Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has warned criminals to leave communities facing special police operations. She says her Government will use tougher policing measures under new legislation.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Persad-Bissessar urged criminals to leave areas where authorities plan to conduct operations. The new law divides Trinidad and Tobago into seven policing districts. It also allows authorities to designate closed areas and gives law enforcement enhanced powers.

Persad-Bissessar, who chairs the National Security Council, said the Government would soon appoint heads of special operations for all seven districts.

The Prime Minister confirmed that police operations would take place in communities controlled by her ruling United National Congress (UNC). She did not clearly explain whether the operations would cover the entire country.

Questions also remain about how the closed-area permit system will work. The Prime Minister did not explain how residents would travel between designated areas and other communities.

Persad-Bissessar also criticised the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM). She suggested that communities represented by political opponents might not receive the same assistance if their representatives rejected the Government’s plans.

She said the UNC supports the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force in efforts to tackle crime.

The announcement comes amid disagreements between the Government and Independent senators over proposed legislation. The disputes include the Special Operations Bill and amendments to public procurement law.

Persad-Bissessar defended her administration’s right to pass legislation. She said voters gave the Government a democratic mandate and that her administration intended to use that authority.

The Prime Minister also launched a verbal attack on Independent senators who opposed Government bills. She accused them of trying to obstruct the administration’s legislative agenda.

The planned operations mark another step in Trinidad and Tobago’s response to crime. However, details about the permit system and the practical impact on residents remain unclear.