PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC-  A state of emergency has been declared across the twin island republic. In a statement early Monday, the administration of Dr Keith Rowley said that  “Pursuant to section 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Commander-in-Chief, has, on the advice of Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, declared a state of public emergency being satisfied that the circumstances of section 8(2)(c) of the Constitution exist. “The circumstances warranting the declaration of the public emergency are based on the advice of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to the National Security Council of heightened criminal activity which endangers the public safety.” The details surrounding the state of emergency will be outlined in a media briefing on Monday,  to be hosted by National Security Minister, Fitzgerald Hinds and Acting Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young.

Churches across the island have a major role to play in making We Gatherin’ 2025 a success. That is according to the Special Advisor on Culture and Cultural Heritage in the Division of Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator John King, who says churches must be involved in the We Gatherin’ activities being hosted over the next year. Senator King, who has been assigned Director of the We Gatherin’ Secretariat, says churches are the backbones of communities and must help to restore the traditional values and standards that helped to shape a peaceful society. He was speaking during a service at the NewLife Community United Holy Church, located at Pie Corner, St Lucy, the parish that will kick off We Gatherin’ 2025 on January 1.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley is extending heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and all Americans on the passing of the former president of the United States Jimmy Carter. Through a post on social media, Prime Minister Mottley said the world has truly lost an icon of peace and democracy. She hoped that his legacy would continue to inspire. That statement follows: On behalf of Barbados, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and all Americans on the passing of former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. “We have truly lost an icon of peace and democracy. “May his legacy continue to inspire us, and may he rest in eternal peace.” RELATED ARTICLE: Former US president, Jimmy Carter, dies