“As MPs, we have done what we believe to be our duty under the Constitution.”

That was Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s sentiment shared following a motion moved by her party which sought to have a tribunal set up to remove President Paula -Mae Weekes from office, over allegations she acted improperly in matters relating to the Police Service Commission and its selection process for a Police Commissioner. 

At a press conference after the Motion was shut down, having received 47 votes against and 24 votes in its favour, Persad-Bissessar again questioned why a debate was now allowed on the Motion, which required two-thirds majority to be passed. 

“The Presidency is not a sacred cow and we have moved far beyond the divine right of kings and queens, and therefore accountability and transparency are of vital importance in good governance.”

“We are of the view that the guidelines issued by the Speaker to shut down the debate are illegal- they are unconstitutional. Null and void and of no effect. And this is why in the Parliament today, the Opposition is participating under protest in these proceedings, we made it very clear,” she said.

Contrary to what the very constitution mandates, Persad Bissessar argued that the guidelines for the Motion should have been created by the Electoral college- which comprises MPs and Senators- and not the House Speaker.