Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has expressed his intention to investigate the reasons behind the delay in receiving reports from the State of Emergency (SoE) Review Tribunal. The tribunal, which reviews challenges to Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs), has reportedly submitted six reports to Alexander’s office, yet the minister claims he has not seen any of them. PDOs are issued under SoE regulations to detain individuals considered threats to national security or public safety, with detainees having the right to challenge their detention through the tribunal. Last week, the tribunal defended itself against claims by detainees’ attorneys that decisions on their clients’ detentions were delayed or withheld, stating that multiple reports had been completed and forwarded to the ministry between September 12 and October 22. However, Alexander, in conversations with Newsday on November 6 and 12, reiterated that he had not received any reports and was unsure of the cause of the delay. He emphasized the independence of the tribunal and expressed his reluctance to interfere in its processes, stating that he would consult his permanent secretary to avoid any perception of undue influence. Alexander acknowledged the concerns of detainees but assured that the process remains transparent and professional.
Alexander: I don’t know why tribunal reports haven’t reached me yet
