A state of emergency has been declared in Trinidad and Tobago for the next three months.
The SOE was declared in the wee hours of this morning, and issued via proclamation by President Dr. Christine Kangaloo.
During a press conference, Acting Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Stuart Young says for December, 61 homicides were recorded, with the total for the year currently at 623.
He says government has been concerned over the use of high-powered illegal calibre weapons, both in Trinidad and across CARICOM.
Highlighting two recent incidents where one man was gunned down in front the Besson Street Police Station in Port-of-Spain, and six people were shot, leaving five dead, in Prizgar Lands, Laventille, Minister Young says based on intelligence received, reprisal shootings are imminent.
However, Minister Young says there will be no curfew implemented, as the SOE is targeted at the criminal element, and gives both police and army powers of detention.