The Opposition PNM has suddenly decided to return to Parliament on Friday since ILP leader and Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner has “showed them up,” stealing the spotlight in handling a range of Opposition duties solo in the PNM’s absence, says PP House Leader Roodal Moonilal. “So they’re really returning since they caught Jack stealing...their limelight,” he added yesterday.
Moonilal was commenting after PNM chairman Franklin Khan announced on Saturday that PNM MPs would return to Parliament after their recent walkout and boycott from May 6 when PNM leader Keith Rowley was suspended from the Parliament. Khan said the PNM MPs would return to Parliament for Private Members day—when Opposition business is discussed—to debate a motion by PNM MP Paula Gopee-Scoon on a Soldado West project probe.
Noting Government had been holding two Lower House sessions weekly he said the PNM’s return would debunk the “foolishness that they feel they’re setting a trap for us,” regarding PNM’s seats in the House.
Under Parliament’s Standing Orders if an MP misses more than six consecutive sessions without permission, they vacate their seat and it can be declared vacant. After PNM’s walkout, all but MPs Patrick Manning, Nileung Hypolite and Amery Browne have been absent without permission for subsequent sittings on May 8, 13 and last Friday.
Moonilal said, “It’s ludicrous to even think of declaring a seat vacant a week before Parliament ends. What is happening is the PNM is now climbing down from their high horse, seeking to crawl back into Parliament due to public pressures and the people’s strong will that demands a return to Parliament. But they’ve also caught Mr Warner stealing their spotlight in Parliament since in recent weeks of their absence, he’s raised more motions than they did in three years...so Jack had shown them up to be lazy.”
“Having walked off the job, the national community must note their recklessness as far as representing the people since several key issues have closed and are close to being completed—the pre cursor chemical bill, Ombudsman’s report and we’ve almost completed the IRA Bill and Cyber Crime Bill. Some have expressed concerns and the PNM hasn’t been there to do their job and raise matters in the Parliament in the public interest.”
On media concerns about the Cyber Crime Bill, Moonilal said PP’s caucus this evening will decide how it will proceed and whether Government will want to re-engage stake-holders at this time.
After reported claims the Prime Minister might announce an election date of September 7 when Parliament prorogues on June 17 and asked if the PM may also make an announcement at next Sunday’s May 24 PP anniversary rally—marking the end of the term—Moonilal said there would always be speculation.
“May 24 is a significant day when we gather to celebrate and commemorate five years in office (so) I’m sure appropriate announcements and declarations would be made fit for such a day.” On questions about some of the people—including former political and other personalities—who have submitted nominations for UNC, Moonilal didn’t answer directly but said the situation showed there was “great interest” in the UNC. He said no deadline for nominations has yet been set.