The Zones of Special Operations Bill will be debated in the Senate tomorrow and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge is calling for support from the Independent bench.
During a media conference yesterday, he reminded that a three-fifths majority is needed for it to be passed.
He also delved into some aspects of the Bill, insisting the legislation does not have the sweeping powers of a State of Emergency.
According to the Minister, the bill allows for a defined geographical area to be designated a “zone of special operations” for a maximum of 180 days.
He said 180 days would be “the absolute outside limit and only in the most extreme cases”.
Mr Sturge also stated that areas within the zone to be the subject of a cordon for a maxim of 24 hours and for a curfew to be imposed within the cordon for a maximum of 72 hours.
Where cordons and curfews are imposed, he said operations will be surgical, targeting only persons or premises who are the subjects of reasonable suspicion.
The Minister also dismissed what he said was the PNM narrative that the Prime Minister can declare zones to target persons of a specific race.
