Businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve, are to be released after the Trinidad and Tobago government revoked the Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs) that had kept them in custody since June 24 under the State of Emergency.
Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander said the decision followed a comprehensive review of the legal, medical and public interest considerations surrounding the couple’s detention.
Alexander said he concluded that the balance now favoured their release after the Constitution Review Tribunal recommended that their continued detention was ‘not necessary or expedient in the public interest’ and following fresh medical evidence concerning Dominic Hadeed’s health.
The minister said he received a medical report on July 21 outlining Dominic Hadeed’s condition and the treatment recommended by his specialist. He added that, although the government sought an independent medical assessment, Hadeed declined to be examined by a state-appointed specialist.
Alexander stressed that the criminal investigation that led to the couple’s arrest remains active and has expanded beyond its original scope.
‘I have been advised that the investigations have been expanded beyond the original scope and span multiple jurisdictions. These matters are complex and require extensive cooperation between several investigative agencies,’ he said.
The Hadeeds were arrested on June 24 as part of a police investigation into an alleged plot to assassinate Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and senior members of her administration. Three days later, Alexander issued separate Preventive Detention Orders under the Emergency Powers Regulations.
He said that throughout their detention he had continually reviewed whether the orders remained justified under the law, balancing the couple’s constitutional rights with the need to protect national security during the State of Emergency.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Alexander said the circumstances no longer warranted the couple’s continued detention.
In a statement, the Ministry of Homeland Security said the revocation followed ‘a comprehensive review of all relevant legal, medical and public interest considerations, including the recommendation of the Constitution Review Tribunal and ongoing assessments conducted under the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2026.’
The ministry emphasized that the revocation of the detention orders does not affect the criminal investigation, which continues to be conducted by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service in collaboration with local and international law enforcement agencies.
‘The Ministry remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting constitutional rights, and ensuring the security of all citizens,’ the statement said.