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By Aurax Radio | July 24, 2026 | 2 min read
Political pressure is mounting on Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander following the government's decision to revoke preventive detention orders issued against Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed. Former Prime Minister Stuart Young, former police commissioner Gary Griffith and the opposition chief whip Marvin Gonzales have all called for accountability, arguing the case exposed serious concerns over the use of emergency detention powers.
Former Prime Minister Stuart Young stated that senior officials must accept political accountability for the handling of emergency powers.
Calls for the resignation of Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander intensified Thursday after the government revoked preventive detention orders (PDOs) issued against Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed during the state of emergency. The detention orders were withdrawn following a government review that considered legal, medical and public interest factors. Stuart Young, the People's National Movement parliamentary representative for Port of Spain North/St. Ann's West and a former prime minister, said responsibility rested with those who approved and defended the detention orders, arguing that senior officials should accept political accountability for the decision. He said the revocations raised serious questions about the handling of the matter and the exercise of emergency powers.
Former commissioner of police Gary Griffith also called for Alexander's immediate dismissal, arguing the case highlighted fundamental flaws in the country's preventive detention framework. In a public video statement, Griffith said no politician should have the authority to detain individuals for extended periods without criminal charges being laid or evidence presented before a court. He argued that intelligence alone should not be sufficient to deprive someone of their liberty and warned that the government's decision could expose the state to costly legal claims from others detained under similar orders. Griffith also called for legislative changes to strengthen safeguards protecting constitutional rights while allowing law enforcement to investigate national security threats.
Former National Security Minister Marvin Gonzales urged Minister Alexander to resign, arguing the revocation of the detention orders undermined earlier justifications.
Former national security minister Marvin Gonzales also urged Alexander to resign, arguing the government's decision to revoke the detention orders undermined its earlier justification for keeping the Hadeeds in custody. Gonzales said the reversal raised broader questions about the administration's handling of the matter and the use of emergency powers. The government has maintained that the preventive detention orders were issued in response to credible national security concerns and said their revocation followed a comprehensive review of legal, medical and public interest considerations. The case has intensified debate over the balance between public safety and individual rights, with politicians, legal groups and former public officials renewing calls for reforms to Trinidad and Tobago's preventive detention laws.