Motions

WHEREAS under the Constitution, the people of Trinidad and Tobago have asserted their belief in a democratic society and have recognized that men and institutions remain free only when freedom is founded upon respect for the rule of law; and

WHEREAS under the Constitution it is recognized and declared that in Trinidad and Tobago there have existed and shall continue to exist the fundamental human right of the individual to life and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except by due process of law and, the fundamental human right of the individual to the protection of the law; and

WHEREAS the Police Service is an essential pillar in upholding the rule of law and in ensuring the aforesaid fundamental human rights; and

WHEREAS the unprecedented twenty-one killings of persons by members of the Police Service has generated considerable alarm, anxiety and apprehension in the country and eroded public confidence in the Police Service:

BE IT RESOLVED that this House:

1. reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law and the aforesaid fundamental human rights of the individual;
2. call on the relevant authorities to take steps to review by way of a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal all the actions of the Police in the police killings of persons;
3. agree that Government provide the necessary financial and other resources to effect the aforesaid review;
4. agree that this exercise be completed in the shortest possible time.

(By the Member for Siparia)