“No Mercy for Criminals”: PM Persad-Bissessar Supports Armed Self-Defense as TTPS Rolls Out $23M in New Police Vehicles

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Trinidad & Tobago, June 6, 2025 – In a powerful two-pronged move to combat Trinidad and Tobago’s escalating crime crisis, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) are taking firm action to restore public safety and empower citizens.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister issued a clear and controversial directive: “Show absolutely no mercy” to gun-toting criminals. She reaffirmed her government’s plan to introduce Florida-style stand-your-ground laws and expand access to legal firearms for law-abiding citizens.

“These laws will give people the right to defend themselves without retreating,” Persad-Bissessar stated at a post-cabinet briefing. “If you disagree with the policy, simply don’t apply for a firearm. But for those who wish to defend their homes and families, the choice will be theirs.”

Just days earlier, Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin launched 67 new Toyota RAV4 vehicles for the TTPS—a $23 million investment aimed at bolstering response times, increasing patrol visibility, and strengthening operational efficiency across all ten police divisions and key specialized units.

“These vehicles were selected with input from frontline officers,” Commissioner Benjamin said. “They are designed to give us a stronger presence, faster responses, and safer communities.”

The dual approach—tougher laws and stronger enforcement—comes as the country faces persistent challenges with violent crime. Citizens have grown increasingly frustrated with delays in emergency response and rising fear in high-risk neighborhoods.

Together, the government and police are sending a clear message: criminals will face resistance on every front—from a more mobile, better-equipped police force and, potentially, from empowered citizens ready to stand their ground.

The TTPS says the vehicle deployment is already active nationwide.