Senate votes 29-0 for amended DNA bill

After a marathon 14-hour sitting of the Senate, Government secured passage of the controversial DNA Bill, with the required special majority as all senators present—29—voted in favour. None voted against and there were no abstentions. The legislation, presented by Justice Minister Herbert Volney, was approved yesterday morning after major concessions were made by the Government. Government was forced to make a major compromise on a provision relating to the permanent retention of DNA profiles. Opposition Senators Faris Al-Rawi and Terrence Deyalsingh and Independent senators Elton Prescott and Helen Drayton engaged in lengthy discussions with Attorney General Anand Ramlogan during the committee stage for that measure to be amended.

In the end, Ramlogan agreed to a compromise position, securing the support of the Opposition and Independent benches. Ramlogan said the legislation was a critical element in the Government’s fight against crime in T&T. The bill is expected to be taken to the House of Representatives for approval of the amendments.