PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad . Sep. 25, CMC – Independent Senators Anthony Vieira and Dr Marlene Attzs are defending the role of the Independent Bench after sharp criticism from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar over the Senate’s rejection of the Special Operations Bill.
Both senators argued that disagreement with the Government forms part of the function of the Independent Bench and should not be treated as political opposition.
The Prime Minister had lashed out at Independent Senators following their unanimous rejection of the bill, reportedly referring to them as “satanic,” “demons” and “scumbags.”
Vieira said he would not respond to those remarks in similar terms, but expressed greater concern over Persad-Bissessar’s reported position that the Government would no longer consider amendments proposed by Independent Senators.
He said such an approach would undermine an important part of the parliamentary process, where legislation is expected to be examined, challenged and, where necessary, amended before passage.
Vieira noted that Independent Senators do not sit on behalf of either the Government or Opposition and are expected to consider legislation according to their own judgment and the national interest.
He said his objections to aspects of the Special Operations Bill were made on that basis.
Although he acknowledged that the measure contained improvements over the Government’s earlier Zones of Special Operations legislation, Vieira said he remained concerned about several provisions and sought additional safeguards.
Among the changes he proposed were a clearer definition of “special operations” and amendments relating to the Prime Minister’s involvement in selecting Heads of Special Operations. Those proposals were rejected by the Government.
Vieira said there was nothing unusual about the Government disagreeing with or voting down amendments. However, he said refusing in advance to consider proposals from Independent Senators would be a different matter.
Attzs, meanwhile, focused on the wider tone of the Prime Minister’s comments, saying political leaders should be seeking to ease tensions in an already divided society.
She also pointed to the timing of the remarks, which came as Trinidad and Tobago marked Republic Day and 50 years as a Republic.
Attzs said the occasion should have served as a reminder of the constitutional arrangements that deliberately give Independent Senators a place in the legislative process.
She recalled the argument made during the Senate debate that Independent Senators are expected to rise above party political divisions and consider legislation from the standpoint of the country as a whole.
Vieira also appealed for a more measured approach to political disagreement, arguing that governments should be prepared to hear criticism and assess proposed changes on their merits.
He said he intends to continue considering legislation case by case, supporting measures he believes are in the public interest and seeking changes where he believes they are needed.
For Vieira, disagreement with the administration should not be interpreted as opposition to the Government, but as part of the constitutional responsibility of the Independent Bench.
CMC/tt/kb/2026