Stuart Young Criticizes Special Operations Bill, Warns of Police State; Government Defends Crime‑Fighting Powers

During a House of Representatives debate on Friday, former Prime Minister Stuart Young warned that the Special Operations Bill 2026 could erode constitutional protections and create a police state in Trinidad and Tobago.

The bill would divide the country into seven policing districts and allow authorities to declare specific locations within those districts as “closed areas” for special security operations.

Closed areas would permit restrictions on entry and exit, cordons, curfews, warrant‑less searches and special arrest and detention procedures.

Young argued the legislation concentrates power in the Executive, could disproportionately affect law‑abiding residents, and questioned the role of the President in declaring closed areas.

Government officials, including Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, dismissed the criticism as fear‑mongering and said closed areas could be limited to streets or properties, with Defence Force assistance under a statutory framework.

The bill also contains safeguards such as judicial oversight of detention, a two‑year sunset clause and a requirement for a Head of Special Operations in each district. It aims to target serious violent crime and gang activity where ordinary policing is insufficient, and was introduced on September 16.