Baboolal threatens to oust Dumas from Senate

Local Government Minister Rennie Dumas yesterday earned a stern warning from Senate President Dr Linda Baboolal who virtually threatened to put him out the next time he misbehaves in the Senate. Dumas had crossed swords with Opposition Senators Robin Montano and Jennifer Jones-Kernahan, after Jones-Kernahan accused PNM founder Eric Williams of killing her sister and many others during the 1970 revolution. It all occurred during the debate on the private motion calling on Government to take immediate steps to have the Equal Opportunity Legislation effected.  Referring to the Black Power revolution, Jones-Kernahan stated: “What Eric Williams did was to smash the demonstration, smash the movement, jail the protagonists, the flower of the youth, the intellectuals... and he and his supporters killed over 13 of the finest sons and daughters who fought fearlessly, and who gave their lives for equality and justice, one of them being...”

Dumas rose and stated that he was sure Jones-Kernahan knew that she was violating the Standing Orders. Baboolal hesitated a bit, before saying that she herself was a little concerned about Jones-Kernahan’s choice of words. “Continue, but just be careful of your words,” she advised the UNC Senator. But Jones-Kernahan repeated her charge that 13 of the finest sons and daughters were killed in their struggle for equality “by the then regime, including my 17-year-old sister.” Beverly Jones, a NUFF guerrilla who lived in the hills during the time of the revolution, was killed by security forces. Dumas rose again to protest, when Montano shouted at him: “Why don’t you sit down and shut up.” Dumas lost his cool. “Not you! You don’t qualify boy! You don’t qualify to tell me to shut up!” he retorted. Baboolal intervened, but Dumas was intent on completing his verbal attack on Montano. “Members I will not have this carrying-on. If you stand on a point of order honourable minister then leave it up to me to make the decision,” Baboolal scolded. Dumas stated that there was no record in the history of this country of the government ever being guilty of the execution of citizens who were pursuing justice and equality. Jones-Kernahan repeated that her sister was killed in Corral Hills.

Dumas said he had uncles, cousins, who were shot at “in those same hills at that same time.” If we want to make this a personal family matter then we could do that...We cannot bring into this thing personal interests. It is a violation of your oath!” he thundered. Completely ignoring the loud sound of Baboolal’s gavel hitting against the table, Dumas continued his tirade. “Senator Dumas! Please sit down!” Members I don’t know what...So you have relatives and you have relatives,” a bemused looking Baboolal said as she looked from Kernahan to Dumas. “There is no reason for you to carry on like that. Besides which you are being discourteous,” Baboolal rebuked. “Sorry madam,” Dumas said. “If that happens again, honourable minister I will have to act against you, so please don’t let it happen again,” she warned.

Jones-Kernahan also slammed Government for creating the conditions for unfair pre-trial publicity for UNC supporters and former ministers on corruption charges. She said media headlines would have the effect of prejudicing the public against those persons associated with the UNC. But when PNM members were found guilty, “the headlines were subdued, buried in Page 5 and those persons are free to walk the streets and continue to attack.” This, she asserted, was in violation of the principle of equality before the law since people were assumed innocent until proven guilty.