Trinidad and Tobago political tensions

Former Prime Minister Keith Rowley has engaged in a series of political challenges against the administration of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Trinidad and Tobago.

In late July 2026, Rowley demanded an immediate end to the national State of Emergency, accusing the government of abusing emergency powers to settle political scores. He called for the dismissal of Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and Attorney General John Jeremie, alleging that the administration was jailing citizens without evidence and compromising national sovereignty.

By late August 2026, the political friction shifted toward immigration concerns. Rowley demanded transparency regarding whether the administration had recommended the revocation of US visas for Trinidad and Tobago nationals. He accused the United National Congress leadership of using the threat of visa cancellations as a tool for intimidation. The US Department of State has maintained that all visa decisions are made solely by the United States under its own immigration laws.