Beckles Claims Government Trying to Bring ZOSO ‘Through the Backdoor’
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has accused the Government of attempting to reintroduce key elements of the defeated Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) legislation through alternative security measures rather than returning to Parliament with a new bill.
Speaking on the issue, Beckles argued that the Government’s latest approach mirrors many of the powers and structures that were proposed under the ZOSO legislation, which failed to secure the required support in the Senate earlier this year. She maintained that the administration is now seeking to achieve similar objectives “through the backdoor” instead of respecting Parliament’s decision.
Beckles said the People’s National Movement remains concerned about any move that could expand State powers without the level of parliamentary scrutiny required for legislation affecting constitutional rights. She has consistently argued that while crime must be tackled decisively, it should be done within the framework of the Constitution and with appropriate safeguards.
The Government has previously defended the proposed ZOSO framework as a necessary tool to combat gangs, violent crime and illegal firearms, arguing that it would have provided law enforcement with targeted powers in high-risk communities. However, the bill was defeated in the Senate after failing to obtain the required special majority.
The latest exchange is expected to further intensify debate over the Government’s crime-fighting strategy, with the Opposition signalling it will closely examine any new security measures it believes resemble the previously rejected ZOSO proposals.
