00:00Speaking on the Morning Edition, Attorney at Law Umlala said the move appears to be a precautionary and pre-emptive
00:08measure coming against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts internationally.
00:14He notes there is no evidence in the public domain to suggest that Trinidad and Tobago faces any imminent threat,
00:23but referenced recent regional concerns, including tensions involving Venezuela's former leader, Nicolas Maduro, and fears over whether this country could
00:34be subject to attack.
00:35Lawla also stresses that given the potential impact on Muslim organizations locally, the government should ensure that all groups are
00:45treated with fairness.
00:46By virtue of the casting the aspersions on these organizations of the order of the court, what impact it has
00:53on them and how the Attorney General deals with it in a sensitive way that these communities don't feel in
00:59any way victimized or stigmatized by the action.
01:02So it becomes a very sensitive, diplomatic decision as to how it is treated moving forward.
01:09Lawla adds that because of the sensitivity of decisions of this nature, the government must act responsibly and ensure due
01:16process is applied.
01:18The government has to be responsible if information is provided. The responsible action is to make the application to the
01:25court as a pre-emptive measure.
01:26And again, unlike in some countries that make executive decisions, we have the safeguard of the court that only if
01:35a court is satisfied on the evidence that is presented, which we may never be privy to, the court is
01:41the final adjudicator of it.
01:43While acknowledging concerns raised about the possible legal implications for organizations that could be affected by asset freeze measures and
01:52the justification for it, he says, it may be difficult for authorities to disclose all the reasons behind such decisions
02:00given the national security considerations involved.
02:03The problem is with national security matters. It is very difficult to engage in national consultation. And that's why you
02:14have to hold those who hold power responsible to act in accordance with the law and act in the best
02:21interests of the country.
02:21It is difficult to see an application of this nature, which is the next party. That means without notice to
02:28anyone being made public and consultation being had.
02:32Lawla notes that the situation could change when the order comes up for review by the attorney general in six
02:38months, a process that may allow for reassessment depending on developments and any new information presented.
02:46Nicole M. Romany, TV6 News.
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