Media Release from MP for Oropouche West Dr. Lackram Bodoe - DR. LACKRAM BODOE PRAISES PRIME MINISTER KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR’S BOLD ACTION TO RESTORE SAFETY AND CRUSH GANG VIOLENCE | 4.03.2026

[UNITED VOICE]

Good day all,

Please see the attached statement for immediate release on behalf of the MP for Oropouche West, Dr. Lackram Bodoe.

To: All Editors
From: Member of Parliament for Oropouche West, Dr. Lackram Bodoe
Date: 4th March, 2026.

 

DR. LACKRAM BODOE PRAISES PRIME MINISTER KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR’S BOLD ACTION TO RESTORE SAFETY AND CRUSH GANG VIOLENCE

The Member of Parliament for Oropouche West and Minister of Health, The Honourable Dr. Lackram Bodoe, has expressed his full and unwavering support for the decisive action taken by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, following the declaration of a State of Public Emergency to confront the recent surge in violent gang-related criminal activity.

Dr. Bodoe noted that the decision by the National Security Council to recommend the declaration was based on serious intelligence and detailed security briefings provided by the leadership of the nation’s security apparatus, including the Commissioner of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Head of the Strategic Services Agency. These briefings outlined a troubling increase in violent criminal activity following the expiration of the previous State of Emergency on January 31st, 2026, including mass shootings and escalating reprisals among organized criminal gangs.

According to Dr. Bodoe, the intelligence indicating credible threats against Police Officers, Prison Officers, and other members of the security and legal services further underscores the gravity of the situation and the necessity for swift and decisive intervention.

“The safety and security of law-abiding citizens must always come first,” Dr. Bodoe stated. “The Prime Minister has made it abundantly clear that this Government will not allow criminal gangs to terrorize communities, threaten our security officers, or undermine the rule of law. Her firm leadership sends a strong and necessary message that criminality will not be tolerated in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Dr. Bodoe commended the Prime Minister and the National Security Council for acting responsibly and proactively in advising Her Excellency the President to declare the State of Public Emergency with effect from March 3rd, 2026. He emphasized that the measure forms part of the Government’s broader zero-tolerance approach to crime, which includes strengthened legislation, increased operational capacity for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the Armed Forces, and ongoing reforms within the criminal justice system.

“The Government has already taken meaningful steps to reduce the murder rate and curb violent crime over the past ten months. These gains must be protected. The declaration of the State of Emergency ensures that our law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools and authority to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace and stability across the nation,” Dr. Bodoe added.

The Member of Parliament also urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement authorities during this period and to remain vigilant in supporting efforts to safeguard communities.

“Law-abiding citizens deserve to live without fear. I stand firmly with the Prime Minister and the Government in this effort to defend our people, protect our institutions, and ensure that criminals and those who aid and abet them are brought to justice.”

Dr. Bodoe reaffirmed that the Government will continue to deploy all available resources to protect citizens and maintain national security

END.

Kind regards,

OFFICE OF THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Oropouche West Constituency 

Dr. Lackram Bodoe

Tel: (868) 319-6172
Email: oropo...@ttparliament.org
Office Address: LP 217 SS Erin Road, Batchyia Village, Penal