trinidad-and-tobago-flag_web.jpgPORT-OF-SPAIN — The government says it will pardon 50 criminals to celebrate the island's 50th independence anniversary which takes place Aug. 31.

Justice Minister Herbert Volney said officials will choose worthy candidates for pardon who have spent all their lives in prison but will not release anyone considered a danger to society. It would be the first time so many criminals are being pardoned at once in the country.