National Security
A public health emergency, enforced as a security one
The state of emergency declared on 15 May puts a 9pm curfew in place across Trinidad and Tobago. How the police use their powers under it needs watching.
The President declared a state of emergency last night on the Government's advice. The regulations impose a curfew from 9pm to 5am and restrict gatherings. Police can enforce them without a warrant.
Cases and deaths have risen sharply in recent weeks, and the case for tighter measures rests on the numbers. The instrument chosen, though, is the one normally used for crime, and it gives officers wide discretion on the street.
Under section 10 of the Constitution the declaration lapses after fifteen days unless the House of Representatives extends it. Every extension is a chance for Parliament to ask how the powers have been used, and those answers should be published.
The questions to ask are simple. How many arrests has the curfew produced, where were they made, and how many led to charges?
Sources
Independent reporting by Pearce Robinson. Corrections and responses may be submitted here.
