Historian Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh is weighing on the application of ‘stand your ground’ laws in Trinidad and Tobago. The educator believes implementation could reinforce colonial stereotypes that developed countries are superior and developing countries should mimic their lifestyles and laws.
The UNC proposed “stand your ground” legislation has been a topic of conversation and since it was introduced earlier this year, PM Keith Rowley has shut it down saying that arming citizens was not the answer to the country’s crime problems, and was not a viable solution.
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Kamla Persad-Bissessar said, “We will bring legislation to Parliament to create a specific criminal offense of home invasion, which will involve increasing the sentences for larceny, burglary, serious assault, unlawful entry to your properties, whether it be your homes or businesses; and that you will be able to use force – they (criminals) come using force with guns, cutlasses, whatever it may be.”
‘Stand Your Ground’ gives someone who believes their life is in danger the right to use force, including deadly force, in self-defense. Opposition UNC promises to implement this law if they win the upcoming election.
Teelucksingh is concerned about racial profiling under the law which is prevalent in Britain and the US. He is asking the country to consider alternative scenarios.
