标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a significant political development, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has publicly challenged current Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s approach to the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill, 2026. The controversial legislation, which passed the House of Representatives on January 16, is currently undergoing Senate debate requiring a three-fifths majority for final approval.

The proposed law would empower Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, in her capacity as National Security Council chair, to designate specific areas as Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) for periods up to 180 days, following consultation with police and military leadership. This measure has sparked intense parliamentary discussion, with the government holding 15 Senate seats against the Opposition’s 6 and Independent senators’ 9.

Through a January 22 Facebook statement, Rowley expressed profound concerns about the legislation’s potential societal impact. He criticized the administration’s rhetoric toward independent senators, noting Persad-Bissessar’s suggestions that their opposition stemmed from alleged ties to his party, the PNM. “If I had said anything nearly as offensive and arrogant,” Rowley remarked, “everyone in this country would have known not to accept that from the Prime Minister.”

The former leader argued that the bill represents inappropriate crime-fighting methodology for Trinidad and Tobago’s diverse society, warning that it could stigmatize communities and remove fundamental rights without proper parliamentary oversight. Rowley cautioned that unsupervised authority would inevitably “breed abuse and resentment,” questioning whether crime-fighting justification would sufficiently address potential fallout when the law is implemented. He maintained that his administration was held to higher standards, expressing pride in having met those expectations during his tenure.

The Trinidad and Tobago House of Representatives convened a critical session on January 23rd to examine a pressing private motion filed by Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle, addressing what he characterizes as a deepening socio-economic emergency. The motion demands governmental recognition of severe unemployment impacts and implementation of substantial social relief measures.

Marcelle’s proposition emphasizes the state’s fundamental obligation to ensure citizen welfare and foster conditions conducive to dignified living standards. The parliamentarian cited widespread terminations and non-renewals of contracts across public institutions, state agencies, and local government bodies as primary drivers of the crisis. These developments have particularly devastated vulnerable demographics including single mothers, female-headed households, youth, elderly citizens, and persons with disabilities.

The motion further outlines severe consequences stemming from employment instability: intensified food insecurity, rising school absenteeism, deteriorating mental health conditions, and increased risks of exploitation and social marginalization. Marcelle cautioned that diminished employment opportunities coupled with reduced community engagement directly threaten public safety and social stability while undermining local commerce and micro-enterprise sustainability.

The political context reveals sharp contrasts between governing and opposition parties. Following the April general election that resulted in a 26-13-2 victory for the UNC, the opposition PNM has consistently criticized the new administration for terminating thousands of positions through closures of Cepep, the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP), and other social initiatives established during the PNM’s 2015-2026 governance period.

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles reinforced these criticisms during a January 21st press conference, accusing Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar of misleading voters into believing job security would continue post-election. Beckles characterized the current government as indifferent to citizen welfare and urged public awareness regarding employment protections.

Simultaneously, the Senate convened to advance debate on the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill 2026, previously approved by the House on January 16th. This legislation empowers the National Security Council chair, in consultation with police and defense force leadership, to designate special security zones for maximum 180-day periods.

Preceding both parliamentary sessions, the Finance and Legal Affairs joint select committee conducted a public inquiry into credit union supervisory frameworks, chaired by Independent Senator Dr. Marlene Attzs with participation from Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj and San Fernando East MP Brian Manning.

The Tobago House of Assembly is poised for a significant political transition as Chief Secretary Farley Augustine announces tentative plans to swear in the newly appointed secretaries on January 26. This development follows the Tobago People’s Party’s unprecedented electoral sweep on January 12, where they secured every legislative seat for a four-year governing term.

Augustine revealed during the Tobago Updates morning program that his administration has been coordinating with the Office of the President to finalize logistics for the ceremony, which is expected to be broadcast live from Tobago. The swearing-in comes after the Senate’s passage of the THA (Amendment) Bill 2026 on January 20, which formally expanded the number of secretarial positions within the assembly structure.

The Chief Secretary outlined his strategic approach to governance, indicating his intention to maintain a streamlined team of one chief secretary, one deputy chief secretary, and no more than eleven additional secretaries. Significant structural reorganization will include establishing a standalone Division for Planning and Development alongside the existing Division for Legal and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

Addressing speculation about specific appointments, Augustine emphasized that “no one owns a division” and highlighted the rigorous screening process that identified capable candidates from among the 15 assembly members. He stressed that effective management skills rather than subject-matter expertise would be the primary qualification for secretarial roles, noting that competent resource management would ensure success across all divisions.

The administration has already appointed three councillors—Petal-Ann Roberts, Adanna Joseph-Wallace, and Ackel Franklyn—with deliberate attention to geographical representation across Tobago’s constituencies. Augustine affirmed that his appointment authority remains exclusive and requires no external consultation.

The Trinidad and Tobago government has unveiled a sweeping immigration registration initiative targeting all undocumented migrants within its borders, set to commence on January 30. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander announced the program during a post-Cabinet media briefing on January 22, revealing significant operational details and policy shifts from previous approaches.

The newly approved Immigration Registration Framework mandates a $700 registration fee for adult applicants while exempting children from financial charges. Successful registrants will receive identification cards valid through December 31, 2026—approximately one year of documented status.

Minister Alexander emphasized the program’s comprehensive scope, contrasting it with the 2019 registration that exclusively targeted Venezuelan nationals. “We are presently asking all illegal immigrants to be registered,” Alexander stated, acknowledging the estimated 44,000 Venezuelans identified in a 2023 Assessment Capacities Project report while extending the mandate to all nationalities.

The registration process incorporates both digital and in-person components. Applicants must initiate registration through the dedicated online portal migrantregistration.gov.tt, followed by scheduled interviews at designated government facilities. Four major sporting venues—Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, and Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago—will serve as processing centers to accommodate anticipated volumes.

Alexander criticized previous administration’s efforts as lacking “accountability, intelligence and strategy,” alleging that migrants previously submitted fictitious information. The new system requires verified identification, current addresses, and employment details when applicable.

The Minister issued a stern warning to migrants with criminal records, indicating that legal troubles would likely prevent successful registration. “We want persons to come to Trinidad with purpose and help us build,” he stated, adding that the government seeks productive contributors rather than “persons to add to the nation’s problems.”

With an allocated budget of $1 million—$4 million less than previous programs—the initiative will involve collaboration between the Homeland Security and Defence ministries. The registration fee is intended to partially offset operational costs, though the government will absorb most expenses.

Undocumented individuals are urged to participate regardless of their entry method, with Alexander assuring that “We don’t want persons to run away. We want persons to come forward and register.” Those failing to register risk deportation if identified after the process concludes.