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PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Jun 14, CMC – Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath is rejecting Opposition calls for his removal and a criminal investigation, as the People’s National Movement (PNM) accuses him of intimidating parliamentary staff during a heated sitting of the Standing Finance Committee on Friday night.
In a strongly worded statement, the PNM urged the Prime Minister to remove him from office, arguing that he had “abused the authority of that office, brought it into disrepute and demonstrated a level of conduct wholly inconsistent with the responsibilities of Leader of Government Business.”
The Opposition also called for a criminal investigation into whether his actions amounted to intimidation of a parliamentary staff member, insisting the matter be examined using available video and audio evidence. It further called for all relevant CCTV footage and broadcast recordings to be preserved for investigators.
The row stems from last Friday night’s committee sitting, when Opposition MP Stuart Young raised concerns over a $13.7 million allocation for the residence of Trinidad and Tobago’s Permanent Representative in New York during debate on a supplementary budget for the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs.
Following a heated exchange between Young and Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers, Padarath intervened to raise concerns about the parliamentary audio system.
“Mr Chairman, may I draw to your attention – and this is not the first time this has happened – the technicians who are operating the audio systems of the Parliament cannot determine who they want to listen to and, therefore, I am seeking your direct intervention because this is not the first time,” Padarath said.
“The bias approach by the staff and the technicians to mute while we speak, and sometimes the audio while it is being played on the Parliament channel, will not be tolerated and therefore we ask from now, I am signalling that there be a meeting of the Broadcasting Committee to treat with these matters.”
Tensions escalated, with Opposition MPs accusing the Government of intimidation and shouting across the chamber, prompting a brief suspension of proceedings.
Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales later questioned whether an investigation would be launched into Padarath’s conduct, including allegations that he had photographed a staff member who was responsible for the audio.
Speaker Jagdeo Singh said he had not witnessed the incident and noted that any complaint could be pursued through proper parliamentary procedures.
The House was eventually brought to a close following the disorder.
Padarath has denied that any intimidation took place and dismissed Opposition calls for an investigation. He instead shifted focus to the PNM, arguing that scrutiny should be directed at remarks made by MP Kareem Marcelle at a political meeting, where he accused the United National Congress of being hostile towards Afro-Trinidadians and communities that have traditionally supported the PNM.
“I have no intention of being a scapegoat or deflection from the PNM’s debacle as it relates to Kareem Marcelle’s viral tirade and divisive comments,” the Couva South MP said. “What should really warrant an investigation is Marcelle’s hateful speech, and whether or not this borders, if it is not a matter of sedition.”
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has backed Padarath’s position, saying concerns over microphone muting were longstanding.
“It’s totally correct. The same happened to me on several occasions, even up to recently. We have to bring this up in the Broadcast Committee,” she said.
The Prime Minister also dismissed allegations that Padarath intimidated a parliamentary staff member, describing the claim as “nonsense”.
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