Kamla teases PM Rowley with FATCA

The far-fetched letter written by Persad-Bissessar to US President Donald Trump on FATCA is clear evidence the Opposition does not want to support the legislation.

The privilege that Persad-Bissessar holds in situations like this as Opposition Leader when a three-fifths majority is needed in the Parliament can make or break legislative agendas. She is being mischievous in her posturing on the legislation.

Giving the impression in the public domain that her side is willing to support the legislation now seems to be nothing but a tease of her power. The power of the position of Opposition Leader has been demonstrated as the Government is now trying to avoid a possible request for a third extension. The Opposition’s reasoning for requesting more time at the JSC stage appeared to be a mountain of delay tactics.

The public is still uncertain as to what it is really trying to achieve by continuously delaying support for the Bill. Should this type of behaviour continue, the public will witness a very unproductive five-year parliamentary term.

“We need more time,” “We have not seen all the documents,” “The Opposition was not given sufficient notice before the sitting of the JSC” and similar stories were advanced for the Opposition withholding its support at the most recent debate.

The constant delays and apparent teasing with regard to the passing of this Bill only points to a unwillingness to truly support the global FATCA legislation.

The citizens of this country are not blind nor are they dumb.

We would like Persad-Bissessar to stop teasing, delaying and attempting to circumvent our country’s global obligations and vote for the legislation next Thursday so that we can all put this issue to rest and move on.

Ronald Huggins St Joseph