Talks on Police Bills collapse

It took just 45 minutes yesterday before discussions between Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday broke down. The talks were aimed at reaching agreement on the controversial Police Reform Bills. The debate begins today in the House of Representatives with the bills facing a most  uncertain fate. The Opposition Leader, whose support is crucial to the passage of the legislation, was only prepared to say that he was entering the debate with a “very open mind.” “We are going to debate and I think that at the end of the debate, you make up your mind,” he said. Nevertheless he maintained his position that without checks and balances the Opposition would withhold its support. Asked what he would tell the population which was looking to both the Opposition and the Government to reach a compromise position, the Opposition Leader stated: “(I would tell them) ‘I have preserved your freedom. You owe me one’.” Panday revealed that the amendments proposed by the Government make the passage of a Police Complaints Authority dependent on a special majority. Previously, only the Constitution Amendment Bill needed a two-thirds majority.

“There are amendments upon the amendments so you have to paste them together so you understand the whole thing,” he said, referring to the amendments he received from the Government on Sunday. Panday said he spent most of yesterday trying to go through the amendments, and he indicated to the Prime Minister that he didn’t finish. He said he understood that Government had further amendments which would be tabled today. Added to this was the fact that Government planned to move all these amendments at the committee stage (and not at the start of the debate). Saying that he didn’t understand the logic behind this, Panday said it meant that the House could not debate these amendments during the course of the debate. “I think it is a rather awkward way to proceed myself,” he said. Panday noted however that the Prime Minister was adamant that the debate start today. “I don’t know what is the significance of the 29. This date seems to have been written in concrete, either concrete, or in superstitution,” he said half jokingly.

Noting that the Opposition had failed to convince the Prime Minister and the Government to continue the work of the Joint Select Committee, Panday said he didn’t think Government really wanted the bills passed at all. Asked whether Government and Opposition owed the Technical Team an apology for having wasted their time, Panday said the team understood that the bills they drafted would be subject to public comment. Saying that the PNM had cut short this process, Panday said crime had to be dealt with holistically. On the view that his original support for the bills appeared to be contingent on his continuing to be Prime Minister, Panday said it all hinged on public debate. “And what is the purpose of public debate if it means that it cannot change your mind?” he asked. A marathon debate is expected today with all members on both sides preparing to speak.