While the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) General Council has mandated that Lower House MPs not attend Parliament, some of them have concerns about its effect on the full and proper representation of their constituents.
On Thursday, party chairman Franklin Khan announced it had been decided that PNM MPs would not participate in Lower House sessions in response to the suspension of PNM leader Dr Keith Rowley from the Parliament for the remainder of the term—which ends June 17—unless the House rescinds its decision. This resulted from government’s approval of a motion of censure on Wednesday against Rowley over his May 2013 Emailgate presentation which alleged a criminal conspiracy by government officials related to the Section 34 issue.
PNM Senators will continue to attend sittings of the Senate. PNM general secretary Ashton Ford said yesterday senators could also participate in Joint Select Committee (JSC) meetings of Parliament, but Lower House MPs would not attend those meetings.
Rowley—now barred from all parliamentary proceedings because of the suspension—and MP Donna Cox, who serves on the JSC on National Security, were absent from yesterday’s meeting which questioned security officials about the co-ordinated police lockdown of the main roadways in March. (See Page A6)
PNM insiders told T&T Guardian that at Thursday’s council meeting a majority of members aired views on the plan for MPs to stay away from Parliament. They said a handful expressed caution about walking out and staying out of Parliament (and the passing of laws without Opposition input); about three to five people from Mayaro, south and other constituencies expressed specific concern on how staying away from Parliament might affect constituents’ representation.
They said the leadership subsequently explained that since only a short period remained for the term, MPs could carry on working because not all work was done in Parliament.
Several MPs said they spent yesterday liaising with constituents.
MPs WALKED OFF JOB—MOONILAL
Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives Dr Roodal Moonilal yesterday told reporters that the PNM was abdicating its duty by choosing to stay away from parliamentary activity.
“The PNM has abdicated their responsibility and duty to the people they represent in skipping the house and JSC session today. It’s a shocking admission of their disrespect and irresponsibility. Today we debate industrial relations legislation concerning working people and their absence will be felt on behalf of the people through lack of contribution,” Moonilal said, during yesterday’s sitting of the House. He added: “They’ve walked off the job. Anywhere when people walk off the job, they’re not paid. Parliament seems to be the only place one can do that and still get paid. It’s a bad image to send: that you’re working for the people, yet you walk off the job and neglect who you’re working for.”
He said the PNM had had six motions to debate on yesterday’s agenda on matters concerning Pt Fortin, Laventille, Diego Martin, St Joseph, plus questions. He said only PNM Senator Faris Al-Rawi attended the JSC meeting concerning National Security.
He dismissed claims that people were feeling sorry for Rowley, adding it was far-fetched to say the suspension would create unrest. He said Rowley’s Emailgate accusation that the Prime Minister and ministers were seeking to commit murder was very serious and proper parliamentary procedure was followed on the suspension.