Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has hailed the Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Act, 2025, and the Summary Offences (Amendment) Act, 2025, as promises made and kept to the people.
In a post on the X platform, she said her government has delivered on two major commitments made to the people during the 2025 General Election campaign, with the President, Christine Carla Kangaloo, assenting to two significant pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening public safety and improving the quality of life.
The Prime Minister reminded the public that throughout the election campaign, she placed strong emphasis on protecting families, restoring public order, and responding to long-standing concerns raised by communities across the country. She said these laws reflect the clear and decisive mandate given to her by the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
“This landmark legislation establishes the offence of home invasion and affirms the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves, their families, and their property within their dwelling house. The Act removes any duty to retreat when acting in self-defence or defence of property and provides that a person may use reasonable defensive force, including deadly force where necessary, to protect life and property. This issue was a central pillar of the election campaign in response to widespread public concern over violent home invasions, the vulnerability of ordinary families, and the failure of the former PNM Administration to act.”
With regard to the Summary Offences (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Prime Minister stated, “This Act amends the Summary Offences Act to strengthen measures addressing noise pollution and the indiscriminate use of fireworks – issues that have increasingly affected public health, safety, and community well-being.”
The Prime Minister said that during the election campaign, she committed to restoring balance between celebration and responsibility.
Thus, in conclusion, the Prime Minister said the assent of these two Acts represents the fulfilment of specific commitments she has made to the electorate, which were endorsed through the democratic process.