Attorney General John Jeremie says Trinidad and Tobago will be the first country in the Caribbean to implement Stand Your Ground legislation, which will give homeowners the legal right to protect themselves and their property using deadly force in self-defence.

The AG acknowledged that while the law may be seen as “draconian,” he says it is necessary to deal with criminals, and he believes in moving swiftly to have it brought before Parliament.

Jeremie noted that, on May 8, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced at a post-Cabinet news conference that a special committee would be established by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander to evaluate and propose effective measures enabling citizens to defend themselves and their property when faced with criminal threats.