Beckles Praises Senate’s Rejection of ZOSO Bill as Upholding Democracy
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has welcomed the defeat of the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Special Security and Community Development 2026 Bill in the Senate, describing the outcome as a strong affirmation that democracy is alive in Trinidad and Tobago.
In a social media post following last night’s vote, Beckles said the bill’s collapse demonstrated that democratic safeguards are functioning. “Enough is Enough!! The collapse of the Zones of Special Operations Bill in the Senate tonight proves that democracy is alive and well in Trinidad and Tobago. Tonight is a good night, Trinidad and Tobago. No to ZOSO. No to this wicked Government. Proud of our Senators who stood up for the People,” she wrote.
The bill would have given the Prime Minister and the National Security Council broad authority to designate communities as security zones and deploy expanded police and military powers. It required a three-fifths majority to pass but failed to gain support from any Independent Senators—the government needed at least four.
After four sittings in the Upper House, 15 Government Senators voted in favor, while 14 voted against, including six Opposition Senators and eight of the nine Independents. Independent Senator Courtney Mc Nish abstained.
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