Premier Wheatley said attempts were made to modernise the bill and consultations were done with the public. However, residents were not in favour of the revisions lawmakers made to the bill.

“There were some amendments made to the bill which were troubling to members of the public,” Dr Wheatley stated.

According to the Premier, the situation surrounding the response to the issue was toxic.

Premier Wheatley said the bill came so late to the HOA that the public was not given an opportunity to get familiar with the new changes to it.

Lawmakers have recognised that they will need to at least amend the principal legislation in some instances to move the bill forward.

“It is my proposal to withdraw this bill today and to next week come back with a very small amendment to be passed which will accommodate for the DNA which is required and is vital to the work of the police,” the Premier added.