Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – The main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has pledged to repeal four pieces of legislation if it regains office, arguing that the measures introduced by the current administration threaten democratic principles and constitutional safeguards.
The commitment was formalised at a special meeting of the party’s general council at Balisier House on Thursday, where members unanimously approved a motion opposing the legislation. The meeting was convened by political leader Pennelope Beckles and included the party’s legislative group.
The measures targeted for repeal are the Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Special Operations Bill 2026, the Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill 2026, and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Property, Public Property (Amendment) Bill.
Addressing a media conference after the meeting, PNM Deputy Political Leader Sanjiv Boodhu said the resolution called on the Government to withdraw the legislation and committed a future PNM administration to repealing the measures.
He said the party’s general council had condemned the Government’s “oppressive, undemocratic and unconstitutional policies”.
“This general council demands that the Government withdraw and repeal the legislation named in this motion,” he said. “And this general council confirms that the next PNM government will repeal the said legislation upon forming government.”
Boodhu expressed confidence that the party would return to office “by 2030 or before”.
Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle, who endorsed the resolution, singled out the Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill 2026, accusing the governing United National Congress (UNC) of seeking to gain an electoral advantage through changes affecting local government boundaries.
Local government elections are constitutionally due next year, Marcelle noted.
“The bill has one purpose. It is designed to give an unjust, unfair, unlawful advantage to the UNC,” he said.
Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi also criticised the proposed legislative changes, focusing on the Special Operations Bill 2026 and amendments to the public procurement framework.
Al-Rawi questioned the constitutionality of provisions granting the Prime Minister veto powers over the selection of police and Defence Force officers assigned to special operations. (CMC)