In a contentious parliamentary session, Trinidad and Tobago’s Defense Minister Wayne Sturge has vehemently denied opposition claims that the newly passed Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill 2026 would enable racial targeting. The legislation, approved 27-11 in the House of Representatives on January 18, establishes special security zones while simultaneously announcing the termination of the current state of emergency effective January 31.
Minister Sturge accused the Opposition PNM party of fabricating a ‘false narrative’ that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar could unilaterally declare zones in PNM-controlled areas to target specific racial groups. He emphasized that any declaration of Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) requires consultation with both the Commissioner of Police and the Defense Force Chief of Staff, with a maximum duration of 180 days.
To counter racial bias allegations, Sturge detailed the composition of the National Security Council, highlighting that key members including Attorney General John Jeremie, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, and Works Minister Jearlean John are all ‘proud black’ officials. He further noted that Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro and senior defense force commanders are predominantly of African descent.
‘The composition of the NSC should put to rest the divisive narrative that continues to be peddled,’ Sturge asserted during a news conference at UNC headquarters in Chaguanas. ‘Black and brown people are the majority in this country. This is not West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi.’
Opposition MP Keith Scotland argued the bill would infringe constitutional rights including freedom of movement, property enjoyment, and due process, warning against ‘replacing one extraordinary security measure with another.’
The legislation establishes social development components including a strategy committee to provide resources for vulnerable communities, aiming to create ‘equality of opportunity and social justice.’ Sturge defended the government’s elimination of make-work programs like the Unemployment Relief Programme, alleging they had funded criminal gangs.
The bill now moves to the Senate where it requires 19 votes for passage. The government holds 15 senate seats, with Sturge expressing confidence that at least four independent senators would support the measure.