UNC Political Leader to act on advice from National Executive to file No-Confidence Motion against the Speaker
The National Executive of the United National Congress (UNC) views with great concern the response by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Bridgid Annisette-George to the official Opposition in Parliament, in particular on Friday 23rd June, 2017, when a Government Member shouted “racist” across the floor to MP Barry Padarath. The Princes Town MP was at the time debating a motion of urgent public importance with respect to the failure of Government to provide timely, effective and efficient relief to victims of Tropical Storm Bret, and at no time introduced race into the debate.
On three occasions, Opposition Members, including the Leader of the Opposition, and Members for Princes Town and Oropouche East called on the Honourable Speaker for a ruling on Standing Orders 48 (1) and 48 (6), which deal with imputing improper motives against a Member. The Honourable Speaker did not give a ruling on the Standing Orders raised, despite continued protestations from Opposition Members, and, instead continued with the business of the House.
Equally bad, is that the particular Minister was tacitly supported by the Prime Minister when he indicated that she was “right in her comment”.
Members of the Government have frequently used abusive and insulting language towards the Opposition, and the Speaker has taken no action whatsoever to stop this practice.
This is the latest example of an ongoing bias exhibited by this Speaker against the Opposition.
The UNC Natex has instructed the Parliamentary Caucus to file an appropriate motion on the conduct of the Speaker for debate on the Parliamentary floor.