Gift Questions Permit Rules After Raising 2 A.M. Pregnancy Emergency

St Ann’s River North Councillor Alicia Gift has raised concerns about how residents could respond to medical emergencies if their communities are declared closed areas under the Special Operations Bill, 2026.

Gift made the comments during the public contribution segment of a PNM Town Hall Meeting at the Murchison Brown Auditorium at City Hall in Port of Spain, where members of the public were invited to question a panel about the proposed legislation.

Using her own family as an example, Gift said her daughter is currently pregnant and questioned what would happen if she went into labour during the early hours of the morning while their community was subject to movement restrictions.

Gift asked how she would be expected to obtain permission to take her daughter to hospital if the emergency occurred at two or three o’clock in the morning.

She also questioned whether someone responding to such an emergency could risk a fine or imprisonment if they left a restricted area without the required permit.

Her contribution followed an earlier discussion at the meeting about the permit system proposed for people entering and leaving areas declared closed.

Gift argued that the practical consequences of the legislation for ordinary families must be considered, particularly when emergencies cannot be planned in advance.

She also questioned why entire communities should face restrictions if authorities already know the identities of people involved in gang activity.

Gift asked why legislation could not instead be designed to deal specifically with suspected gang members without imposing restrictions on law-abiding residents living in the same communities.

She further questioned the need for the legislation against statements that crime has declined, asking why such extensive security measures were necessary if the crime situation was improving.

Her concerns extended beyond medical emergencies.

Gift questioned what movement restrictions could mean for cultural activities such as Panorama, where pan players may be required to travel between communities at different hours for rehearsals and competitions.

She also raised the example of residents attending Carnival events outside their communities and questioned whether they could encounter difficulties returning home if their area was subject to a permit system.

Gift asked whether enough consideration had been given to the economic consequences of restricting movement into and out of communities.

She questioned how businesses operating within affected areas would function if customers, employees or suppliers experienced difficulties entering.

The councillor also pointed out that political support does not necessarily follow constituency boundaries, noting that PNM supporters may live in constituencies represented by the UNC.

Her contribution focused largely on the everyday consequences the proposed legislation could have for ordinary residents rather than the broader constitutional arguments being raised by members of the panel.

Gift called for greater clarity on how emergency situations would be handled and whether residents would have adequate protection when faced with urgent medical, family or economic circumstances.

Her questions added to concerns raised during the town hall about how the Special Operations Bill could affect movement, access to services and daily life in communities subjected to special operations.

The transcript records Gift identifying herself as Councillor Alicia Gift for St Ann’s River North and raising concerns about pregnancy emergencies, permits, gang targeting, Panorama, events and the potential economic impact of movement restrictions.