Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles says the People’s National Movement (PNM) will host a public meeting in Tunapuna tomorrow to educate citizens about how their constitutional rights will be affected under the newly declared State of Emergency (SoE).
Speaking during an interview on CNC3’s The Morning Brew, Beckles said, “We will be having a public meeting on Friday in Tunapuna, because this is all about education. So often bills are debated in Parliament, and people really don’t have a clue as to what exactly is the legislation and how it will impact on their daily lives.”
The Opposition leader noted that while the declaration of a SoE often receives the most public attention, many citizens remain unaware of the detailed regulations that govern how the emergency powers are exercised.
Beckles said the meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of the legal provisions contained in the regulations.
“We are going to take the time to share with the public and take some questions and say to the average member of the country, be aware,” she said.
She also reiterated growing concerns about how emergency regulations could affect citizens’ use of social media and digital platforms.
Regulation 11 of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2026 states: “No person shall — (a) endeavour, whether orally or otherwise, to influence public opinion in a manner likely to be prejudicial to public safety; or (b) do any act or have any article in his possession with a view to making or facilitating the making of any such endeavour.”
This regulation is not new and existed under the previous Emergency Powers Regulations during the previous SoE, which lasted between July 18, 2025 and January 31, 2026.
“You have been hearing a lot of discussions about social media, about your phones,” Beckles said, noting that communication technologies have dramatically changed political engagement since she first entered public life in the early 1990s.
“I mean, you go back when I became a councillor in 1992, a phone wasn’t really a big thing. Now you can’t do it without a phone. It’s become fashionable to do a live, to do a TikTok,” she added.
Referencing the recent arrest of a social media activist during a previous SoE, Beckles warned that citizens need to be mindful of the legal consequences that could arise under emergency regulations.
The PNM has argued that the regulations allow the State to “police” expression.
Under these rules, the government can potentially criminalise the publication or distribution of information deemed “prejudicial to public order,” which the Opposition fears could be used to silence political dissent or media scrutiny.
“In a state of emergency, if you’re locked away, basically that’s there for the time,” Beckles said. “Your freedom being denied, if you are aware of the regulations, you may make a totally different decision.”
On Tuesday, Guardian Media asked the Prime Minister to respond to claims that the SoE is being used to stifle dissent against the government’s policies.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar responded, “PNM politicians are free to speak as much dumb things as they want, a right that they have profusely accepted all day today.
“That’s a pretty desperate accusation from people who are supporting dictatorships in Venezuela, Iran and Cuba.
“Also, I’ve repeatedly said people are free to mash up and burn down the place if they want.”
Meanwhile, Beckles said Friday’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 pm, although the exact venue is still being finalised.
