Three arrested at protest charged, released on $40,000 bonds

Police have charged three individuals arrested during a protest in Port of Spain supporting Kaia Sealy. Protest organizer Alyssa Phillip, her mother Camille Caresquero, and social media personality Jason De Silva were charged under the Emergency Powers Regulations and the Summary Offences Act.

The trio was released late Thursday after spending over 24 hours in custody. Sources indicated they were each placed on a $40,000 bond, signed by a Justice of the Peace, and are expected to appear in a Port of Spain court on Monday. Superintendent Edgar Baird of the Port of Spain Division laid charges against Phillip and Caresquero under Regulation 11(a) of the Emergency Powers Regulations, which prohibits attempting to sway public opinion in a manner that could threaten public safety.

De Silva faces a separate charge for disorderly behaviour, contrary to Section 52(2) of the Summary Offences Act, laid by ACP Garvin Henry. Breaches of the Emergency Powers Regulations carry severe penalties, including fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. The current legal framework stems from the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2026.

Phillip briefly confirmed their release on Thursday night, stating she would make no official statement until she had rested. Earlier on social media, she thanked supporters and indicated her intention to attend a planned protest the following afternoon. Police had urged protesters to conduct themselves lawfully and avoid confrontations.

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We have been released, but I will not make any official statement until I rest and recuperate.