Trade Unions Show Support For Home Invasion Bill
Trade unions were next in line to have their say on the Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill 2025, which seeks to allow victims of home invasions to lawfully defend themselves.
At Friday’s consultation, the General Secretary of the National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) and President General of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU), Michael Annisette, pledged the support of union leaders for the Bill.
However, he proposed a number of safeguards to be put forward: « A fair and balanced approach will give citizens confidence in the ability to defend themselves while ensuring no law becomes a shield for bias, which is a reality, recklessness, which is a reality, and unlawful violence. »
One trade union member raised the question of simplifying the process of acquiring firearms in instances of attacks.
« The issue I am having and how I see it is, for this legislation to be effective, law-abiding citizens must be able to acquire a firearm. It must be more accessible and affordable, because when these bandits come into your home, they’re not coming with no knife and cutlass again. They’re coming with ALR rifle and 9mm and in order for you to protect yourself, you have to have fire to face fire. »
Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander distinguished between the laws under the possession of a firearm and the Home Invasion Bill if passed. The Bill proposes that victims can lawfully use any object to defend themselves.
« Not everyone will be qualified for a firearm, but that doesn’t prevent you from sharpening your minds back and front in some cases, or presenting some object that can prevent persons from taking advantage of you. The whole purpose of this Bill when it comes to law is that you do not have to retreat. You defend yourself by any lawful means necessary. »
Minister Alexander urged the public to engage in the ongoing consultations.
