UNC backs Panday against Speaker

THE OPPOSITION UNC, yesterday stood solidly behind party leader Basdeo Panday in his latest clash with House Speaker Barry Sinanan. In a statement, the UNC said it supported objections Panday rai-sed in relation to the events of November 26 in the House of Representatives when the Speaker asked Couva South MP Kelvin Ramnath to leave the chamber. UNC MPs Manohar Ramsaran and Kamla Persad-Bissessar left the chamber after Ramnath. The UNC claimed by his actions, Sinanan was attempting to shield the Government from public scrutiny.

The Opposition further alleged that it has “responsibly brought” 34 motions of public importance before the Lower House and the Speaker had only accepted one. In a statement last week, the Office of the Speaker explained what constituted a definite matter of urgent public importance. The UNC declared that based upon his recent actions, Sinanan should do the honourable thing and resign forthwith. Last week, Opposition Chief Whip Ganga Singh said the UNC will soon dispatch a letter to Sinanan concerning the events of November 26.