Trinidad and Tobago government to revive ZOSO bill as state of emergency ends
Key Points(5)
- As the State of Emergency (SoE) approaches its end, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has announced that the Government will bring the controversial Zones of Special Operations legislation back to Parliament as part of its post-SoE crime-fighting strategy.
- Speaking in the House of Representatives yesterday, Alexander said the Zones of Special Operations and Community Development Measure Bill will return to Parliament, arguing that the legislation is intended to combine targeted security operations with social intervention in vulnerable communities.
- He said the legislation is intended to provide “special measures to uphold the rule of law, public order, citizens’ security and public safety” within geographically defined areas.
- Alexander, however, sought to emphasise the community-development component of the legislation, insisting it should not be viewed simply as another law-enforcement tool.
- “The Zones of Special Operations is not simply about sending law enforcement into a community.
The Trinidad and Tobago government plans to return controversial Zones of Special Operations legislation to Parliament as the country prepares to end its state of emergency on Sept. 17.
Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander announced the move in the House of Representatives, saying the government will not seek another extension of the state of emergency.
His announcement followed a meeting between Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the National Security Council.
Alexander said the state of emergency was one part of the government's broader strategy to tackle crime and outlined several measures that will be pursued after it ends, including another attempt to introduce Zones of Special Operations, or ZOSOs.
He said the legislation is intended to provide “special measures to uphold the rule of law, public order, citizens’ security and public safety” in specifically designated areas.
“The Zones of Special Operations is not simply about sending law enforcement into a community. It is about security and community development working together,” Alexander said.
The announcement marks the government's second attempt this year to secure passage of the legislation.
The Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026 was first introduced in the House by Attorney General John Jeremie on Jan. 16.
It passed the House the following day by a 27-11 vote but required a three-fifths majority to become law.
The measure was defeated in the Senate on Jan. 27 after four sittings of debate when the government failed to secure the necessary support.
The proposed legislation faced criticism over the broad powers it would give authorities and concerns about safeguards for residents of communities designated as special operations zones.
Under the previous version of the bill, the prime minister would have been able to designate high-crime communities as ZOSOs for periods of up to 180 days.
The designation would allow joint police and military operations in those communities and provide authorities with additional powers, including warrantless searches, curfews lasting up to 72 hours and detention powers.
The legislation also included a social intervention component aimed at addressing some of the underlying problems facing vulnerable communities.
It proposed establishing a Social Committee to coordinate interventions in areas including housing, health care and infrastructure within communities designated as ZOSOs.
During debate on the previous bill, concerns were raised about human rights protections and oversight of the enhanced security powers. The government also declined to accept nearly 50 proposed amendments during the committee stage.
Alexander sought to emphasize the social component of the initiative as he announced its return, arguing that ZOSOs should not be viewed solely as a law enforcement measure.
The decision to revive the legislation comes as the government prepares to transition away from the state of emergency, which expires Sept. 17.
Alexander said the government will instead rely on a wider range of anti-crime measures as it continues efforts to address violent crime and improve security.
