August 27, 2020

Anil Roberts Returns To Active Politics As Opposition Leader Unveils Her Picks For Senators

By Newsroom

Former United National Congress Minister, Anil Roberts, has been hand picked by Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, to serve as an Opposition Senator. 

The party issued a release on Thursday afternoon, announcing Robert’s selection alongside five other Opposition Senators.

The other picks for Opposition Senators are Wade Mark, Jearlean John, Jayanti Lutchmedial, Damian Lyder, and David Nakhid.

Mrs. Persad Bissessar has already written to President Paula-Mae Weekes, informing her of the picks, in accordance with Section 40 (1) (b) of the Constitution.

Roberts resigned from his post as Sports Minister in the wake of the controversial multi-million dollar LifeSport program back in 2014.

At the time he also resigned from the Parliament, having been the elected Member of Parliament for D’Abadie/O’Meara in the general election of 2010.

An audit into the program revealed it had been riddled with discrepancies, including procurement breaches and the involvement of some persons in criminal activities.

At the time of his resignation, Roberts consistently denied any wrongdoing but said he was resigning with ‘a heavy heart’.
 
The Opposition Leader has affirmed that her team’s presence in the Senate will be “strong, formidable and most importantly they will hold the Government to account at every juncture. “

“The new six Opposition Senators appointed will continue to reflect the mandate of the UNC, to bring more people to the decision-making table. I am happy to ensure that qualified citizens are given the opportunity to serve the nation by contributing to good law and holding the Executive to account,” she said.

 
The Twelfth session of the Parliament begins at 10:30am on Friday.
Share