Amazing scenes were witnessed in Parliament on Friday night as tempers flared over a claim that Government Minister Barry Padarath took a photograph of a parliamentary staff member after raising concerns that microphones on the Government benches were being deliberately muted.
In a media release, the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) called for a criminal investigation into Padarath’s conduct and his removal as Leader of Government Business in the House.
However, Padarath yesterday fired back at the Opposition, saying he is ready for war and accused the PNM of using tactics to distract from the racist and seditious comments of Opposition MP Kareem Marcelle.
In its release, the PNM described the Government’s claims that the microphones were being muted as “astonishing and wholly unsubstantiated allegations” that parliamentary staff were biased against the Government.
In defending parliamentary employees, the PNM stated that staff members have consistently maintained an apolitical and professional approach to their duties regardless of which party forms the Government.
“Their role is to support the work of Parliament and uphold the institution, not participate in partisan political disputes,” the release added.
The PNM claimed that after he made the allegations, Padarath left the Government bench and approached the parliamentary audio technician, where he took a photograph of the staff member in full view of Members of Parliament and observers.
“There can be no legitimate justification for such conduct,” the PNM stated.
The Opposition argued that when a senior Government minister publicly singles out a member of the parliamentary staff after alleging bias, it creates the appearance of intimidation directed at a public officer carrying out his duties.
It further contended that parliamentary employees must be able to perform their responsibilities free from fear, harassment, pressure or political interference.
The PNM described the incident as “a dangerous escalation” in what it characterised as the Government’s increasingly hostile approach towards independent institutions and public servants.
The Opposition called for an immediate criminal investigation to determine whether Padarath’s actions amounted to intimidation of a public officer in the execution of his duties.
The PNM also requested that all parliamentary CCTV footage, broadcast recordings and other audiovisual material from the Chamber be preserved and made available to investigators.
The PNM stated it would defend the integrity and independence of Parliament and its staff, adding that it would not stand by while employees are “targeted, intimidated or threatened” while carrying out their duties.
Some Opposition members took to social media yesterday to condemn Padarath’s actions.
Opposition Senator Dr Amery Browne posted: “That UNC Government Minister intimidating and harassing the young Parliamentary staff member in his workplace is the latest act of a government that has absolutely no regard for fairness, justice, and the Constitutional rights of anyone but themselves. In the past that same Mini-star was always the first and loudest to level accusations of hubris and autocracy, constantly shouting about who should be fired.”
