Kamla: I never ‘raped’

Siparia MP, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, raised eyebrows in the House of Representatives on Friday, by her witty retort to a Government Minister who had accused UNC politicians of wrongdoing. It all began when Oropouche MP, Dr Roodal Monilial, moved a motion on the adjournment of the House, criticising the Government’s handling of current industrial unrest. Minister of Labour, Anthony Roberts, hit back in his first speech in the House since being appointed a week ago to replace former minister of labour, Larry Achong. 

Roberts said that in contrast to the PNM’s rich history of working with trade unions, all the UNC in office had done was to rape the national Treasury. At that Chaguanas MP, Manohar Ramsaran, tried to object, but apparently had trouble remembering the relevant standing order. He fumbled. But Persad-Bissessar shot up, quoting the correct order, banning members imputing improper motives to other members. “I was a member of the UNC Government, and I have been accused of raping,” she moaned, “the Treasury.” At that many present broke into good-humoured giggles at her novel defence of her reputation and that of her colleagues. “This is slander!” she said.