00:00The 2026 Special Operations Bill, establishing seven policing districts and allowing for closed areas to be declared based on specific
00:09security concerns, has been proclaimed by the President.
00:12The proclamation by the President states that as of Tuesday, October 6, 2026, all sections of what is now the
00:20Special Operations Act has come into operation under the hand and seal of the President.
00:25The Special Operations Act was passed via the governance majority in the House of Representatives, while it was passed in
00:33the Senate via the Senate President's casting vote as all six opposition senators and all nine independent senators voted against
00:41it.
00:41Under the Act, Trinidad has been divided into six policing districts, while Tobago will be the seventh policing district.
00:48The Special Operations Act, which is now in effect, states that a head of special operations may cause an area
00:54within a police district to be closed by means of barriers, roadblocks, or otherwise, with permits required to enter or
01:01leave with certain exemptions that include several top-level state office holders.
01:07The option of a curfew in a closed area is also available under the Act.
01:11The Act also requires for the support of the Defense Force once a request is made by the Police Commissioner.
01:18The opposition has criticized the legislation as being oppressive.
01:22The government has dismissed such criticisms and pointed out that the Act has judicial oversight.
01:28In response to the opposition PNM's criticisms, the Prime Minister said she will only authorize special operations in the 26
01:35UNC-held constituencies,
01:3870 UNC-held local government electoral districts, and in the two TPP-held constituencies in Tobago,
01:46after consultation with the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly.
01:50Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
