The 1990 Attempted Coup in Trinidad and Tobago
Religious Extremists Tried to Overthrough the Government
Jul 28, 2009
It was on Friday, July 27th, 1990, that 114 members of the Jamaat al Muslimeen attempted a coup d’état against the government of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). Parliament was in session at the T&T Red House in Port of Spain (the nation’s capital city) when 42 Jamaat members stormed the building.
The Prime Minister at the time, Arthur N. R. Robinson and the other members of parliament from both the ruling and opposition parties were taken hostage.
Some of the other 72 Jamaat members attacked and took over the Trinidad and Tobago Television Company (TTT), which was the only local TV station at the time. Other members seized control of the Trinidad Broadcasting Company (TBC) which, back then, was one of the country’s seven radio stations. Both these companies were state owned.
Other Jamaat members, yet again, had blown up the Police Headquarters, which was located about a block from The Red House. The explosion and the resulting fire gave the impression that the entire city was burning.
It was 6:00 PM (local time), when the leader of the Jamaat, Yasin Abu Bakr appeared on television and announced, “The government has been arrested.” Sitting to Bakr’s left was Jones P. Madeira who was the Head of News at TTT. Standing behind him were four Jamaat members all holding rifles.
Bakr called for fresh elections and the resignation of Prime Minister Robinson. He also stated that he was in negotiation with the army and urged citizens to remain calm.
As expected, there was widespread panic, looting and arson in and around Port of Spain and environs.
Acting President of T&T at the time, Emmanuel Carter, declared a State of Emergency. A curfew was imposed and would remain in place for the duration on the coup. All citizens were told to remain indoors between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The hostages at both the Red House and TTT were not allowed to leave during the entire orrdeal. TTT’s journalists, deejays and other staff were stuck sleeping at their desks and on the floor.
Amnesty
For many citizens, what was most memorable about this time was the confusion. There was talk of an amnesty but nobody could verify its existence. The journalists at TTT were allowed to conduct interviews over the phone with a few of the hostages at parliament. However, whenever they asked about the amnesty, the Jamaat members who were monitoring the dialogue, shouted at them and ordered them to shut up.
It was later revealed that the T&T Armed Forces were perched on the rooftop of the Hall of Justice Building. This building is situated obliquely opposite the Red House. Armed Forces also remained where they were for the duration of the coup attempt. Weapons were trained on both buildings that housed the hostages and their captors.
On Wednesday, August 1st, 1990, the members of the Jammat (surprisingly) surrendered and were taken into custody by the T&T Armed Forces. They were charged with treason, however, the Jamaat claimed that they had an amnesty. Soldiers searched all of the members but no amnesty was found on any of them.
It was days later when copies of the much sought after amnesty emerged. It was already signed by Acting President Carter and the whole situation went to trial. The case dragged on and on. After two years, the Court of Appeal upheld the amnesty. It was reported that Prime Minister Robinson offered the amnesty to Bakr in order to secure the Jamaat's surrender. The 114 Jamaat members were released from prison towards the end of 1992.
The psychological scars of the 1990 Coup Attempt are still very noticeable in society today. There were 24 people who lost their lives during this six-day period. Among the deceased are security guards, a parliament staff secretary and the Member of Parliament for the community of Diego Martin, located in Trinidad’s North West region.
Several police officers, innocent bystanders and a homeless man were among those killed by the bomb planted in the Police Headquarters. Prime Minister Robinson was shot in the leg and was immediately hospitalized after the surrender of the Jamaat. Property damage was valued in the vicinity of TT$30 million.
Dealing with the Trauma
During the coup attempt, many citizens dealt with the trauma in interesting and totally unexpected ways. Since the coup attempt took place during the weekend, night club owners created the “Curfew Fête.” Patrons would arrive at their favorite clubs before 6:00 PM. They then proceeded to party all night long (literally), and left at 6:00 AM to go back to their homes.
Also, since the curfew was not enforced in Tobago, Trinidad's airport and seaport were crowded daily wtih hopeful (and even fearful) Trinidadians. They waited anxiously to purchase a one-way, “stand-by” ticket to the sister isle. There are reports that those who were successful made camp in the living rooms of their Tobagonian relatives and friends.
Following the release of the Jamaat members, the Director of Public Prosecution sent an appeal to the Privy Council in London. Even today, the Privy Council still acts as the final appeal court for many Commonwealth Caribbean nations. It was a few years later when the amnesty was declared invalid by the Privy Council, yet the Jamaat members were never rearrested. Reasons for this are unclear.
Every year, there are public calls and outcry from citizens for an open Commission of Inquiry into the events surrounding July 27th, 1990.
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