Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle has warned that provisions under the Special Operations framework could place significant restrictions on residents living within designated areas.
During the PNM’s national conversation in St Joseph, Marcelle used a hypothetical election-day scenario to demonstrate his concerns about movement restrictions.
He suggested that a resident attempting to leave a designated area could potentially face checkpoints, permit requirements or other restrictions depending on the measures imposed.
Marcelle said his concern was not limited to elections and could extend to people travelling to work, caring for children, seeking medical attention or carrying out other ordinary activities.
He argued that communities should closely examine the powers provided under the legislation, including provisions dealing with closed areas, curfews and permits.
Marcelle described the issue as one involving constitutional rights and personal freedoms and urged citizens to remain informed about how the legislation could operate.
His comments reflected the Opposition’s concerns about the scope of the proposed security powers and their potential impact on residents.