Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has slammed the Government’s decision to bring the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) Bill back to Parliament, arguing that its revival as the State of Emergency (SoE) comes to an end next week shows the Government has no effective alternative strategy to tackle crime.
In a statement following Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s announcement in Parliament yesterday, Beckles described the legislation as a “failed and compromised” bill.
“The announcement moments ago to bring the failed and compromised ZOSO Bill back to Parliament raises serious questions about whether this Government has any real interest in addressing crime in this country,” Beckles said.
She argued that after months of extraordinary powers under the SoE, the Government was now seeking to replace those measures with legislation that had already failed to secure the required support in Parliament.
Beckles also criticised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for not being present in Parliament for yesterday’s sitting, accusing her of avoiding accountability over the Government’s handling of the SoE.
“Instead, she sent Roger Alexander to read a statement announcing the reintroduction of ZOSO,” Beckles said.
The Opposition Leader also renewed questions surrounding Persad-Bissessar’s previous claim that two Independent Senators had sought bribes in connection with the ZOSO legislation.
“Will the Prime Minister finally reveal the names of the two Independent Senators whom she claimed wanted bribes to support the bill?” Beckles asked.
The ZOSO Bill failed in the Senate in January, after the Government was unable to secure the three-fifths special majority required for its passage.
Beckles maintained that the legislation was not in the country’s best interest, arguing that it would create a “permanent expansion of unconstitutional state power” and give the political directorate significant powers over communities selected for special operations.
She accused the Government of attempting to replace temporary emergency measures with sweeping powers that could be used against communities deemed politically unfavourable.
