The Maloney Buildings Housing Development in Trinidad and Tobago has been declared a closed area under the Special Operations Act, 2026, making it the first community to face restrictions under the new law.
President Christine Kangaloo issued the declaration through Legal Notice No. 847 on November 10. A separate order, Legal Notice No. 848, imposed a nightly curfew requiring residents to remain on their premises between 9 PM and 5 AM unless they hold a valid curfew permit or are legally authorised to be out.
Police established a heavy presence throughout the community on Tuesday night, stationing officers at access points and using loudspeakers to announce the restrictions to residents.
Trincity/Maloney MP Camille Robinson-Regis criticised the move, saying the government failed to communicate clearly with those affected before imposing the lockdown. She said residents had contacted her in panic, uncertain whether they needed permits to return home, and that even police officers lacked clear guidance on implementation.
"Government cannot use national security as an excuse to disregard people's rights, dignity and freedom of movement. Residents deserve answers, clear communication and an explanation," Robinson-Regis said.
She also questioned why Maloney faced such measures when other recent violent incidents had not triggered similar restrictions.
The Special Operations Act was passed by Parliament in September and proclaimed in October. The closed-area provisions had not been used until now.
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