Uproar in House over Mandela

The Opposition UNC nearly caused an uproar in the House of Representatives yesterday as it tried to allege that Government had ruled out the possibility of former South African president Nelson Mandela addressing a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. In requesting the adjournment of the Lower House, Leader of Government Business Ken Valley noted that because Mandela will be in Trinidad and Tobago on April 29 and 30, both the Government and Opposition felt it was prudent that the Lower House not sit on the latter date in lieu of celebrations being planned for his visit. “We are adjourning to May 7 and on May 7 that is Private Members Day. We have agreed that we would allow the Opposition to have Private Members Day. By agreement with the Chief Whip that will be Private Members Day,” Valley explained.

However, no sooner had Valley taken his seat, Opposition Chief Whip Ganga Singh rose to reply,  “What the Leader of Government Business indicated, has been the agreement, however I was not able to prevail upon him to have a joint sitting of Parliament to honour Mr Mandela.” “It was not even discussed!” Valley cried as he leapt to his feet, evoking a chorus of shouts from both sides, causing Speaker Barry Sinanan to appeal for order. Once calm was restored, Singh stated: “We on this side, we would be willing to give up Private Members Day to honour Mr Mandela.” Parliament was then adjourned with no further protests from the UNC. Speaking afterwards with Newsday, Valley said Singh was trying to score political points on Mandela’s visit and it was regrettable. The Trade Minister then hinted that Government has planned something to honour the former South African president on April 30. While he was uncertain what that event could be, Valley said the Foreign Affairs Ministry would be making all of the arrangements.