As the 2025 national elections approach in Trinidad and Tobago, there is increasing pressure on the nation’s politicians to fortify press freedom amidst rising violence and concerns about potential curtailments on freedom of expression. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has issued a call for candidates to reaffirm their commitment to press freedom, especially following a significant decline in Trinidad and Tobago’s standing on the World Press Freedom Index. This decline has been attributed to a surge in crime and the implementation of a state of emergency. By 2024, the country’s security score plummeted from 6th to 24th globally.
Previously recognized as a parliamentary democracy with a vibrant media landscape and a record free of journalist imprisonments or killings, Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation is under threat. The nation, according to a 2023 RSF assessment, was praised for its constitutionally guaranteed press freedoms. Nevertheless, the murder rate has soared, reaching one of the highest levels in Latin America and the Caribbean, with 624 homicides reported in a population of only 1.5 million.
This uptick in violence, largely connected to organized criminal activities involving over 100 gangs, prompted the government to declare a three-month state of emergency until the end of March 2025. While intended to restore order, these measures have incited fears about undue restrictions on journalistic practices during a pivotal electoral phase.
The RSF has noted an increase in threats against journalists, leading many to self-censor out of fear of reprisal. A case in point is a senior investigative journalist receiving death threats in March 2025, alongside incidents of cyber harassment targeting women journalists. Additionally, heightened risks of legal action under defamation laws have curtailed local bloggers and freelance journalists, raising concerns about selective censorship.
In response, RSF is advocating for the next government to implement urgent measures: protecting journalists, ensuring uninhibited access to information, and bolstering media diversity and independence. The organization has expressed a willingness to collaborate with political leaders to guarantee these objectives are realized.
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