In a major parliamentary address on January 16, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar declared her government’s intention to terminate the nation’s prolonged state of emergency upon its scheduled expiration on January 31. The security measure, initially declared in July and subsequently extended twice, will be replaced by the implementation of targeted zones of special operation to maintain law and order.
The Prime Minister delivered a comprehensive statement outlining her administration’s legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session, highlighting significant achievements in public safety. She revealed a dramatic 42% reduction in homicides, characterizing this statistic as one of the most substantial crime rate declines observed globally. Persad-Bissessar credited security forces for their efforts, stating: ‘From day one we have acted forcefully and decisively to frontally attack criminal organisations that have brought bloodshed, death, and terror to our citizens.’
Addressing international controversy, the Prime Minister staunchly defended recent joint operations with US military forces that resulted in the destruction of alleged drug trafficking vessels. When challenged by opposition members regarding the legality of these actions, Persad-Bissessar retorted that she had received legal counsel confirming no international laws were breached, bluntly advising critics to ‘find a good international lawyer.’
The government unveiled sweeping judicial reforms including a proposed constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to a trial within a reasonable timeframe. Persad-Bissessar emphasized the injustice of defendants awaiting trial for periods exceeding their potential sentences, noting the severe damage to reputation such delays cause. Additional measures include restructuring homicide trials to feature three-judge panels instead of jury trials, establishing the new judicial position of Chancellor, and implementing plea bargaining mechanisms.
Following her attendance at the swearing-in of re-elected Tobago House of Assembly leader Farley Augustine, the Prime Minister committed to advancing Tobago’s autonomy within the republic. She pledged to enact legislation establishing Tobago as ‘an equal, autonomous partner side by side with Trinidad,’ ending a decade of political stagnation on the issue.
The administration also announced forthcoming regulations addressing noise pollution, with specific attention to fireworks and amplified music near residential areas. Firearms legislation will be strengthened to streamline the destruction of confiscated weapons, while age restrictions will be raised for alcohol consumption (from 18 to 21), cannabis use (18 to 21), and gambling (18 to 25).