Homeland Security Minister Defends Special Operations Rollout In Selected Constituencies
Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander is standing by the Prime Minister’s decision to authorise policing operations under the proposed Special Operations Bill in the 26 UNC-held constituencies, 70 UNC-held local government electoral districts and two Tobago People’s Party-held constituencies.
Speaking to reporters at the HDC’s viewing and development showcase of The Canopies At Caura on Tuesday, he defended the proposed rollout of special policing operations.
He argued that Government should focus resources on areas that support the initiative, rather than impose it on constituencies whose MPs have opposed similar legislation in Parliament.
« If you don’t want something by you, all we will do is put it by us and prevent those people, persons who want to commit offences against people here. We’ll build it like a fence so we’ll keep them away from good people. That’s all it is. »
As it pertains to residents who may support the legislation but live in constituencies represented by the Opposition, the Minister said they should make their views known to their MPs.
« Your representatives don’t want it. So you stand up against your representative then, if that’s the case. You stand up against your representative and say, ‘Listen, you’re speaking for you because you don’t live here. We want to speak for ourselves.’ And you’ll see the difference. »
Minister Alexander also rejected concerns about limiting the operations to constituencies represented by parties supporting the measure, insisting Government should not force the initiative on communities whose elected representatives have opposed it.
« If you don’t want something, should we force it on you? You are saying you’re going to the Parliament and saying, ‘My constituency don’t want this.’ I am saying to you, we’ll give it to the constituency that wants it and we’ll build a wall. It’s like a wall of law enforcement officers to prevent those who are lawless and committing crime against our citizens. »
Minister Alexander also dismissed criticism from the Opposition that the proposal is discriminatory.
« The PNM don’t know what is racist. I can tell you that. To make that statement, it sounds like it’s something that they just wake up and said suddenly. »
