On 21 August 2026, a planned protest by the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) outside the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) House in Port of Spain was cancelled after the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service withdrew permission for the demonstration. According to the CWU, police had granted permission on 20 August on the condition that the protest remained peaceful. However, the union was contacted early the following morning and informed that the approval had not taken into account restrictions imposed under the Emergency Powers (Prohibition of Public Protests and Demonstrations) Order, 2026. The Order prohibits public protests or demonstrations within 500 metres of 15 designated locations. One of these is the Ministry of Finance at the Eric Williams Financial Complex, located approximately one block from TSTT House. CWU Secretary General Joanne Ogeer stated that the union was consequently forced to cancel the demonstration scheduled for noon that day.
The incident represents a concrete application of the State of Emergency protest restrictions that prevented a trade union, a civil society actor, from proceeding with a planned peaceful public demonstration. It negatively affects the enabling environment for civil society by limiting the practical ability of organisations to assemble, express concerns publicly and engage decision-makers through peaceful protest. The withdrawal of permission at short notice also creates uncertainty for civil society actors seeking to organise lawful demonstrations and may discourage future participation in public advocacy.