Government is currently discussing issues raised on the Cybercrime Bill at their caucus meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, Government Chief Whip Dr Roodal Moonilal said earlier today.
Moonilal said Government decided to revisit the bill after complaints raised about certain aspects of the bill by the Media Association of T&T, T&T Publishers and Broadcasters' Association, Independent Liberal Party leader Jack Warner and several other interest groups and citizens over the last 72 hours.
The bill was brought back to the House last Friday, but Warner, MP for Chaguanas West, was the only opposition present. He opposed the bill, saying it would detract whistleblowers and muzzle journalists.
MATT and the TTPBA also issued statements objecting to parts of the bill which they described as "worrying" and "may ultimately result in the demise of our democracy."
Moonilal said this morning that it is not the Government's intention to suppress the media or whistleblowers with the legislation. He said the Government decided not to rush the bill on Friday after they became aware of some of the issues raised.
"We decided we would not vote on it on Friday last and we decided to caucus today and I intend to raise some of the issues, particularly as it relates to clause 9, clause 19 and 20," he said.
He reiterated that the Cybercrime Bill is meant to protect citizens and not "penalise or intimidate citizens" or media workers from doing their jobs or revealing unlawful acts.
Moonilal added that there will not be a redrafting of the bill, but amendments will be made to fix the issues highlighted as problematic.
"The amendments can be drafted on the floor. I did hear the comments and we do have submissions from stakeholder groups that speak to amendments. That is something we are looking at. If all goes well we can amend on the floor," he said.
He added that if there is a particular clause that is presented as troubling, then the clause can also be deleted entirely. He said the adjustments are necessary as there should not be anything hindering the bill because it is a necessary piece of legislation.