Speaking at a Trinidad and Tobago Police Service toast to the nation, Persad-Bissessar said more than 400 lives had been saved compared with the number of murders projected to occur between January 2025 and Aug. 31, 2026. She said murders fell 42% in 2025 compared with 2024 and that the current homicide figure was at its lowest level since 2011. The prime minister also cited a decline in shootings and woundings, from 523 to 298, while robberies fell from 1,636 to 876. She attributed the reported improvements to the work of police and other protective services.

Persad-Bissessar also pointed to improvements in road safety, citing a 31% reduction in fatal traffic accidents, a 35% decline in serious injuries and a 33% decrease in minor injuries. She acknowledged staffing shortages, emergency deployments and long shifts faced by officers, saying their sacrifices had contributed to the reported gains. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander used the event to call for greater unity among citizens, while Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro said the police uniform represents a responsibility to protect citizens, uphold their rights and maintain the rule of law. He said public trust should be central to measuring the effectiveness of the police service.

Sources: Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Prime Minister’s Office and statements made at the TTPS Independence Day toast.