Opposition Objects to Bridgid Annisette-George as Speaker of the House
Leader of the Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar has written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives to indicate that the Opposition Members of Parliament are not prepared to support the nomination of Mrs Bridgid Annisette-George as Speaker of the House of the Representatives of the Twelfth Republican Parliament.
In her letter, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar noted that during the 11th Parliamentary Session, Mrs Annisette-George did not exemplify and/or act in accordance with the basic principle which underpins the functioning of a Speaker, that of impartiality.
The Opposition Leader noted instances during the 11th Parliament where the Speaker curtailed Members’ contributions, forced Members to end their contributions prematurely, breached Parliamentary Principles, thereby affecting the Opposition’s ability to effectively contribute to debates on legislation.
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar warned that if Mrs. Annisette-George fails to recuse herself and/or to step down and/or to withdraw as a nominee for Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Opposition reserves the right to raise her conduct on substantive motions before the House and to debate any continuing impartial actions.
The Opposition also reserves the right to approach the courts to seek a declaration that the actions on Mrs. Annisette-George’s part, which are detailed in the letter, have deprived Members of the Opposition Benches of their rights to speak in the Parliament.
The Opposition Leader said she trusts that good sense will prevail and that Mrs. Annisette-George will act in the interests of our Nation.