Rally Around Alyssa Phillips & Kaia Sealy

The Injustice: The Price of Standing Up

On January 20, 2026, a police-involved shooting shattered a family and shook Trinidad & Tobago. 31-year-old Joshua Samaroo lost his life, and his common-law wife, Kaia Sealy (frequently reported as Kia Sealey), was shot multiple times, leaving her permanently paralyzed.

Wrongful Accusation: Instead of investigating the state officers involved, authorities charged the paralyzed Kaia Sealy with murder of her husband, shooting at police, and firearm possession. It is an act of victim-blaming that has stunned human rights advocates.

Seeing this travesty, Alyssa Phillips (also referred to as Alyssa Phillip) stepped forward. She mobilized communities, organized peaceful protests, and became the leading voice demanding justice for Kaia and Joshua. Her advocacy brought international scrutiny to the actions of the police force.

Arrests and State Harassment

For her courageous leadership, Alyssa Phillips has been repeatedly targeted and arrested by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). In May 2026, she and her mother were arrested while protesting outside the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), charged with disorderly behavior and prejudicing public safety.

Supporters, unions, and social justice groups have characterized these repeated arrests as blatant intimidation tactics aimed at silencing dissent and protecting police impunity. Many warn that these actions signal T&T's drift towards a "police state."