The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has issued a formal reprimand against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for making unverified corruption allegations against Independent Senators without providing substantiating evidence. This controversy emerged following the Senate’s rejection of the government’s Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill on January 27th, which sought to establish special security zones as successors to the expiring state of emergency set to conclude on January 31st.
Despite successful passage in the House of Representatives on January 17th with a 27-11 vote, the legislation faced defeat in the upper chamber when eight Independent Senators joined six Opposition members in voting against the bill, while one abstained.
In a social media statement dated January 28th, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar made explosive claims that two Independent Senators had solicited personal favors in exchange for their support, asserting that these approaches occurred during legislative debates. She declared, ‘They know who they are. They must live with that shame,’ while additionally criticizing Opposition parties and what she termed the ‘fake eat-a-food elite’ for prioritizing self-interest over national security.
Government Business Leader Barry Padarath subsequently expressed the administration’s unwavering support for the Prime Minister’s position, characterizing the bill’s defeat as ‘a dark and shameful moment in TT’s history’ and accusing opponents of siding with ‘criminal comfort’ over citizen safety.
LATT’s response emphasized that unsubstantiated allegations of this magnitude undermine democratic institutions and place all Independent Senators under unwarranted suspicion. The association stressed that if credible evidence exists, it should be presented to proper authorities for investigation rather than being aired in public without substantiation. The legal body further cautioned against the deteriorating tone of political discourse directed toward constitutional officeholders, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining respect for democratic institutions and the presumption of innocence.
The Association highlighted the essential role of Independent Senators in Trinidad and Tobago’s bicameral system, noting that attacks on legislators for voting according to their conscience risk compromising the very independence their offices are designed to protect.