00:00Questions about legislation now before Parliament with the Center of a National Conversation hosted by the People's National Movement.
00:07The proposed changes affecting young people were among the issues discussed, with opposition leader Penelope Beckles calling for the government
00:15to host consultations.
00:16It's not that we in the PNM, it is not that we are not saying that we don't have concerns
00:23about alcohol, about drugs, and gambling, we are not saying that, you know.
00:28But we are saying that when you want to pass legislation, especially for young people, they're not stupid.
00:39They are smart enough and they understand the challenges. Listen to them. Give them a hearing.
00:48One of the specific concerns centered on the proposed age limits and the implications for people between 18 and 20
00:55working in affected establishments.
00:57We started the argument at 2 to 3 p.m. and put forward our question to the Attorney General.
01:05No member on the other side was able to answer.
01:08However, at 9 o'clock, when they finally brought the amendments to the Parliament,
01:15one of the things that they did put inside is an exemption for people in working environments between the ages
01:21of 18 to 20 years old.
01:23The discussion also turned to the constitutional rule of the President, including the circumstances in which assent to legislation may
01:32be withheld.
01:33What the Constitution says, however, is that the President may withhold assent and there is case law to guide us
01:44as to what extent assent can be withheld.
01:48Well, what the case law says is that the President may withhold assent to reflect on the constitutionality of any
01:56law she's asked to assent to.
01:58The proposed legislation governing new plant varieties was another issue raised at the forum with concerns about its potential impact
02:06on local farmers.
02:08It is really about corporatizing farming and internationally, globally, the corporations have got the resources to lobby governments to create
02:21international organizations that then lobby governments to pass these kinds of laws.
02:26That these kinds of laws support people who have capital and they disproportionately disadvantage the local farmers that just want
02:40to plant for themselves.
02:41The Special Operations Bill came under discussion with concerns about its provisions and their application in emergency situations.
02:48There is absolutely no provisions in the bill that clearly outlines for any exceptions in emergency situation.
03:00None whatsoever.
03:02Which means that you would be at the mercy of the police service to determine whether they should charge you,
03:11bring you before the court, and then if you are convicted to be faced with a fine of up to
03:20$50,000 and one year imprisonment.
03:25The discussion comes as several pieces of legislation have come under public scrutiny in recent days, with questions being raised
03:33about its potential impact on citizens and the powers they could confer.
03:37The government, meanwhile, maintains that the measures are intended to address issues in the public interest.
03:43With the bills at different stages at the parliamentary process, debate over proposed measures is continuing.
03:50Aksha Galston, TV6 News.
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