PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — A state of emergency has been declared across the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

In a statement early Monday, the administration of Dr Keith Rowley said that, “Pursuant to section 8 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Commander-in-Chief, has, on the advice of Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, prime minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, declared a state of public emergency being satisfied that the circumstances of section 8(2)(c) of the constitution exist.

“The circumstances warranting the declaration of the public emergency are based on the advice of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to the National Security Council of heightened criminal activity which endangers the public safety.”

The details surrounding the state of emergency will be outlined in a media briefing on Monday to be hosted by National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and Acting Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Stuart Young.