Robin Montano storms out of Senate — deemed ‘irrelevant

Opposition Senator Robin Montano blew his top in the Senate yesterday and  stormed out of the Chamber after Senate President Linda Baboolal ruled that he was being irrelevant.

"This is an abomination!" Montano fumed, as he slammed his papers into his briefcase. His colleague, Senator Carolyn Seepersad Bachan was tugging at his sleeve in an obvious attempt to calm him down. But Montano was not going to be subdued. "Madame President, it is clear to me, absolutely clear to me, that you are not interested in a free debate! And I will take no further part in this! I am out of here!" he ranted. "Anybody else (to speak)", Baboolal asked, seemingly unperturbed by  the incensed Senator.

Independent Senator Dana Seetahal rose to make her contribution. "Go ahead Senator," the President said to Seetahal,  as Montano marched out. His five colleagues kept their seats and the Senate continued calmly with its business. The Senate was debating an amendment to the Freedom of Information Act when Montano, who accused the government of "hypocrisy", cited  the statements made by Health Minister Colm Imbert in the House of Representatives at the time the Freedom of Information Bill was being piloted in 2001.

Government senator Rennie Dumas rose to point out that it was a convention not to  refer to debates in the "other place". The President concurred. And Montano commented that he was "astonished". Every time the Opposition came "close to the bone", the government tried to shut them up, the UNC senator stated. He then proceeded to give his experience in trying to get information under this government, more particularly from the Attorney General. But he was also denied the opportunity to give this "very relevant evidence". This time, Senator Joan Yuille-Williams pointed out to Baboolal that Montano was being irrelevant. "Good grief!" Montano shouted exasperatedly. He explained to Baboolal what he was trying to do, but she ruled that he was irrelevant