Trinidad PM warns another State of Emergency possible
Key Points(5)
- Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she will not hesitate to declare another State of Emergency if serious security threats re-emerge, despite the passage of new legislation aimed at strengthening the country’s response to crime.
- Her warning came after the Special Operations Bill was passed in the House of Representatives on Friday, September 18.
- The legislation is now before the Senate.
- In a statement posted to social media, Persad-Bissessar described the recently ended State of Emergency as “highly successful,” saying 3,552 people were charged during the period.
- “However, if serious threats to the safety and security of citizens re-emerge, I will not hesitate to put the country under another SoE,” she said.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she will not hesitate to declare another State of Emergency if serious security threats re-emerge, despite the passage of new legislation aimed at strengthening the country’s response to crime.
Her warning came after the Special Operations Bill was passed in the House of Representatives on Friday, September 18. The legislation is now before the Senate.
In a statement posted to social media, Persad-Bissessar described the recently ended State of Emergency as “highly successful,” saying 3,552 people were charged during the period.
“However, if serious threats to the safety and security of citizens re-emerge, I will not hesitate to put the country under another SoE,” she said.
The prime minister also issued a warning to people involved in organized crime and gang activity, saying the government would continue taking strong action against those responsible for violence and the trafficking of illegal drugs and firearms.
“I want the local drug mafia and the violent gangs to understand clearly that the cells at Teteron and MSP await again if you continue your criminal behaviour,” Persad-Bissessar said.
The Special Operations Bill provides a legal framework for joint operations involving the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Defence Force, including provisions governing designated closed areas and military assistance to police.
The legislation also requires joint protocols and separate standard operating procedures for police and Defence Force personnel involved in special operations. It provides for annual reporting to Parliament on special operations and the provision of military assistance.
Persad-Bissessar said the bill is expected to pass in the Senate next week without amendments.
In her statement, the prime minister also accused the opposition People’s National Movement and some critics of the legislation of siding with criminal interests. Those claims were not accompanied by evidence in the statement.
The legislation has generated debate over the scope of the security powers it would provide and the safeguards governing their use.
Persad-Bissessar maintained that her government would continue pursuing measures it considers necessary to protect law-abiding citizens.
“My Government will continue to work in the best interests of our citizens,” she said.
