Racism talk, Opposition walk out

During the sitting, the Opposition raised a matter of urgent public importance on the issue of flooding and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and other Opposition members knocked Government on their response following Tropical Storm Bret.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley defended his presence in Tobago during Bret saying he has a house in Tobago and lives there and he makes no apology for that.

He said all ministers and agencies were on the job and he congratulated everyone who responded.

Princes Town MP Barry Padarath, speaking following Rowley, accused the Prime Minister of attempting to “mamaguy” and use public relations. He criticised him for visiting south Trinidad “with his hand swinging”.

“I know they have a disdain for the people of South Trinidad because they believe all those are UNC people,” he claimed.

During cross talk, the Opposition claimed Leader of Government Business Camille Robinson- Regis had called Padarath a racist. Speaker Bridgid Annisette- George then suspended the sitting. When the sitting resumed, Annisette-George said the matter of urgent public importance had ended and Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young would resume his contribution on the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill.

Persad-Bissessar stood and reminded Annisette-George that she had stood on a point of order and the Speaker responded, “I am on my legs. And you know much better.” But the Opposition Leader continued to protest and a Government member told her to sit down.

“You can’t tell me sit down. Sit down for yourself,” she shot back.

Annisette-George then said: “I understand that there is considerable human discomfort in the country and it must be affecting us all as their representatives. I would like us to continue with the business of the people in a manner that is in accordance with the standing orders which we have set for ourselves.

The debate on the matter of the definite matter of urgent public importance is now ended. We now revert to the bill which was in progress.” As Young rose to resume speaking, Padarath and Oropuche East MP Roodal Moonilal also rose with the latter citing a standing order. The Government bench questioned “on what?” and the Opposition bench responded “on your racist comment”. Young ignored them and attempted to resume speaking but Padarath rose and said there has been no ruling on that point of order. Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert told him, “sit down nah man.” Padarath told the Government bench: “You called me a racist.” Government member: “And she right.” Padarath shot back: “The most racist person in this country is you. What you talking about? The biggest racist is the Prime Minister. You want to tell me I’m racist.” Annisette-George shouted for order and then allowed Young to resume. The Opposition members began packing their things and began leaving the chamber. Annisette-George rose again and said, “it is the right of every member who wishes to leave to leave. But please...” “I’m leaving,” Padarath shouted.

Annisette-George told Padarath: “I would ask you to apologise for that and you can leave.” She asked him again but he responded “Madame Speaker when I get a ruling...I will apologise.” Annisette-George then ordered the marshal to “please escort him out.” The Opposition bench then proceeded to leave en masse.

A Government member said “indiscipline” while Rowley commented, “He coming back Wednesday.” Imbert said: “Allyuh hurry up and leave nah.” Young then finally resumed his contribution and said: “On behalf of Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West and the constituents that I represent I would like to now inform the right thinking citizens of Trinidad and Tobago that we distance ourself from the type of behaviour that we’ve just witnessed, and I personally as an individual think this is yet again another sad day and sad evening in the history of Trinidad and Tobago.

And the type of behaviour that the younger generations have just witnessed taking place from those on the other side is something that we distance ourselves in the strongest possible manner from.” He added: “Those on this side do not see the elements that were being suggested by those on the other side. We give our undertaking to the people of Trinidad and Tobago that every creed and race shall find an equal place under this PNM administration.” Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said he was standing again to wrap up a debate in Parliament with no Opposition opposite him and added, “I must point out for the record that the business of the people of Trinidad and Tobago in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago which is responsible for the creation of laws in Trinidad and Tobago causes us to have to do our work. And I wish to distance myself most respectfully and the Government from the walk out by the Opposition.” The House proceeded to pass the bill without the Opposition.