Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago exhibits mid -range performance in two categories of the Global State of Democracy framework (Rights and Rule of Law), performing in the high range in Representation and Participation. It is among the top 25 per cent of countries with regard to its performance in the large majority of factors of the framework. Over the last five years, it has seen advances in Freedom of the Press. It is also a high-income country in which oil and gas production and mineral exports contribute to one of the highest per capita GNIs in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Since independence from the United Kingdom in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago has faced waves of ethnic tension in electoral politics. This dynamic originated in the colonial era, wherein the two largest groups - those of African and Indian descent - clashed culturally and competed for economic power. Party politics continues to be influenced by this ethnic division, as are tensions over economic inequality and poverty: poverty afflicts Afro-Trinbagonians at a higher rate while the population’s wealth is concentrated disproportionately among Indo-Trinbagonians. The country’s distinctive ‘twin island’ composition adds another layer to its socio-political landscape. Trinidad is home to the majority of the population and is fairly balanced ethnically. Tobago, the smaller island to the north, has a predominantly Afro-descendant population. Both islands are represented in the country’s bicameral legislature, but Tobago also has a measure of self-government through the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) – a body that originated in the 1980s to ensure equal treatment between the two islands and continues to press for further self-government.
Vulnerable groups in Trinidad and Tobago, like women and girls, are disproportionately affected by organized crime and violence, which have long been a challenge. Combatting key issues, like human trafficking, with attention to corruption and the complicity of law enforcement has induced political turmoil. Anti-LGBTQIA+ attitudes, violence and discrimination are commonplace, despite a 2018 High Court ruling that repealed laws criminalizing same-sex relations. In recent years, Trinidad and Tobago has also faced an immigration crisis as tens of thousands of Venezuelan asylum seekers and migrants have sought refuge in the islands. The crisis has led to an increase in reports of xenophobic incidents, and tension between Venezuelan residents and Trinidadian and Tobagonian citizens is on the rise.
Looking ahead, it will be important to watch the country’s handling of the Venezuelan migration crisis, which could impact Rights, especially as a result of its engagement in maritime interdiction, mass detainment, and deportation. As the government seeks legislative action to combat corruption and enhance the rule of law, it will also be important to watch Rule of Law scores. There are also concerns about a rise in violent crime in the coming years, however, which would place additional strain on the criminal justice system and potentially impact Personal Integrity and Security. Finally, voter turnout in the 2020 election was nearly ten percentage points lower than in 2016. It will be worth watching this trend going forward.
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
January 2023
Electoral College elects Christine Kangaloo as country’s seventh President
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.
Sources: Parliament of The Republic of Trinidad And Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, Stabroek News
September 2022
Violence surges in Trinidad and Tobago
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.
Sources: InSight Crime, Loop News, Trinidad Daily Express, Wic News
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GSoD Indices Data 2013-2022
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Human Rights Treaties
Performance by category over the last 6 months
Global State of Democracy Indices
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Factors of Democratic Performance Over Time
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