Manning hints at larger Parliament

PRIME Minister Patrick Manning has hinted at his intention to increase the size of Parliament sometime in the near future.

“In Trinidad and Tobago we need to expand the size of our Parliament,” Manning stated while delivering the feature address at Sunday’s 50th anniversary ceremony of the Ste Madeleine Community Council.” He spoke of implementing strategies similar to those in the United Kingdom where a parliamentary committee oversees government procedures. However, Manning did not state how he was going to increase Parliament and which section of Parliament he planned to increase. Manning told the gathering, “In time to come, Trinidad and Tobago may have a larger Cabinet. We are looking in the future at a Parliament of increased size.” By this measure, Manning said, there would be a separation of Central Government from Local Government. The former would have the responsibility of policy formulation while the latter would be in charge of executing these policies. “If we do that, what in fact we do ensure is that all citizens have the opportunity for an input at all levels.” In such a scenario, the Prime Minister said, the idea of power-sharing then becomes “more applicable.” Via the consultative process which would be formulated, the Prime Minister added that community-based organisations would have a say in executing of policies. Manning also warned, “In a homogenous society like ours, differences conspire to divide rather than unite.”

Though he acknowledged that the economic networking and organisations globally are designed for benefits of larger, more developed countries, Manning said this country with its potential is somewhat different from others similar in size. “Life in  this country would be more efficient as we bring our vision to reality.”  According to the TT Parliament’s official website, Parliament comprises the Senate and House of Representatives. In the Senate, there are 32 members including Senate President Dr Linda Baboolal, Senate Vice-President Rawle Titus, 14 PNM Senators, six UNC Senators and nine Independent Senators. In the House of Representatives, there are 20 PNM and 16 UNC members, each representing a constituency which they won in the last General Elections. The UNC comprises the Opposition. The Prime Minister was accompanied at the function by his wife, Education Minister Hazel Manning. Both assisted in the distribution of awards to persons who gave yeoman’s service to their community, including retired schoolteacher Joycelyn Barrow, mas designer Gilbert Maynard and retired fabricator Edward Gabriel.