Padarath: I did nothing wrong

In a telephone interview with the Newsday yesterday afternoon, Padarath rehashed the parliamentary events on Friday night which culminated in an Opposition walk-out.

During his contribution on the debate of a matter of urgent public importance, Padarath accused Rowley of having “a disdain for the people in south Trinidad because they believe that they are UNC (United National Congress) people.” Asked yesterday whether he was convinced he did the right thing on Friday, Padarath said “Most definitely.

Because above everything else, my duty is for the public interest. And the 14,000 people who voted for me, voted for me to provide a voice for them whether it is inside the parliament or outside the parliament.

I was not wrong in those circumstances for standing up and fighting for the people of south Trinidad and the people of my constituency.” Newsday asked Padarath whether he did in fact call Rowley a racist as was previously reported.

Padarath said he did so in response to the Prime Minister’s own echoing of Leader of Government Business Camille Robinson-Regis’ accusation that he (Padarath) was a racist.

“I asked how could you call me a racist when you may be one of the biggest racists of all?” Asked whether he regreted referring to Rowley as a racist, Padarath said “That really is beside the point. The point really is what happened in Parliament on Friday night and I would like to stick to that.” Padarath said the government’s response to Tropical Storm Bret was not the only reason for him believing the PNM thought less of the people of south.

“We have had several protests happening in south Trinidad with respect to not only UNC held constituencies but even some of theirs. When you look at the water crisis that we have been having over the past few months and then the minister comes and says that there is no water crisis and half of south is without water.” Padarath went on to list “stalled projects” including the highway to Point Fortin and repairs to several schools throughout the southern region for which parents and students have been clamouring. “But that has always been the PNM. That is not any secret.” On the UNC’s intention to file a motion of no confidence in the Speaker of the House for her alleged failure to rule on the UNC’s point of order on Friday, Padarath said their grievances will be aired in the Parliament. Whether the motion is debated at the next sitting on Wednesday depends on the parliamentary agenda.

Princes Town Member of Parliament, Barry Padarath