Former prime minister Stuart Young, SC, has rejected comparisons between gated communities and the proposed closed areas under the Special Operations Bill 2026, accusing the UNC of misleading the public about the legislation. In a video posted to Instagram, Young said he had seen arguments suggesting that gated communities were comparable to the cordoned-off areas, closed areas and curfews contemplated under the legislation. Young dismissed that comparison as “complete rubbish”. He argued that residents of gated communities do not currently have to seek permission from the State or police to enter or leave their homes, operate their businesses or receive visitors. Young questioned how that arrangement could be compared with provisions under the Special Operations Bill that he says could require people within designated closed areas to obtain permits to enter or leave.
“You don’t have to do that anywhere in Trinidad,” Young said, arguing that people currently do not need permission from the State or police to go to their homes or businesses. Young ended his message by urging the public to reject the UNC’s argument and described the Special Operations Bill as “akin to apartheid”. His comments continue a wider political dispute surrounding the legislation. During debate in the House of Representatives, Young similarly argued that the proposed permit system for closed areas could infringe on the rights of law-abiding residents. The Government has rejected his interpretation, with Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal arguing that a closed area could be limited to a street or smaller location based on police intelligence rather than encompassing an entire policing district.
According to Parliament, the Special Operations Bill seeks to establish policing districts and provide a legal framework for police, with possible Defence Force assistance, to conduct special operations aimed at combating criminality. The bill passed its third reading in the House of Representatives on September 19.
Article and image source: instagram.com
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