June 29, 2021

Opposition Walks Out Of Debate On Tobago Self Governance Bill

By Newsroom

Claiming an abuse of Parliamentary power, the Opposition United National Congress- led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar- walked out of Tuesday’s morning debate on the Tobago Self Governance Bill, leaving government MPs to vote alone. 

The walkout happened after the Opposition bench expressed upset over an extension of the Prime Minister’s speaking time to one hour- which was allowed as government Chief Whip Camille Robinson-Regis gave up her personal speaking time to the Prime Minister. 

Dr. Rowley was interrupted as he began wounding up the debate by Couva South MP Rudy Indarsingh, who took issue with the extension even after it was permitted by House Speaker Brigid Annisette-George. 

Moments after giving an apology for the interruption, the entire Opposition bench walked out of the Lower House. 

In a statement this evening, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar called the extension a breach of Parliament’s Standing Orders.

“After the Prime Minister used the 60 minutes allotted for the wind up of the debate, the Government then moved to extend the Prime Minister’s speaking time by another hour.  They were in breach of their own motion, and the Opposition took this as contempt of the Parliament and a flagrant breach of the practice and procedure of the Parliament,” Persad-Bissessar said. 

“The Prime Minister was clearly afraid of any other Opposition Member responding to him as we highlighted over the course of the two days how this bill does not serve the best interest of the people.  Just as he refused to listen to the people of Tobago, he refused to listen to any other Members today. His actions are indicative of a coward and a bully, who can only shout and run away,” she continued.

Earlier in his contribution, Dr. Rowley called on the Opposition to support the legislation, slamming their call for continued legislation coupled with no proposed amendments. 

“If my colleagues on the other side are moved to provide the nine votes that are required to add to our 22 votes- this country would be changed for the better forever. If on the other hand, Madame Speaker, my colleagues do not provide that support to make this historic movement forward for the people of Trinidad and Tobago- in particular Tobago- history would not be kind to us,” the PM said in his wounding up. 

The report has moved into the committee stage.

The House will convene again on Wednesday at 10:30 am.

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