Baboolal and Montano clash again

In response to a question for oral answer, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Conrad Enill provided the Senate with a list of expenses incurred by G Tech, a foreign-based agency that provides technical services to the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).

The list was so extensive, that Enill took approximately 30 minutes to read it. It included cost incurred by G Tech to "Superintendent, Tobago Police," therefore, Montano sought clarification from Enill on this matter. At that point, the president announced that question time was over.

Opposition Senator, Wade Mark, then pointed to the Parliament’s clock and indicated it was not yet 2.15pm, which according to the Standing Orders, was the deadline for the question period. Baboolal indicated to Enill that he had 30 seconds left to answer and eventually declared that time was up.

Montano remarked to Enill, "the president does not want you to answer the question," which prompted Baboolal to demand that Montano withdraw the statement. He replied, "I meant it. I withdraw it."

However that did not satisfy Baboolal who after wrangling with the Opposition suspended Montano from the sitting. Angry Opposition Senators then proceeded to storm out of the chamber.

At a subsequent press conference in the Parliament’s Committee Room, the incensed Opposition Senators blasted the Senate president. Mark maintained that it was the duty of the Presiding Officer to protect the minority in the House, and to be fair and impartial.

They said that they would report yesterday’s events to the UNC’s Parliamentary Caucus today and recommend that a no confidence vote be initiated against Baboolal.