The Opposition United National Congress has filed a motion of Privileges against National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, for what the party says were degrading and vulgar comments he made toward MP for Chaguanas East, Vandana Mohit, during Monday’s sitting of the House of Representatives.

Hinds had referred to a minority report submitted by members including Ms. Mohit as “almost naked” and “skimpy”, prompting House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George to warn him that his language might be considered unparliamentary.

Opposition Chief Whip and Pointe a Pierre MP David Lee filed the motion calling for Minister Hinds to be brought before the Privileges Committee after he had breached one of the fundamental Privileges of Parliament which all Members are entitled to in the “freedom from obstruction, interference, intimidation and molestation.”

“It is the view of the UNC that the unparliamentary, vile and vulgar remarks made by the Member for Laventille West at the sitting of the House of Representatives on 23rd May 2022 not only breached the Privileges of the Parliament but contravened the immunities that are afforded to all Members which must be protected, preserved and upheld at all times,” the party said in a statement on Thursday.