Persad-Bissessar calls Independent Senators ‘satanic’ after Special Operations Bill vote

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has sharply criticised Trinidad and Tobago’s nine Independent Senators after they unanimously voted against the Special Operations Bill, 2026.

The legislation passed the Senate following a 15-15 deadlock, with Senate President Wade Mark using his casting vote in favour of the Bill. The final parliamentary record shows 16 votes for and 15 against. All 15 Government Senators supported the legislation, while the six Opposition Senators and nine Independent Senators opposed it.

Responding to the result, Persad-Bissessar described the Independent Senators using terms including “satanic” and “demons” and accused them of effectively siding with drug traffickers, rapists and violent criminals by rejecting the Government’s crime-fighting legislation. Those were accusations made by the Prime Minister and not findings about the senators or their reasons for voting against the Bill.

Persad-Bissessar also said her Government would no longer accept amendments from the Independent bench on future legislation, arguing that those who want to write laws should contest elections and earn seats in Parliament.

Independent Senators, however, raised several substantive objections during debate and committee proceedings. These included concerns about safeguards, oversight, the definition of special operations, the appointment of Heads of Special Operations, limits on closed areas and curfews, detention provisions and the use of body cameras during operations.

The Prime Minister also referenced previous disagreements involving the Children’s Life Fund Amendment Bill, claiming the Independent bench had voted against helping sick children.

However, Independent Senator Anthony Vieira previously disputed that characterisation. He said the Independent Senators supported the Children’s Life Fund legislation itself but backed amendments they believed would strengthen it. Parliament’s official record shows the Bill was approved with amendments before receiving presidential assent in July 2025.

The Special Operations Bill establishes a framework for enhanced security operations in designated areas, including provisions for closed areas, checkpoints, movement restrictions and other policing measures. Its passage followed the Government’s earlier unsuccessful attempt to secure approval for Zones of Special Operations legislation.