Jearlean John: Murders Down 41%, Why Aren’t We Celebrating?

Couva North MP Jearlean John has questioned why the 41% murder figure is being treated as a bad thing, telling Parliament that while the other 59% should not die by murder, the country is trending in the right direction.

In her contribution to the debate on the Special Operations Bill, 2026, John said she did not understand why some were unhappy about the decline. She asked why anyone would want people to die and suggested the focus should be on celebration and collaboration.

She also criticised fellow MPs for not using their time to propose ways to strengthen the bill in their communities. According to John, contributors should say how the legislation could be improved and what is happening in their areas, rather than simply dismissing it.

“We have problems. We are admitting we have problems. We are not hiding from it,” she said, adding that government is by the people, for the people, and of the people.

John urged those who are unhappy about the 41% figure to kneel and thank the Prime Minister, stating that a lot of lives have been saved in communities. She said she wants to hear what is happening in other communities and how MPs want to strengthen the bill, noting that she does not think the Attorney General would reject their input, but at least there should be an effort.

The Special Operations Bill, 2026 proposes policing districts and a framework for special operations to combat criminal activity, including police-led operations, possible assistance from the Defence Force, specialised training, operational protocols, and reporting requirements.

Article and image source: facebook.com