00:00The government is boasting of its swift ability to deliver on a major campaign commitment
00:06as President Christine Carla Kangaloo assented to two significant laws passed by Parliament.
00:12The legislation reflects what the government describes as a clear mandate given to Prime
00:18Minister Kamala Pesad-Besasa following an election campaign focused on protecting families,
00:24restoring public order and responding to long-standing public concerns.
00:28One of the laws is the Home Invasion Self-Defense and Defense of Property Act 2025.
00:36The Act establishes the offense of home invasion and affirms the right of law-abiding citizens
00:41to defend themselves, their families and their property within their homes.
00:46Under the new law, there is no duty to retreat when acting in self-defense or in defense of property
00:51and citizens are permitted to use reasonable force, including deadly force,
00:56where necessary to protect life and property.
00:59The Prime Minister made the issue a central part of her election campaign,
01:03citing widespread concern over violent home invasions and the vulnerability of ordinary families.
01:10The government says the new law gives effect to the electorate's demand for stronger protections
01:14and reassures citizens that their homes remain their final place of safety.
01:20Following the funeral service of Dr. Daphne Phillips-Gaskin, the Prime Minister,
01:24expressed pleasure that her promise was kept.
01:27So, as we speak, on our statute books, we now have the laws relating to the fireworks regulation.
01:34We now have the laws relating to the stand-your-grown laws.
01:38So, two major pieces of legislation are now in effect on our statute books.
01:42I'm very proud of that.
01:43Also receiving presidential assent is the Summary Offences Act 2025,
01:49which strengthens measures to address noise pollution and the indiscriminate use of fireworks,
01:54which means it will be in place for the next major celebratory events, Christmas and New Year's.
02:01During the campaign, Prime Minister Passat-Bissassa pledged to restore balance between celebration and responsibility,
02:07noting the harmful impact excessive noise and unregulated fireworks can have on public health and community well-being.
02:16The government highlighted the distress caused to vulnerable groups, including young children,
02:21the elderly, people with medical conditions, and those with sensory sensitivities,
02:26as well as the often overlooked effects on animals and livestock.
02:31Officials say the amended law provides clearer authority for enforcement,
02:34stronger deterrent against abuse,
02:37and a framework that promotes safety, consideration, and compassion,
02:41while still allowing for lawful celebrations.
02:45The government describes the assent of these two acts as the fulfillment of promises made to the electorate
02:50as it continues efforts to address crime, public disorder, and community well-being.
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