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AFTER three days of lengthy debate, the Senate is no closer to passing the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations-ZOSOs) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026.

The House of Representatives passed the bill on January 16. Debate on the bill began in the Senate on January 20 and continued on January 21. Attorney General John Jeremie opened debate on the bill in the Senate on January 20. But Jeremie was not present in the Senate on January 21 or January 23. Questioned after a sitting of the House on the same day, Leader of Government Busines Barry Padarath said Jeremie was out of the country on business and Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj was acting for him.

Padarath said, "There was not on any type of secrecy at all." He added Jeremie was required to represent TT at a meeting in Barbados. "These matters are gazetted for all and sundry to be aware of."