Being a licensed firearm owner during a State Of Emergency (SOE)
THE SOE:
On July 18th, 2025 a State of Emergency was declared in the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. under The Emergency Powers Regulations 2025. As most persons may know or expect the activation of an SOE in any sovereign state is not a decision made without meticulous consideration and is expected to suppress any existing or impending threats to public safety. This declaration was supported by media and intelligence reports suggesting a grand scheme to destabilize that country by several gangs both in and outside of the legal justice system (JAIL). These reports further suggest these gangs have consolidated their resources to carry out strategic attacks on Government officials, Law enforcement and members of he legal fraternity.
THE CONCERN:
Firstly i would like to examine what does an SOE really mean. A State Of Emergency is a declaration made by a competent authority in response to an extraordinary situation that poses significant threat to public safety or stability of the state. With this being the case, it is reasonable to perceive the normal way of life relative to certain rights and privileges would be affected. It is also reasonable to predict that persons with authority would act within accordance of the Regulations. But any normal thinking person would also expect there would be unreasonable human rights violations and this is where being a firearms owner becomes a concern.
THE DILEMMA:
These regulations empower the authority to conduct searches and make arrests WITHOUT WARRANT in some cases acting only on information or intelligence. Any competent authority can use these regulations to achieve its goals (Section 13, 9 (1) (2). How do these powers affect the licensed firearms owner well, lets create a scenario. Lets say you’re walking along a busy street in the middle of the day going about your private lawful business whilst concealed carrying. Without warning you are approached by law enforcement or military, they say to you under the Emergency Regulations they have have information you are about to commit an offence and they intend to conduct a search of your person. Obviously knowing this to be inaccurate you politely respond by identifying yourself, indicating you are a licensed firearm holder and that you are concealed carrying, and of course produce your license to prove. Having done this the officials insist you are in possession of the firearm unlawfully and you are arrested. What comes next.
THE TRAP IS SET:
Now you’re arrested/detained on “enquiries/suspicion” what does the Emergency Regulation say about your rights. Well let’s just say “yuh goose cooked.” Under the Emergency Regulations 2025 you can be detained up to forty-eight hours in the first instance, “just enough time to contract Hepatitis B” and can be detained without charge. Even if you have not committed or have been charged with any crime but merely suspected of it. Or if a magistrate or senior police officer believe you pose a threat to public safety this detention can be extended up to seven days for the gathering of evidence etc…”more hepatitis.” You also cannot access bail if charged and where it is believed you may pose a threat to public safety. Well you may ask about a writ of habeas corpus. In this case filing for a writ is useless, not even a high court judge can grant one.
THE SOLUTION:
As a licensed firearms holder moving in the public space during an SOE becomes a little more concerning. Good judgement, reasonable thinking and discernment is required. In an environment where certain rights and liberties are restricted by authorities the responsibility is yours to protect yourself and your family from unjust treatment. This simply means always carry your firearms license in your possession on request from the authorities, conceal your firearm adequately so as not to draw unnecessary attention to yourself, do not make your firearm a conversation piece by showing it off in public, you never know whose looking or listening and do not brandish your firearm as a first response to a situation that can be resolved otherwise. If approached by law enforcement be polite and follow all their instructions. When and where possible take notes of all that was said to you and all that you said and did you never know how this information might help in the future. Most importantly, DO NOT RESIST follow all directives and go peacefully. It is better to be judged by twelve than to be carried by six. Last but not least enhance your overall self defense capabilities so that you would not only have to rely solely on a fiream for your personal safety.
At Hubris Tactical we encourage our clients and membership to diversify their skillset with our use of force, mindset and survival tactics online lectures. We also encourage our team to participate in our personal defense training programs. At the end of it all you may not be able to carry your firearm everywhere you go, this is a reality even when there is no SOE in effect. Contact Hubris Tactical today at 868-348-8021 for information on our personal defense training programs. You can Google Hubris Tactical on Google, search Hubris Strategic on Facebook or visit our website at hubristactical.org Stay strong, HUBRIS STRONG
Firearms Ownership in the Caribbean. 
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