Trinidad and Tobago to require ID for over‑16s in public spaces

The Trinidad and Tobago government is considering a legislative amendment that would require all citizens aged 16 and over, as well as foreign nationals, to carry a valid form of identification while in public spaces. A Cabinet Minute (No 810) dated 2 April 2026, leaked on social media, shows the proposal was referred to the Finance and General Purposes Committee for review. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander confirmed the note’s authenticity and said enforcement details are still being worked out, including a possible grace period and fines for non‑compliance. He cited police difficulties in verifying identities during warrant executions as a key reason for the measure. Land and Legal Affairs Minister Sadam Hosein and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen declined to provide further details, citing cabinet confidentiality. Attorney General John Jeremiah, who was abroad, said he would need more information before commenting. The ID proposal is part of a broader regulatory review that also includes raising the legal drinking age to 21 and increasing the minimum ages for gambling and marijuana use to 25. Opposition leader Penelope Beckles has called on the government to be more transparent about the plan.