Cropper scolds UNC Senator

Independent Angela Cropper yesterday said she felt disappointed that Opposition Senator Robin Montano could attend only one meeting of the SSC to consider the Anti-Terrorism Bill.

During debate of the committee’s report in the Senate, Montano explained that he attended only one meeting because he had professional obligations. He said he attempted to have other members facilitate him on afternoons, but the majority ruled that they were available on mornings.

In her contribution, Cropper said while her experience as a member of the committee was salutary, she had several regrets about the committee and its work, though "nothing radical."

Cropper said she felt the committee should have had more time to do its work, so she would not have felt rushed, and that all members could not attend all the meetings. She said she also regretted that more persons could not have attended the public consultation, which showed how much persons had to be educated and motivated to take interest in their own welfare.

She said she was disappointed that Montano was unable to attend more meetings, and she was surprised by his minority report. She said based on her attendance at meetings, she was not aware of any issue to which persons did not agree with. She observed that another UNC Senator, Roy Augustus, signed the report, but "by accident he is not here today." Augustus was absent during her contribution.

Cropper added that based on her capacity to reason, listen and analyse, the committee did its work. She said she was satisfied there was a "genuine attempt made to address the concerns." She said members tried to look at the major issues and if one went through the amended Bill, they may be satisfied that work was done. She said looking at Montano’s minority report, she wondered if they were new issues which were not raised during debate of the substantive Bill.

In presenting the report for debate, Committee Chairman Danny Montano, said the changes made the Bill a better one and the committee did quite well. He described the Bill as a work in progress, saying there was consultation with several persons, including former Chief Justice Michael de la Bastide, religious bodies, members of the legal profession and non-governmental organisations.

The committee met on eight occasions. Other members were Attorney General John Jeremie, National Security Minister Martin Joseph, Foreign Affairs Minister Knowlson Gift, Legal Affairs Minister Christine Kangaloo, and Independent Senator Ramesh Deosaran.

The committee was of the view that the amended Bill is a step in the right direction and will go a long way in assisting the security forces in their continuous efforts to fight crime, and rid the nation of terrorists and perpetrators of terrorist activities.