Fitzgerald Hinds attends Parliament during Special Operations Bill proceedings

Former National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds was spotted in Parliament as lawmakers considered the Special Operations Bill, 2026, legislation dealing with special policing operations and measures aimed at combating criminal activity. Hinds, who previously served as Minister of National Security under the former PNM administration, was photographed seated in the parliamentary chamber observing the proceedings. His appearance came as the controversial legislation attracted significant public and political attention over its proposed security measures and safeguards. The Special Operations Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 16 and passed the Lower House on September 19. It subsequently went before the Senate, where it passed its third reading by a 16-15 vote after Senate President Wade Mark used his casting vote to break a 15-15 deadlock. The legislation establishes policing districts and provides a framework for special operations by police officers, including operations conducted with assistance from members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. Hinds did not participate in the debate, but his presence placed the former national security minister among those observing proceedings surrounding one of the country’s most closely watched pieces of security legislation.