PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago government Friday said there would be no Independence Day Parade on August 31, due to the existing state of emergency (SoE).

August 31 is Independence Day and it marks the anniversary of the country’s independence from Britain that was achieved on August 31, 1962,

The Ministry of Homeland Security said that instead there will be a National Day Of Prayer and that the decision was taken “after careful deliberation on intelligence” arising out of the SoE.

“The National Day of Prayer and Reflection will bring together citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, of all faiths and backgrounds, to unite and to seek guidance and strength during this challenging time, as well as to reflect on where we are as a nation and the way forward,” the ministry said, adding that “there is precedent for the cancellation of the Independence Day Parade in the recent past, as the parade was not observed in 2020 and 2021.

“Both cancellations occurred as a result of COVID-19-related public health concerns. The Government has, however, chosen to commemorate the occasion of our 63rd Independence with a National Day of Prayer and Reflection.”

Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency on July18, nearly three months after it had ended a 105-day SoE to deal with criminal activities.

Police Commissioner, Allister Guevarro, described the events leading up to the declaration of the SoE as one of “grave concern” telling a news conference that the police had received intelligence reports “whereby organized criminal gangs with persons inside of the prisons and persons operating on the outside of the prisons have formed themselves into what I would want to term an organized crime syndicate”.

The authorities moved high-risk prisoners to military bases as part of the crackdown on jailed gang leaders accused of using smuggled cellphones to plot a series of assassinations, robberies and kidnappings with help from criminal associates on the outside.

On July 29, Parliament extended the SoE for a further three months.

The Ministry of Homeland Security also announced the cancellation of state-sponsored fireworks display “in keeping with current security priorities and to maintain an environment conducive to public safety”.

The ministry sad that the government will however, issue permits “solely for the sale and use of “Silent” Fireworks for private displays.

“This policy aims to limit noise disturbances, particularly for vulnerable persons, pets and their owners whilst also supporting the peace and stability necessary during the State of Emergency.”