Wonder why the PNM is relegated to T&T's opposition.
PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has criticized the “amnesia” and hypocrisy of the People’s National Movement (PNM), noting that under the former administration the state of emergency (SoE) regulations were more restrictive than those that exist today. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has raised significant concerns regarding section 11 of the Emergency Powers Regulations (EPR) 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago, arguing that it threatens freedom of speech and democracy. She argued that this section is being used by the government to silence criticism and abuse power
The PM said, "The regulations concerning freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and dissent were broad and restrictive under the PNM’s 2024 SoE use of ‘public order,' while under the current 2026 SoE, it is specific to endangerment of public safety.” The then PNM government was taken to court and was forced to amend the State of Emergency Powers Regulations, 2024, three months later by removing references to “public order” following a constitutional challenge. “Yet none of the current PNM MPs who were then Cabinet ministers seem to remember these facts,” she said.
The Prime Minister noted that on Friday the PNM had a public political meeting during the SoE to “ironically complain that the government called an SoE to suppress public meetings.” She emphasized that at present the PNM have freedom of expression, contrary to their arguments. She alleged, "They complained about crime and dictatorship but at the same meeting defended violent home invaders and drug traffickers while also publicly supporting international dictatorships.” Attorney Clyde Weatherhead, in a Facebook post, also noted that the 2024 SoE regulations are similar to those of 2026. He called on the PNM to tell the public the truth. He urged the PNM, "Be sure to point out that the Cabinet of which you were a part included Regulation 12 in the SoE Regs 2024 when your government declared the SoE.”