In Trinidad and Tobago, a controversy has erupted over newly doubled traffic fines, with critics claiming Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar acted contradictorily to her previous public statements. Persad-Bissessar had described traffic fines as burdensome, leading citizens to expect relief under her administration. However, motorists were met with significant increases in fines that took effect without public warning on January 1, 2026. Accusations suggest the government deliberately avoided public scrutiny by implementing these changes during the holiday period. The amendments increase fines for numerous common offences, with speeding penalties now reaching six thousand dollars and driving without valid insurance carrying a ten thousand dollar fine. The public’s frustration is heightened by a lack of national explanation or public education campaign about the necessity of these increases. Critics associate the increased fines with broader economic pressures, while government supporters argue they are lawful and aimed at improving road safety. Amid enforcement under the new regime, concerns about honesty, timing, and accountability remain unresolved.
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