Moonilal tells Govt: Blood on your hands if you pass bill

Referring to the clause, Moonilal warned it could trigger a situation where people accused of murder, who are currently incarcerated, would walk free after 18 months. While saying the Opposition is prepared to support the Government to deal with the country’s crime problem, Moonilal declared the Opposition is, “not about joining the Government to break the law.” Arguing that the Constitution does not permit the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to function as a judicial authority, Moonilal claimed this point was made by Finance Minister Colm Imbert in 2014 when he was an Opposition MP. “This is reckless! This is dangerous!” Moonilal declared.

In his contribution, Ramadhar said this legislation was, “running us into a dictatorship.” He argued that PNM members like Franklin Khan and Eric Williams were saved from prison sentences as a result of evidence which came forward at the preliminary inquiry stages of their respective matters. Defending the Runoff Bill which was brought by the PP, Ramadhar said it would have rid the country of the evil of minority governments. Referring to an earlier contribution of Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, Ramadhar opined that Deyalsingh would have been recalled as St Joseph MP if the Runoff Bill became law