The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
The People's National Movement (PNM) has announced a unanimous commitment to repeal controversial legislation introduced by the United National Congress (UNC) Government if the party returns to power. Speaking at Balisier House on Thursday, October 8, Opposition MP Kareem Marcelle revealed that the decision followed extensive deliberations involving the PNM's General Council and Legislative Group. According to Marcelle, the motion was approved without a single objection or abstention, establishing a political commitment for a future PNM administration. The motion was moved by the party's political leader, Penelope Beckles-Robinson, and seconded by Alderman Richard Walcott, Chairman of the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation. Marcelle explained that the PNM's Legislative Group includes elected councillors, Members of Parliament, senators, aldermen, mayors and chairpersons of municipal corporations. He described the General Council as the party's highest decision-making body outside its convention. Among the measures identified for repeal were the recently proclaimed Special Operations Act, 2026, and the proposed changes contained in the Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Marcelle accused the UNC Government of introducing legislation that threatens democracy, constitutional rights and the country's political institutions. He argued that the PNM had listened to concerns from citizens and was prepared to reverse the measures once returned to office. The Special Operations Act introduces additional security powers intended to address serious criminal activity, while the municipal legislation proposes changes to local government structures and boundaries. Marcelle maintained that both measures create opportunities for political interference and could have lasting consequences for democratic governance. He said the unanimous decision represented a mandate for any future PNM administration to prioritise reversing the disputed legislation. Repealing existing laws would require the appropriate parliamentary process, while provisions that have not yet become law would need to be addressed according to their legislative status. The announcement establishes a formal political position by the Opposition as debate continues over the Government's legislative agenda.
The People’s National Movement (PNM) has announced a unanimous commitment to repeal controversial legislation introduced by the United National Congress (UNC) Government if the party returns to power. Speaking at Balisier House on Thursday, October 8, Opposition MP Kareem Marcelle revealed that the decision followed extensive deliberations involving the PNM’s General Council and Legislative Group. According to Marcelle, the motion was approved without a single objection or abstention, establishing a political commitment for a future PNM administration. The motion was moved by the party’s political leader, Penelope Beckles-Robinson, and seconded by Alderman Richard Walcott, Chairman of the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation. Marcelle explained that the PNM’s Legislative Group includes elected councillors, Members of Parliament, senators, aldermen, mayors and chairpersons of municipal corporations. He described the General Council as the party’s highest decision-making body outside its convention. Among the measures identified for repeal were the recently proclaimed Special Operations Act, 2026, and the proposed changes contained in the Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Marcelle accused the UNC Government of introducing legislation that threatens democracy, constitutional rights and the country’s political institutions. He argued that the PNM had listened to concerns from citizens and was prepared to reverse the measures once returned to office. The Special Operations Act introduces additional security powers intended to address serious criminal activity, while the municipal legislation proposes changes to local government structures and boundaries. Marcelle maintained that both measures create opportunities for political interference and could have lasting consequences for democratic governance. He said the unanimous decision represented a mandate for any future PNM administration to prioritise reversing the disputed legislation. Repealing existing laws would require the appropriate parliamentary process, while provisions that have not yet become law would need to be addressed according to their legislative status. The announcement establishes a formal political position by the Opposition as debate continues over the Government’s legislative agenda.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
