Kaia Sealy Supporters to Stage 'Standstill' Protest Demanding Accountability

A "standstill protest" is scheduled for today in front of the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain, organized by friends and supporters of Kaia Sealy. The demonstration aims to demand accountability following the police-involved killing of Sealy's husband, Joshua Samaroo, earlier this year.

The protest comes after arrest warrants were issued for Sealy on charges of manslaughter and shooting with intent to harm police officers. These warrants were issued based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions, following what the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) described as a thorough investigation into the January incident.

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Someone messaged me saying they intend to arrest me tomorrow. I am getting threats, but I am not shaken. I am accustomed to the threats and intimidation tactics. It has been happening for the past four months, but I will not be silenced.

Activist Allysa Phillip, a close friend of Sealy and the protest organizer, stated she has been receiving threats but remains undeterred. Phillip, a 25-year-old business owner, described Sealy as a "single, paralysed, grieving mother" and criticized attempts to portray her as dangerous. Phillip has organized approximately 14 protests since February, often with small turnouts, but remains committed to seeking justice.

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Kaia is not only my friend but also someone who deserves justice. This is not the first time I am fighting for justice. It is just the first time it has gone viral or become this big. I have been doing this since I was a teenager.

Phillip explained her motivation by referencing scripture, stating, "to deliver the weak and rescue them from the wicked." She emphasized that Kaia deserves justice and that this fight is part of a longer history of activism for her. Phillip noted that Sealy is currently in the United States receiving medical treatment for severe injuries.

Supporters plan a silent, standstill protest, requiring no special permission beyond the legally mandated 48-hour notice given to the Commissioner of Police. Phillip urged people to come out in support against what she termed "injustice." She also highlighted that Sealy's condition is still severe, and there are efforts to portray her negatively.

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This is a standstill protest, not a march. You don’t need permission. I don’t want anyone to feel intimidated or scared. You have a right to protest, even during a state of emergency, but you have to do it the right way. This is a silent protest, and the notice was given 48 hours prior, which is what is prescribed by law, so I am expecting people to come out in their numbers in support against this injustice that we are seeing play out.