Event Summary
On 7 July 2025, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly criticised the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) at a political rally, accusing it of hypocrisy for defending Independent Senators in a recent constitutional debate. On the same day, the United National Congress (UNC) issued a statement via its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Kirk Meighoo, further attacking LATT’s position. The statement questioned the Association’s legitimacy, accused it of misrepresenting the Constitution, and labelled its response to political criticism as “anti-democratic.” These public remarks follow the Law Association’s 6 July press release, which expressed “deep concern” over escalating attacks on the independence and integrity of non-partisan Senators. The Law Association is a central civil society body in Trinidad and Tobago and often speaks on matters of governance, justice, and human rights.
The incident marks a sharp escalation in executive hostility toward a key civil society institution and sets a precedent for how civil society institutions may be treated when they voice dissent. As a consequence, the incident may embolden further political attacks on oversight bodies and discourage civic actors from speaking out. The exchange thus highlights a deterioration in civic discourse and a pattern of delegitimising independent actors who challenge or scrutinise government conduct. This undermines both state–civil society dialogue and public trust.”