Rowley: We'll seek advice on pepper spray

THE Prime Minister said on Wednesday the Government was not now considering passing laws to legalise the public use of pepper spray but would take expert advice on it.

He was replying to Opposition queries after an urgent question in the House of Representatives.

St Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen, in a supplemental to an urgent question, had asked if the Government would legislate the importation of pepper spray and its use by the public.

Dr Rowley replied, “That matter is not in front of the Government for legislation. What is in front of us is a decision as to whether such devices are suitable for widespread use in the population.”

In the original question, Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal had asked the PM the Government’s stance on pepper spray as a deterrent to criminal attacks.

At a briefing on Saturday, Rowley had lamented the recent murder of Ashanti Riley, 18, but warned the widespread use of pepper spray for women’s defence could also see criminals use it to make women more vulnerable to attack.

But on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police (CoP) Gary Griffith told a briefing he wanted to discuss legalising it with Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi.

Moonilal asked how the Government’s stance related to that of the CoP.

Rowley said, “The position as stated by me, as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, is that on this particular matter and similar matters, the Government will be advised by the appropriate experts and other considerations in the use of any such material.”

Moonilal pressed, asking Rowley’s view on Griffith’s stance.

“I have no view to share with the Member for Oropouche East,” Rowlet replied.

Moonilal asked if the Government would give more funds to the police to buy pepper spray to distribute to citizens, but Rowley said he would not discuss procuring unauthorised items.