00:00The emergency powers regulations 2026 is now in effect. However, the opposition is warning the country that this is not
00:08just another SOE and they're pointing to regulation four as proof.
00:14The government is telling us, the people and the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, that they foresee the possibility of
00:24putting in place an order to impose on any person any restrictions in respect of his employment or business, in
00:37respect of his place of residence.
00:40What is that? Is this their attempt to go ZOZO using a state of emergency?
00:48Regulation 4.1 also grants the Commission of Police the authority to prohibit any person from being out of doors
00:55between such hours as may be specified, although the government has not announced a curfew at this time.
01:02And in respect of your association or communication with other persons, that is a huge red flag.
01:12And now putting here as well that you may be required to notify of your movements in such manner, at
01:17such time, to such authority or persons as may be specified, that previously was an order of the court.
01:24They are now completely getting rid of due process.
01:28But the concerns don't stop there. The opposition also highlights Regulation 11, which speaks to statements which may be deemed
01:36prejudicial to public safety.
01:38Our clear position is that this particular state of emergency is directed specifically as it relates to the issue of
01:49freedom of movement and freedom of expression.
01:54And this is a government that does not want anybody to criticize them. That's what it is.
01:59I mean, whether it be on social media, whether it is to make a little TikTok, I mean, I mean,
02:04and the media as well.
02:06And, you know, as I close, let me say this, we have just finished the carnival season.
02:12Just as how they muted the mic of Helen Francis, they want to mute the mic of every single citizen
02:18of Trinidad and Tobago.
02:19That is what this is about.
02:20The regulations also grant police powers of arrest without a warrant.
02:25However, persons may only be detained for 48 hours in the first instance, with some exceptions.
02:32The government has indicated that an increase in violent criminal and gang activity has led to the need for this
02:40SOE.
02:41How many persons have been charged under the anti-gang legislation, which exists out with the state of emergency and
02:50the last SOE?
02:52How many persons? The answer is, it's zero. Zero.
02:59There have been 63 murders to date, compared to 64 for the same period last year.
03:05Last week, the Prime Minister told CARICOM that the U.S. exercises in the region had led to a decrease
03:12in criminal activity in Trinidad and Tobago.
03:16Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
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