Attorneys: State of emergency is a joke
THE state of emergency (SoE) is a ‘joke’, according to several attorneys who say criminals continue to be emboldened.
The Express spoke to several attorneys yesterday following the murders of attorney Kumari Baksh, 60, and her husband, 67-year-old Nasheed Baksh, a law clerk. Police believe the husband and wife were killed during a home invasion off Caratal Road, Cumuto, on Thursday night.
Senior Counsel Larry Lalla renewed his call for the dismissal of Police Commissioner Erla Harewood- Christopher. He said that, under the SoE, the average citizen driving on streets across the country would realise there is no increased police or army presence, nor is any perceived threat being addressed.
Lalla, who previously called for the removal of the Commissioner, reiterated his call yesterday after the double homicide of the lawyer and her husband.
‘When I asked for the current Commissioner to be removed, I stated it was highly questionable, given her history, whether she has the tools necessary to address the situation under the SoE. What has transpired over the past few days with these types of murders demonstrates that my concerns are valid and must be addressed,’ Lalla told the Express in a telephone interview.
The SoE was imposed on December 30 last year. Lalla emphasised the urgency of addressing these concerns, as citizens’ lives are at stake. He also criticised the lack of visible action from both the army and police.
‘The army has been given police powers under the regulations, and one would have expected to see their presence supplementing the manpower of the police service. So far, I have not observed this,’ he said.
He added, ‘The absence of increased police or army presence on our streets may give criminals the impression that the state of emergency is merely a joke.’
Attorney Martin George, who is also head of the Tobago Chamber, described the SoE as a hastily implemented ‘knee-jerk reaction’ to the record number of murders in 2024.
‘It was a response to public pressure on the Government and the Ministry of National Security. To calm the fears of the public, business community, and interest groups, this SoE was announced as a last-ditch effort. However, it is pellucid that this SoE was not properly thought out, planned, or executed,’ George said.
He also criticised the police for touting roadblock exercises as a measure under the SoE.
‘If, as they claimed at the outset, the SoE was aimed at specific targeted individuals, then conducting roadblocks to apprehend them is nonsensical. You don’t need a SoE to conduct a roadblock,’ he said.
George went on to state, ‘The TTPS is clueless, as is the Government, in terms of getting a handle on the situation. The criminals are essentially mocking the SoE because it is doing more harm than good to our international image and reputation.’
Pointing to the Office of the Attorney General’s retraction of the gun amnesty as stated in the SoE regulations, he said this was evidence of disorganisation.
‘This shows that the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing. We are in a state of confusion, and the bandits are taking full advantage. This operation lacks direction, purpose, and control,’ he said.
Attorney Prakash Ramadhar expressed concern about the theft of the electricity meter from the Bakshs’ home, describing it as a ‘frightening development’ that could disable CCTV cameras and leave the property without power.
‘This SoE is merely cosmetic. The State already possesses all the necessary powers under regular law to investigate, collect evidence, and prevent crimes,’ he said.
Ramadhar also questioned the effectiveness of the Government’s electronic surveillance systems.
‘If the Government has indicated in Parliament that they know who the gang members are, why aren’t they being monitored daily?’ he asked.
He criticised the lack of results, stating, ‘The State must demonstrate it has eliminated any links between the murders and the SSA (Security Services Agency). This cannot be confirmed until the perpetrators are apprehended, and their motives are known.’
Meanwhile, head of the Criminal Bar Association, Israel Khan SC, said the country is in a failed state. In an open letter to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Khan called for immediate action.
BY: ANNA RAMDASS
Attorneys: State of emergency is a joke
