Trinidad and Tobago: Controversial Zones of Special Operations Bill collapses in Senate

teleSUR English

The controversial “Zones of Special Operations Bill” (ZOSO) has failed to advance after collapsing in the Senate. The proposal, which sparked heated debate over its implications for civil liberties and state authority, aimed to establish designated areas with heightened security powers. Lawmakers rejected the measure following strong criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and legal experts who warned of potential abuses. The collapse of ZOSO marks a significant setback for the government’s security agenda and reignites national discussion on balancing public safety with constitutional rights.    #teleSUREnglish #TrinidadAndTobago #ZOSO #Senate #CivilLiberties #Security #Politics

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00:00Welcome back. Trinidad and Tobago's controversial zones of special operations bill known as SOSO

00:05has collapsed in the Senate. Our correspondent Krista Hoyte brings us the details.

00:12Trinidad and Tobago's controversial zones of special operations bill known as SOSO

00:17has collapsed in the Senate after failing to secure the required supermajority. The legislation

00:24was defeated last week following a tense and closely divided vote in the upper house.

00:30As a result of the division, 15 members voted for the bill, 14 members voted against the bill

00:40and there was one abstention. The bill has not been approved.

00:46In a written reaction shared online, opposition leader Penelope Beckles welcomed the outcome,

00:52describing the vote as a victory for democracy. In her Facebook post, she wrote,

00:58The collapse of the zones of special operations bill in the Senate tonight proves that democracy

01:03is alive and well in Trinidad and Tobago. No to SOSO, no to this wicked government.

01:11End quote. The bill would have given the Prime Minister broad powers to designate communities

01:15as security zones, allowing warrantless searches, 72-hour curfews and around-the-clock

01:22security cordons. Independent senators cited the government's refusal to accept amendments

01:27as a key reason for rejecting the bill.

01:30This language risks being seen as an excuse already, that we're anticipating that we wouldn't

01:36wear these body cameras. And if we could see what is happening in Jamaica, then if we are serious,

01:43serious about passing the bill and addressing concerns about abuse,

01:47then we could address this now by making it mandatory for these body cameras to be worn

01:55in the implementation of SOSOs.

01:59Attorney General John Jeremy rejected the proposed amendments, arguing that existing parliamentary

02:05oversight was sufficient.

02:07The bill required a three-fifths majority or 19 votes in the 30-member Senate.

02:12Authorities are now seeking alternatives to address crime, as the government's state of

02:17emergency, which officials say reduced murders by 42%, expired on Sunday.

02:23Crystal Hoyt, Talasur, Bridgetown, Barbados.

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