Camille Robinson-Regis Demands Maloney Intelligence Disclosure, Questions Curfew Justification and Missing Permit Procedures
Trincity/Maloney Member of Parliament Camille Robinson-Regis has demanded that the Government disclose the intelligence and operational justification behind its decision to declare the Maloney Buildings Housing Development a closed area, questioning whether the extraordinary restrictions were necessary and whether authorities were adequately prepared to implement them.
Speaking on behalf of the People's National Movement (PNM), Robinson-Regis challenged the circumstances surrounding the declaration under the Special Operations Act, 2026, which has resulted in a nightly curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
She questioned what evidence had established that ordinary policing measures were insufficient, particularly given the presence of an established police station serving the community.
"Was an assessment done? Were alternatives considered? What criteria was used?" she asked.
Robinson-Regis insisted that the Government must provide a proper explanation for invoking powers that restrict residents' freedom of movement.
She demanded disclosure of the intelligence that prompted the decision, along with the legal and operational justification for the measures.
"National security can't just be used as a blanket explanation," she declared, arguing that security considerations did not remove the Government's responsibility to account for its decisions.
Questions Over Intelligence and Parliamentary Accountability
Robinson-Regis pointed to provisions of the legislation requiring the grounds for the declaration to be brought before Parliament within seven days.
She said she wanted to know what information had been presented to President Christine Kangaloo that resulted in the declaration.
The MP also warned against presenting explanations that she considered inadequate or unrelated to the actual security circumstances in Maloney.
Her comments come as Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro maintains that intelligence concerning escalating gang activity and possible violent reprisals prompted the intervention.
Guevarro has said traditional policing measures were attempted before the extraordinary powers were invoked.
However, the Commissioner has declined to disclose sensitive operational intelligence, citing security concerns.
MP Claims Police Were Not Ready With Permits
Beyond questioning the justification for the operation, Robinson-Regis raised concerns about its implementation.
She said she personally visited the Maloney Police Station to obtain information about the restrictions and how residents were expected to comply.
According to her account, she entered the area without encountering officers checking identification or requesting permits.
She said she did not observe police vehicles or officers blocking the entrances along her route during that visit.
Robinson-Regis suggested that the absence of visible enforcement arrangements raised questions about whether the authorities were operationally prepared.
She further claimed that police officers she spoke with acknowledged that permits were not yet available and that the necessary arrangements had not been established.
"They don't have any permits," she reported, adding that officers had indicated the system was not yet in place.
These claims have not been independently confirmed and may reflect the arrangements at the time of her visit rather than the current operational situation.
Residents Await Instructions
Robinson-Regis said officers informed her that a meeting was scheduled for 7 p.m. to explain to residents how the restrictions would operate.
She questioned why the community had already been placed under extraordinary restrictions without clear procedures being communicated beforehand.
The MP raised practical concerns about where residents were supposed to apply for permits, how applications would be processed and what arrangements would be available to people needing to travel for work or other essential purposes.
She argued that residents should not be left uncertain about their legal obligations while restrictions were already in force.
Police Announce Community Liaison Units
Meanwhile, Commissioner Guevarro has announced that two police micro-units were installed overnight within Maloney to serve as community liaison centres.
He said residents would be able to access police services, obtain permits and provide information to officers through the facilities.
The Commissioner's announcement addresses some of the operational concerns raised by Robinson-Regis, although questions remain about when the permit arrangements became fully operational and how residents would receive instructions.
Government Faces Questions Over Extraordinary Powers
The Maloney declaration represents the first reported use of the closed-area provisions of the Special Operations Act, 2026.
While the police maintain that the intervention is necessary to prevent further violence and protect residents, Robinson-Regis argues that the Government must demonstrate why ordinary policing was inadequate and explain how residents' rights will be protected.
The dispute now centres on two issues: whether the intelligence justified the extraordinary security measures and whether the arrangements for implementing those measures were sufficiently clear to affected residents.
With parliamentary scrutiny required under the legislation, attention is expected to turn to the Government's formal explanation of the grounds for the declaration.