The Opposition Leader has condemned the Government’s plan to introduce a Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, which proposes sweeping changes across seven laws
Among other things, the amendments would raise the legal age for alcohol and tobacco from 18 to 21, cannabis from 18 to 25, and gambling to 25.
This Bill is due to be laid in the Parliament tomorrow, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stating that it is meant to protect T&T’s young people.
Pennelope Beckles has referred to it as “The Railroading Of Democracy”, saying there was no consultation or national conversation to allow citizens properly examine the provisions before they went to the Parliament.
She also questioned the PM’s assertion that the measures are meant to protect youngsters, saying the legislation creates new offences, some of which carry fines of up to $50,000 or possess rehabilitation requirements.
She says it also increases several penalties, some of which are more severe than the penalties for certain offences involving assault or threats of violence.
Ms Beckles’ statement goes on to say, “What is the Government’s justification for imposing such severe penalties on young people? Is this really about protection, or are we creating a system that punishes our nation’s youth without sufficient public debate?”
