Persad-Bissessar stands firm on Bail (Amendment) Bill

Despite a call by the Law Association of Trinidad & Tobago for the repeal of  the Bail (Amendment) Bill, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar remains resolute that the twin-island republic cannot expect to effectively fight crime while wanting to scrap legislation aimed at creating a safer country.
    
Mrs Persad- Bissessar, speaking to reporters on Thursday,  said the Bill was necessary, given that most murders were committed with guns.
    
The Bill was passed in the Senate on Tuesday night with the full support of  the Opposition People’s National Movement and some Independent Senators.

There will be no bail for up to 120 days if  a person over the age of 18 is caught with an illegal gun, or is accused of  using a gun in the commission of a crime.

Concern has been raised that the Bill does not adequately protect citizens from corrupt police officers who may plant guns on innocent persons.
    
The Prime Minister, responding to that concern, highlighted the fact that the legislation contains a clause that allows for future review.