Trinidad’s PM warns of ‘hard policing’ under new Special Operations law

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has warned lawbreakers to leave communities where special operations will be implemented, saying her Government intends to use “hard policing measures” under the newly enacted Special Operations legislation.

“I suggest they leave areas where the SO is going to be implemented. We are going to implement hard policing measures in these areas,” Persad-Bissessar told reporters on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister, who chairs the National Security Council, said the heads of special operations would be appointed across the country’s seven policing districts “soon”.

She also said she could state with certainty that special operations would be conducted in areas controlled by the ruling United National Congress (UNC).

“I can say for certain that UNC-controlled areas will have special operations,” she said.

Asked whether the operations would be conducted only in Government-controlled communities or nationwide, Persad-Bissessar referred to her previous position on the issue.

“I already gave my opinion on this. I am not begging to help anyone who doesn’t want help,” she said.

“If the PNM doesn’t want the brave men and women of the security services to protect their constituents and prefer violent criminals to terrorise them, that’s fine by me.”

Persad-Bissessar said she would ensure that criminals faced “hard policing” in UNC areas and added that the UNC supports the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF).

The legislation divides Trinidad and Tobago into seven policing districts and provides for targeted special operations, including the designation of closed areas and enhanced powers for law enforcement.

The Prime Minister did not directly answer questions about how the permit system for closed areas would operate or how people would travel between closed and non-closed areas.

Her comments came amid questions about the Government’s ability to pass legislation without support from members of the Independent bench.

Persad-Bissessar said her administration had received a mandate from voters to pass legislation.

“The Government was given the power to pass legislation by the citizens in a democratic vote and we will use that power,” she said. “I fought an election to earn that power, and I will use it.”

She also criticised the Independent senators, saying: “No group of unelected eat-a-food scumbags will derail a legislative agenda from a democratically elected government.”

Her comments followed recent disagreements with Independent senators over Government legislation, including the Special Operations Bill and amendments to public procurement law.

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