groups are escalating the violence levels, warned Sturge. He emphasized the need for an aggressive response to prevent these factions from overwhelming the society. Sturge also announced plans for significant reforms to regain control over national borders and impair criminal activities. The government’s strategy involves investing in advanced surveillance and interception tools to minimize corruptible human intervention. Sturge revealed that most illegal migrants enter through legal ports, enabling dangerous foreign elements to infiltrate Trinidad and Tobago. Furthermore, he defended the recent extraction of high-profile inmates from prison as a crucial step to disrupt gang activities. The Defence Minister unveiled the restructuring of the former Ministry of National Security into the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Homeland Security. He also indicated potential short-term restrictions to limit gang activities, urging citizens to remain patient as the government works to drastically reduce violent crime.