Marcelle Claims Special Operations Bill Bypasses Constitutional Safeguards

Speaking live at a PNM Town Hall Meeting tonight Sep 22nd 2026 to discuss the Special Operations Bill, Opposition MP for Laventille West Kareem Marcelle accused the Government of attempting to bypass constitutional safeguards, arguing that legislation capable of restricting citizens’ rights should require a three-fifths parliamentary majority.

Marcelle made the comments at the Murchison Brown Auditorium at City Hall in Port of Spain, where Opposition parliamentarians and legal professionals gathered to discuss concerns surrounding the Special Operations Bill, 2026.

He argued that rights protected under Sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution, including freedom of movement, protection of property and safeguards surrounding arrest and detention, should not be interfered with through legislation passed by a simple majority.

Marcelle said legislation affecting those constitutional protections would ordinarily require greater parliamentary support and accused the Government of restructuring its latest crime-fighting legislation after the earlier Zones of Special Operations proposal failed to secure the required support in the Senate.

The Laventille West MP described the latest move as an attempt to introduce similar powers through legislation that can instead be approved by a simple majority.

According to Marcelle, the previous Zones of Special Operations legislation required a three-fifths majority because of its potential impact on constitutional rights.

He argued that the Government has now returned with the Special Operations Bill without the requirement for a special majority.

Marcelle went further, describing the new bill as unconstitutional and warning citizens to pay close attention to the powers being proposed.

His comments represent his and the Opposition’s interpretation of the legislation. There has been no court ruling declaring the Special Operations Bill, 2026 unconstitutional.

The legislation seeks to establish policing districts across Trinidad and Tobago and provide for special operations by police officers, with military assistance from members of the Defence Force where required.

The bill also provides for officers participating in special operations to receive training in human rights, use of force, community engagement and conflict de-escalation, along with reporting and operational protocols.

The Government has maintained that the legislation is intended to strengthen the fight against serious crime while providing safeguards and oversight.

The Special Operations Bill was passed in the House of Representatives and received its first reading in the Senate on September 22.

Marcelle, however, urged citizens not to view the debate solely as a question of fighting crime, arguing that Parliament must also consider the impact of granting additional powers to the State.

He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue scrutinising the legislation as it moves through Parliament.