MP Ramnath referred to Privileges Committee

House Speaker Barry Sinanan has sent UNC MP Kelvin Ramnath to the Privileges Committee for referring to  him (Sinanan) and Deputy Speaker Hedwidge Bereaux as “fools”. Sinanan told the House of Representatives yesterday that he was satisfied that, prima facie, a case of breach of privilege had been made.

Earlier this week Senate President Linda Baboolal had to speak about standards of good behaviour in the Parliament. Yesterday Sinanan had to take action to deal with indiscipline. Ramnath, who is known for his caustic comments,  told a rally organised by trade unions representating Caroni that the Opposition would not be able to settle the Caroni restructuring plan of the Government in Parliament because the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker were fools. Leader of Government business, Ken Valley referred the MPs  “disparaging remarks” to the Speaker. And in doing so, Valley pointed out that Ramnath’s criticism was fuelled by the decision by the Chair on March 7 not to grant him (Ramnath) permission to raise the Caroni issue as a definite matter of urgent public importance.

The Privileges Committee has a majority of Government members. If the Committee finds that there has been a breach of privilege, it could request for an apology from the member or  reprimand him. For serious offences, the Committee can recommend the suspension of the member. Ramnath was not repentant yesterday. In fact egged on by his leader Basdeo Panday, the firebrand redoubled his attack on the Chair. “Kelvin, I want to congratulate you,” Panday said warmly, walking over to Ramnath to shake his hand,  as the Speaker concluded his statement and took his seat. Ramnath replied: “Spies!” a reference to Panday’s statement about Linda Baboolal.  Later in crosstalk, a defiant Ramnath told Valley: “I will deal with him (Sinanan) outside. He and Bereaux.”

Sinanan said the effectiveness and dignity of Parliament, as with any institution, was based on the extent to which it adhered to standards of discipline, decorum and self-respect in the discharging of its duties. Noting that the Chair was expected to be impartial and judicious, Sinanan stated that the Standing Orders were there to help him to  accomplish this goal.  While they (the Standing Orders) may be  considered irrelevant and restrictive by some, until they are  changed, all members must  abide by them, the Speaker said.