THE PRESIDENT HAS SIGNED INTO LAW SPECIAL OPERATIONS BILL.

HOMELAND SECURITY MINISTER ROGER ALEXANDER SAYS, THE NEW LAW WILL BE IMPLEMENTED WITH AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE” AND STRATEGICALLY DEPLOYED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST CRIMINAL ELEMENTS.

HE WARNS THE LAW WILL COME DOWN ON THEM, LIKE A TONNE OF BRICKS.

WITH THE PRESIDENT’S SIGNATURE, THE LAW IS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 6TH

MINISTER ALEXANDER IS REPORTED AS SAYING, THE LAW IT PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL WEAPON IN THE STATE’S ARSENAL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

THE PROCLAMATION FORMALLY ACTIVATES ACT NO 21 OF 2026, WHICH GIVES THE PROTECTIVE SERVICES ENHANCED POWERS TO CONDUCT TARGETED OPERATIONS AGAINST VIOLENT CRIME, GANGS AND ILLEGAL WEAPONS IN DESIGNATED AREAS.

IT COMES LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE LEGISLATION WAS PASSED, IN BOTH THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE.

THE ACT ESTABLISHES SEVEN POLICING DISTRICTS ACROSS TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, AND CREATES THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS BY POLICE OFFICERS, WITH PROVISION FOR MILITARY ASSISTANCE FROM MEMBERS OF THE DEFENCE FORCE.