Trinidad’s opposition backs bail bill in major boost to crime fight

(Trinidad Guardian) A major boost in the police’s anti-crime arsenal is expected to unfold following Wednesday night’s passage of the Bail (Amendment) Bill which was surprisingly supported by the Opposition.

Both sides from the House of Representatives came together in a rare show of unity to pass the legislation.

It was passed around 7.25 pm by a total of 32 votes — 22 Government MPs and 10 UNC MPs present.

The positive outcome came during the final stage of Wednesday’s special Parliament sitting to debate the bill - and after several days of lobbying by Government to sway public support.

The government had called Parliament out of recess to debate the bill.

At the height of the recent crime crisis, the Police Service had requested the seven clause bill to lock away repeat offenders blamed for the sudden spike in gang-related murders. The provision of the legislation restricts bail for 120 days if someone has a conviction for serious offences and is charged for one of them again. Bail will also be restricted if someone is charged for a serious offence, is out on bail and gets charged for the same category of offence.

Offences include those which carry a penalty of 10 years’ jail concerning the Offences Against the Person Act, Dangerous Drugs Act, Kidnapping Act, Sexual Offences (against child) Act, Sexual Offences Act, AntiTerrorism, Trafficking in Persons and Firearms Acts. Culprits will have to prove “exceptional circumstances” where they feel should get bail.

The bill was passed without amendments although the Opposition had presented eight amendments. These were rejected by the Government. Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi told Guardian Media after the debate, that he was taking steps to have the bill proclaimed as law “immediately. The case the Government brought for this bill was unassailable.”

UNC deputy leader David Lee said, “We now want to see - in the shortest possible time - the results of this piece of legislation we’ve given Government.”

The development was an about-face for the Opposition which had refused to support the bill when it was presented in the Upper House in June. Then, it was passed only with Government and Independent senators’ votes.

On Monday, however, the Opposition signaled a softening of position and that the “door wasn’t closed” on the bill.