Trinidad and Tobago

Christine Carla Kangaloo, formerly the president of the Senate, and member of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM), was elected President of Trinidad and Tobago on 20 January, becoming the second woman to hold the position, following the incumbent President Paula-Mae Weekes. The Electoral College, which includes all members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, elected Kangaloo by 48 votes to the 21 votes received by the opposition candidate. Following the presidential election, Kangaloo will officially become Trinidad and Tobago’s Head of State at her swearing-in on 21 March 2023. The President serves a five-year term. 

Christine Carla Kangaloo

Homicide numbers have increased during September 2022. Trinidad and Tobago has registered 414 murders so far this year -- a 40 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Reports indicate the police faces considerable challenges to respond to worsening gang violence and is largely considered untrustworthy and corrupt by citizens. Trinidad and Tobago’s climbing homicide rate is attributed to increasingly violent gangs fighting over a range of criminal economies, including illegal quarrying, organized robbery, narcotics, human smuggling, and illegal gambling, among many others.

Gang Violence Police