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Defence Act Passed
Posted On 16 Mar 2013
The controversial Defence (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament last evening, with the Government winning its fight to approve legislation to precept soldiers to assist police in the anti-crime fight by a margin of 29 (PP) to 11 (PNM). After three sessions of debate, the bill was passed in the House of Representatives at 6.53 pm in a significantly changed form from its original outline, including amendments made during yesterday’s proceedings.
As a result of all the changes and because the bill also touches on legislation concerning the Police Complaints Authority, the name of the bill was changed as well, from the Defence (Amendment) Bill to the Miscellaneous Provisions (Defence Force and Police Complaints Authority). When the vote was taken, all 29 PP Government members were present, giving the administration more than enough votes which were required to pass the bill.
The Government needed to have 24 votes to obtain the three-fifths special majority to pass the legislation. The 11 members of the Opposition PNM who were present loudly rejected the bill through all the stages, right down to the end. After all Government MPs, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, voted for the bill—including PP backbencher Herbert Volney—the final count was taken among PNM MPs.
PNM whip Marlene McDonald started off the Opposition’s rejection, saying: “No soldier police!” Opposition Leader Keith Rowley followed her lead, echoing, “No soldier police!” PNM’s Donna Cox added: “Definitely not!” PNM’s Nileung Hypolite declared: “No way to martial law!” PNM’s Colm Imbert emphasised: “No, no, no, no and no!”
Their colleague Alicia Hospedales said, “Absolutely no!” MP Paula Gopee-Scoon said, “Definitely not!” PNM’s Patricia McIntosh, Amery Browne and Joanne Thomas also said “No.” PP House leader Roodal Moonilal, speaking after Parliament adjourned, said further checks and balances constituted the major changes added to the bill.
He said: “We were very heartened to receive endorsement from the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Asja, southern business associations and other groups. While they all agreed with the measures, they were concerned about the impact of checks and balances and Government listened and undertook amendments towards this.” Moonilal explained the changes to the bill as the following:
• a 24-month sunset clause, meaning the bill will be reviewed after 24 months
• giving the Police Complaints Authority oversight for soldiers on any complaints being brought from the public
• limitation of police powers for soldiers which will allow soldiers to stop, search, seize or detain and arrest, while police will handle investigation, interrogation and prosecution
• single units comprising police and soldiers will operate.
QUICK POLL
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It is a great day today, woke up to terrific news, which is, criminals are not in charge in Trinidad and Tobago.There is absolutely no reason in the world for good citizens to reside in fear, thank you Madame PM and all those who exercised great judgement to put politics aside and do what is right for a nation living in fear.
I must tell you the number one topic of conversation on the airplanes on our way to visit T%T is always the “crime”, and what the government is going to do about it. A long time a ago my mother said if you do things right the first time, you never have to worry, the PNM and previous governments before them,did not address crime correctly the first time.It is never too late to start doing the right thing, and the government is doing so now.
The criminals are getting off too easy, we need stricter punishments,and harsh sentences for those who rape, maim and murder the innocent people. Crime should never be a way of life,and when it does happen, parents, and the law must take the correct response to ensure that the country is safe.When did it become acceptable if you are lazy, and don’t want to work or contribute you should rob and steal? When did is become a profession to kidnap or kill people for their hard work and savings?
When did it become a great thing to live in a criminal state?I would much rather have a police/armed forces state than a criminal state.This went on too long with the criminal elements of society ganging up and instilling feat.I hope and pray the PM stands up to those who seem to protect the criminals more than the good citizens of T&T…I would never understand those in T&T who wants government to help them with food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, infrastructure ,education, etc. and then go berserk when the government steps in to do the RIGHT thing and protect and secure the people from criminals.and their crime.HUH!!!!!!!!!