Marvin Gonzales - Member of Parliament for Arouca/Lopinot

09/09/2026

STATEMENT ON THE RELEASE OF PERSONS DETAINED UNDER PDOs

Now that the State is preparing to release persons detained under Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs) from tomorrow, the Prime Minister, the Attorney General and the Minister of Homeland Security must present themselves before the national community and account for the Government’s actions.

They must explain how many persons are being released, how long they were deprived of their liberty, and most importantly, why criminal charges have not been proffered against those being released without charge.

The Government cannot detain citizens under extraordinary constitutional powers, portray such measures as necessary for the protection of the country and then quietly release detainees without providing the population with a proper account of what these detentions achieved.

This raises yet further serious questions about the effectiveness of the State of Emergency and the Government’s handling of crime and national security.

If citizens were deprived of their liberty for extended periods and are now being released without charge, the Prime Minister owes those affected, their families and the wider national community a full explanation and an apology for the consequences arising from the Government’s use of these extraordinary powers.

The country deserves respect and accountability not silence leadership.

Marvin Gonzales, MP
Member of Parliament
Arouca/Lopinot
Opposition Chief Whip

07/09/2026

This cannot be it!!!

A single unemployed mother received this email today, September 7th, 2026, after her application status had reached 80% complete.
Now, I never thought everyone would receive the grant, nor do I believe that everyone necessarily deserved it. But what I do have a problem with is the mind games being played with people, especially struggling families.
The new school term has already started, and the Government still could not get this process sorted before parents had to send their children back to school.
People are struggling. Parents are trying to find money for books, uniforms, shoes, transportation and other school expenses.
So why keep people hanging on with an application showing 80% complete, only to send an email at this stage?
This is not just about a grant. It is about how you treat people who are already struggling.
This is madness. 🤦🏾‍♀️

02/09/2026

31/08/2026

Happy 64th Independence Day, Trinidad and Tobago! 🇹🇹

Today, we celebrate the courage, resilience and unity of our people. As we honour the sacrifices of those who came before us, let us recommit ourselves to building a stronger, safer and more united nation for generations to come.

May God continue to bless our beautiful twin-island Republic.

One Nation. One People. One Future. 🇹🇹

🇹🇹

30/08/2026

‼️ANOTHER INCREASE ‼️

They tell me to stay out of WASA’s business and resort to insults.

The WASA Clearance Fee jumped from $400 to $675 a 68.75% increase. Where was the public announcement?

I will continue asking the hard questions. The public has a right to know.

29/08/2026

I understand that asking the hard questions will result in insults and humiliation from those who do not wish to be held accountable. Sorry to disappoint you, but I will not run away from your insults and your disrespect. Trinidad and Tobago is worth fighting for.