Faris, Devant row over obeah

The two Senators sparred in the late hours of Tuesday night as the Senate debated the National Trust (Amendment) Bill 2014.

Maharaj said, “You would recall during the 1990s when the Red House serpent, in the middle of the night, was spirited off because the PNM believed that it was part of their cult. They engaged in necromancy.”

Government MPs thumped their desks in support.

But Al-Rawi rose to object under standing order 35(5) that bans an MP from imputing improper motives to another MP.

Maharaj asked whom had he impugned, asking Al-Rawi if he took it personally?

Al-Rawi said, “That is just rude.”

Maharaj retorted, “Who I impute? Who I impute?”

Al-Rawi said, “I am a Member of the PNM, I take offence to that.”

Senate President Raziah Ahmed ruled that there seemed to be no attempt to impute an improper motive to any MP and urged Maharaj to continue.

Even as Maharaj said his thanks, an incredulous Al-Rawi ejected, “What!”

Al-Rawi alleged unparliamentary language. Maharaj challenged him to state his standing order. Al-Rawi replied, “I am raising a point of privilege.”

Government Chief Whip, Senator Ganga Singh interjected to say Al-Rawi could not raise a point of privilege, but Al-Rawi insisted he could.

Al-Rawi cited section 55(1) of the Constitution, only to be rebuffed by Singh, again.

Al-Rawi, as if fed up with Singh’s interjections, appealed to Ahmed, saying, “Madam President I am addressing you.”

The wrangling between Al-Rawi and Singh continued.

Al-Rawi insisted Maharaj’s remarks on necromancy had been insulting and unparliamentary, and should be struck off the record.

Al-Rawi again appealed to Ahmed to make her voice heard over Maharaj and Singh, saying, “Madam President, you are the Presiding Officer in all of this.”

Singh accused Al-Rawi of abusing the Chair, while Al-Rawi reiterated that Singh was abusing the rules.

Al-Rawi had a clash with Tourism Minister, Gerald Hadeed, who then apologised. Maharaj resumed his speech saying that in 1991, MPs had removed the sea serpent, an artefact, Ahmed asked him to withdraw those words.

Maharaj concurred, partially, “Under duress I withdraw it.” But he added that he was not withdrawing the word “necromancy”, although suggesting it might be replaced by the word “obeah”.

Yesterday Opposition sources complained to Newsday that it seems Singh had sought to usurp the Senate President’s role. Newsday was unable to contact Maharaj or Singh.