Kamla Persad-Bissessar limits Special Operations Bill areas

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced that the implementation of the proposed Special Operations Bill will be restricted to specific areas. The crime-fighting measures will be carried out in 26 constituencies and 70 local government electoral districts held by the United National Congress (UNC).

Following consultations with Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, the Prime Minister also confirmed that the two constituencies represented by the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) will be included in the operations. The decision comes in response to opposition from the People’s National Movement (PNM), with the Prime Minister stating she will not force the implementation of the bill on constituencies represented by the PNM.

The Special Operations Bill, which has undergone intense debate, proposes a framework for seven policing districts and allows for special police operations, including potential assistance from the Defence Force to combat violent gangs, illegal firearms, and drug trafficking. The announcement has intensified the national debate regarding whether crime-fighting measures should vary based on the political representation of different communities.