Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has assured the nation that her government will continue to work tirelessly to protect citizens.
Addressing the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026, which was debated in the Senate on Wednesday, the Prime Minister noted that, over the past few days, the national conversation has been dominated by what she described as a “parade of weak men and women” opposing the Bill.
She specifically took aim at the Opposition PNM and “pseudo ‘independent’ groups” that, she said, “have suddenly found their fake sense of humanity to defend criminals and gangsters” targeted by the Bill.
“They say nothing about the crime, robberies, rapes, murders, and brutal home invasions that have plagued the country for the past decade. They also keep quiet about the dehumanising treatment of victims of crime. They don’t complain about how hard it is for ordinary citizens to live and survive here due to violent crime. But when your government takes measures against violent, evil criminals to protect citizens, these weak men and women become experts in what are reasonable measures.”
The Zones of Special Operations Bill allows the Prime Minister, as part of the National Security Council with the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, to declare a defined area a Zone of Special Operations for up to 180 days.
Defending the proposed measure, the Prime Minister said it is designed to restore peace and security to families who have long lived in fear of violent criminal networks in their communities.
“Do these weak men and women see and hear you? They don’t see you being forced out of your homes by gangsters. They don’t see your children under self-imposed curfew in hotspot areas. They don’t see you being extorted by criminals so that they won’t burn down your home or business. They don’t see when your sons are forced to join gangs at gunpoint or be killed for refusing.”
The Prime Minister said that what some opposing groups fail to understand is that crime has a profound and lasting impact on victims and their families.
“Victims suffer from depression, anxiety, and constant fear. Victims sometimes commit suicide, families are destroyed, and marriages are broken. Children are left scarred for life. What about the feelings of the victims?”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said there are too many individuals in positions of influence who refuse to take decisive action against criminality, but she assured that her government remains committed to its duty to protect citizens and their families.
“Your government is here to protect you and your family. Criminals prey on fear. We will instil fear into criminals. Your government sees you, and we will always fight for our law-abiding citizens.”
The Senate debate resumes on Friday, January 23rd, at 1:30pm.