27/11/2025
When Ministers and other government officials remove their own heavily-tinted windows, the public will be far more willing to comply. It creates frustration when citizens are expected to follow regulations that those in authority do not model themselves.
These policies end up placing ordinary people in discomfort, while decision-makers remain insulated from the real effects. If both citizens and police officers feel compelled to bend the rules simply to achieve a reasonable level of comfort, then it is clear the policy needs to be revisited. It goes to show these ministries and Ministers share one brain cell.
I fully support the removal of excessively dark tints. However, allowing a reasonable level such as 35 percent on the side windows would bring comfort without compromising safety. This is still stricter than countries like Barbados, where limits are 20 and 25 percent. A 65 percent requirement provides almost no real relief, even if technically it is said to block 45 percent of heat. The lived experience is very different.
If the goal is fairness and safety, then the policy must be practical, consistent, and applied equally to everyone.
Statement from Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond:
“All police ranks are hereby placed on notice:
“Any rank who has tint on their private motor vehicle that does not comply with the regulations, and who does not possess a valid tint permit, must remove the tint immediately.
“Ranks are further advised that no tint is to be reinstalled unless an approved tint permit has been formally applied for and granted.
“Let it be clearly understood that the law applies to everyone equally. Those empowered to enforce the law must be the first to uphold it.
“Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action, without exception.”
