OPPOSITION Leader Pennelope Beckles is urging government to tread carefully with its proposed Stand your Ground law, as she claims the US state of Florida saw a big increase in homicides after such a law was introduced.

She gave the caution during her first press conference at the Office of the Opposition Leader, Charles Street, Port of Spain on June 3. The Arima MP also urged government to retain two law and order measures introduced by the former PNM government, namely the demerit points system for drivers' licences, and use of police stations for virtual court hearings.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in the campaign for the April 28 general election, had urged a review of the demerit system.