PM: Govt will need simple majority for revised ZOSO Bill

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says Government’s revised Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill will return to Parliament with amendments tomorrow and will require only a simple majority to pass in the Senate, rather than the three-fifths special majority that was needed when the legislation was first introduced in January. Persad-Bissessar said the amendments had already been drafted and she intends to conduct a final review before the bill is reintroduced.

“Certainly, we have already made those amendments. I will give it a final look later today (yesterday),” the Prime Minister said while speaking with reporters outside Parliament yesterday.

“This bill needs a simple majority,” she added, pointing out that the original legislation had been taken “to the furthest using the Jamaican model.”The bill was later laid in the House by Attorney General John Jeremie.

Beckles argued that bringing back the measure as the SoE nears its end raises questions about whether the Government has a broader and more effective long-term strategy to address crime.

She also criticized Persad-Bissessar’s absence from the parliamentary sitting last Friday, during which Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander announced the Government’s intention to reintroduce the legislation. Asked about the seizure of approximately $1 billion worth of illegal drugs since the UNC administration took office and whether United States officials were assisting local law enforcement, she said T&T works closely with regional and international partners to combat drug trafficking, money laundering and human trafficking, Persad-Bissessar said, “We work with our local law enforcement. We work with the US and other governments when it comes to fighting international drug trafficking, money laundering, people trafficking and human trafficking. We work with all our regional and international partners together with our own law enforcement.”

Note: The dumb rass questions by the opposition leader.

MANDATORY BODY CAMS UNDER ZOSO

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says police officers conducting operations in designated special zones will be required to wear body cameras under the Government’s revised Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) legislation. Speaking in the House of Representatives yesterday, Persad-Bissessar said Government intends to debate a revised version of the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026 tomorrow, hours after the State of Emergency (SoE) expires at midnight tonight (September 17).

The Prime Minister said the legislation includes safeguards designed to balance enhanced powers for the protective services with protections for citizens. “Under the Special Operations Bill 2026, police officers conducting special operations and Defense Force members providing military assistance must be trained in human rights, lawful use of force, engagement with residents, and conflict de-escalation,” Persad-Bissessar said.

She highlighted the use of recording devices during operations, stating: “Within closed areas, officers must use body-worn cameras, register weapons, and formally record complaints.” Persad-Bissessar said detainees would be entitled to medical care and visitation rights, while expanded powers of search, arrest and detention would remain subject to judicial oversight. The mandatory requirement for body cameras is significant because it was a major point of contention during debate on the previous ZOSO Bill.

Sunset clause, power to President among changes in new bill

The provision mirrors wording contained in the Government’s previous Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) Bill, which stated that members of the joint force were required to use body-worn cameras “as far as is possible having regard to available resources.” The new bill, however, expands oversight of body-camera recordings by explicitly granting access to footage and related data to the Police Service Commission, Police Complaints Authority, police investigative bodies, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Office of the Ombudsman.

Another significant addition is a sunset clause and power given to the President. Clause 26 states that the Special Operations Act will remain in force for two years from the date of commencement, after which it will automatically expire unless Parliament enacts further legislation to extend or replace it. Instead of creating Zones of Special Operations, the new bill divides Trinidad and Tobago into seven policing districts. Six districts comprise groupings of municipalities in Trinidad, while Tobago forms the seventh district.

Within those policing districts, specific locations may be designated as “closed areas” where enhanced security measures can be implemented. Under the bill, the President may declare an area closed if satisfied on reasonable grounds that public safety and peace are threatened by escalating violent crime, including homicides, shootings, kidnappings, gang activity, illegal weapons or gang intimidation, and that ordinary law enforcement measures are insufficient to address the situation. The new bill transfers that authority to the President, who may declare a closed area by order, subject to negative resolution of the House of Representatives. Responsibility for imposing curfews within closed areas also rests with the President. Once a closed area has been declared, the President may impose a curfew to facilitate a special operation, requiring residents to remain on their premises during specified hours unless exempted by the Order or authorized through a permit system.

Note: “as far as is possible having regard to available resources.” the previous government didn't purchase enough. This government is bankrupt .