Soldiers to get powers of arrest to fight crime: PM Kamla

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters Tuesday she will seek Parliament's approval for special powers of arrest for soldiers as part of her government's plan to fight crime.

Speaking at a media conference at her office, Persad-Bissessar, who is also head of the National Security Council, said council members suggested that at their last meeting.

She acknowledged that the controversial idea might face legal challenges, which is why she wants the matter debated in Parliament.

The Prime Minister said a primary focus for the People's partnership government will be parliamentary reform which it will be "pushing very aggressively". She promised that independent Senators would chair parliamentary committees.

She explained such a system will create a more democratic balance in the committees.

She also said a priority issue on her legislative agenda will include the election promise to increase the Old Age Pension to $3,000 per month. She hopes to have that ready by September 1.

Others issues include legislation to scrap the property tax.