A heated debate left members of the Opposition livid, a few walking out of Parliament during the first segment of the meeting.
After hours of a lengthy debate to gain at least one vote the Opposition remained steadfast in their decision, to not support the extension of the States of Public Emergency. Thirteen Government Senators voted for the extension while the eight in Opposition voted against it.
The government on Tuesday used its majority in the Lower House to pass the extension.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, called for the support of the Opposition, as she says the State of Public Emergency saves lives.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade addressed claims around the constitutionality of the States of Public Emergency.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate Peter Bunting says last year there was an ongoing State of Emergency which reflected an increase in murder.
The current State of Emergency was declared across several parishes for 14 days on November 15.
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