Trinidad law to curb covert surveillance of citizens takes effect soon

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Saturday, 12.18.10
Trinidad law to curb covert surveillance of citizens takes effect soon
Law is result of disclosures about state-sponsored surveillance
By JEWEL FRASER
Special to The Miami Herald

In the wake of disclosure that a secret intelligence agency had been illegally wiretapping the phones of politicians, trade unionists, and others, Trinidad and Tobago is expected to enact a law soon that would regulate covert surveillance of its citizens.

The House of Representatives in the two island-nation passed the law in late November with the support of both the government and the opposition.

In addition to regulating the scope of state-sponsored surveillance activities, the law will also require a judge's permission before such surveillance can be carried out.

When Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar introduced the bill in Parliament, she revealed that the Security Intelligence Agency (SIA) -- a shadowy organization previously unknown to the public -- had been carrying out surveillance operations. The SIA activities included the wiretapping of cell phones and interception of e-mails and text messages.

More:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/17/1978757/trinidad-law-to-curb-covert-surveillance.html

[Downwinder]

1. Why do I suspect that the SIA had some foreign encouragement?

[Judi Lynn]

2. Crazy,. isn't it? I had to go look for a map, and was surprised at how CLOSE it is to Venezuela!

Ta DAAAAA!!!

On edit:
Reminds me of the bases being used near Venezuela, in Curacao, Aruba, etc. by the USAF, Navy, etc. Also extremely close to Venezuela.