Charles: Rowley-led PNM’s behaviour in Parliament “reprehensible”

Charles: Rowley-led PNM’s behaviour in Parliament on Friday was reprehensible, uncalled for, unbecoming of our democratic traditions and a poor example for future generation of parliamentarians.

Statement by Rodney Charles, PRO of the United National Congress and the party’s 2015 National Campaign Manager.

Colm Imbert, Photo Courtesy: newsday.co.tt

Colm Imbert’s hooligan behaviour in the House of Representatives Friday, arguing with the Speaker while the Speaker was on his feet is another example of how the PNM and Keith Rowley expect to run things if, Heaven help us, they ever get into government.

In a calculated attempt to divert attention from Rowley’s greed in standing firm on his support for increased salaries and pensions even after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had second thoughts and put the brakes on it, Imbert tried to distract by going after Anil Roberts and the LifeSport program making all manner of wild allegations that could only be stated under the protection of privilege enjoyed by legislators.

The fact is that the Prime Minister demonstrated leadership where Rowley failed miserably. While Kamla Persad-Bissessasr listened to public opinion and sent the “offending” pension bills to a Senate committee, Rowley and his MPs stood firm on it, finding every reason why they should get increased pay and pensions. That’s greed without principle.

While Mrs Persad-Bissessar was paying attention to what the people were saying and responding by amending her political agenda, Rowley and his caucus were not only supporting the hefty pay raise out of greed, but insulting everyone who objected, calling them rats.

So Imbert, realising that Rowley and the PNM were losing political ground, came up with an irrelevant motion to censure Anil Roberts when Rowley and Imbert knew that their plan was irrelevant since the Prime Minister had already ordered an audit into the Lifeport program.

But in their customary habit of bullying and intimidating everyone Imbert went to Parliament with the sole purpose of creating a diversion and then trying to bully the Speaker, demonstrating that the PNM and Rowley are absolutely incapable of acting responsibly. Their hooliganism shows a disregard for due process in a modern democracy.

Keith Rowley should be censuring Imbert for his rude and unbecoming behaviour, and his party’s Senate leader for calling decent, honest citizens rats.

Friday’s disruptive behaviour in the Lower House by Imbert is characteristic of  Rowely’s PNM that has lost its way, with anger and acrimony taking the place of reasoned debate. Kamla is the direct opposite and she and her coalition are stronger for her fairness, adherence to due process and decisive leadership on issues..

The Rowley-led PNM’s behaviour in Parliament on Friday was reprehensible, uncalled for, unbecoming of our democratic traditions and a poor example for future generation of parliamentarians.