The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
The Special Operations Bill, 2026 was approved by the Senate after a 15‑15 tie that was broken by President of the Senate Wade Mark’s casting vote at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Government senators voted in favour, while six opposition PNM senators and all nine independent senators opposed the measure, leaving the chamber evenly divided until Mark exercised his decisive vote.
The bill, which had already cleared the House of Representatives on September 19, establishes designated policing districts and special operations involving the Police Service, with provisions for assistance from the Defence Force.
It also sets out requirements for human‑rights training, use of force, community engagement, conflict de‑escalation, operational protocols and reporting, but independent senators voiced concerns over safeguards, oversight and detention powers.
Parliament’s online Bill tracker had not yet reflected the final Senate vote when the story broke, underscoring the lag between proceedings and public record.
