Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has declared that her government will not engage in vote-buying or political bargaining.
In a message posted on social media on Wednesday, one day after the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026, failed to pass in the Upper House, the Prime Minister alleged that attempts were made by two Independent Senators to secure its passage through personal inducements, which she said were firmly rejected by the government.
She stated, “My Government will not buy votes. I fully expected the President’s Senators to vote against the Law Reform (ZOSO) Bill, 2026. During the debate, two of the President’s Senators approached a senior Government Senator seeking personal favours in exchange for support and for securing the remaining votes needed for passage. Those requests were rejected. From that moment, it was clear the Bill would not pass.”
The Prime Minister said the refusal by the Government to engage the two Independents was a matter of principle, adding that those involved would have to account for their own actions.
“They know who they are. They must live with that shame.”
The Prime Minister also rejected claims by the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) that the defeat of the ZOSO legislation has weakened the Government’s ability to act on crime.
“It is amazing and amusing that the PNM hierarchy and their supporters still do not yet understand that your UNC government has more powers under an SOE than it would have had under the ZOSO Bill. Your UNC government was actually trying to dilute and limit the State’s SOE powers by introducing the ZOSO legislation to use instead of an SOE. Your UNC government could have simply called another SOE.”
The Prime Minister accused the Opposition of blocking security measures for political reasons, particularly in communities most affected by violent crime, and linked this to what she described as a troubling record under previous PNM administrations.
“The undisputed facts are that the majority of murder victims over the past decade were young Afro men. Most victims of gang violence and assaults are young Afro adults and teenagers. Most communities that are oppressed and abused by violent gangs are Afro-dominated communities within PNM stronghold constituencies. Yet the PNM — an Afro-dominated party — continues to block action by the security services.”
Despite the defeat of the Bill, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said her administration remains committed to tackling crime and resisting any attempts to undermine national security efforts.
“The PNM and the local drug mafia will not stop trying to derail national security progress — but they will not succeed. This Government and our security services remain committed to reducing crime, with the support of decent, law-abiding citizens.”