Attorney General Faris Al Rawi has extended an apology to Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for alleging she and her family benefitted from government rental contracts during her time as Prime Minister in 2010-2015. 

“My contribution was not read from a prepared speech a the time… I had official documents which i verily believed supported the statements that I made,” Al Rawi explained in the House of Representatives on Friday.

“In addition, the Member for Siparia was not in the Chamber at the time of my contribution…no other member of the Opposition took objection to my statements, nor was there any request for clarification upon conclusion of my contribution,” he said. 

Upon learning that his statements were refuted by Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal, the AG said: “I withdraw my statements and hereby apologize to the Member for Siparia.”

The move to apologize saves Mr. Al Rawi from being referred to the Privileges Committee of the Parliament. 

Responding to his apology, House Speaker Brigid Anisette-George urged MPs to avoid abusing their Parliamentary privileges. 

“I must remind each of you that freedom of speech is regarded as the most valuable and most essential privilege. Your words spoken in the course of proceedings are protected only to the extent that the privilege is not abused,” the Speaker said. 

“I am satisfied that the Attorney General provided an explanation, withdrawal and apology at the earliest opportunity,” she said.