MORE than a month after Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates offered her resignation to Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, she has been replaced on the Opposition Bench.
Attorney Dr Margaret Satya Rose was yesterday sworn in as a People’s National Movement senator at the start of yesterday’s Senate session.
OUT: Janelle John-Bates
Beckles thanked John-Bates for her service and again defended the party’s decision to retain Senator Faris Al-Rawi.
Speaking at a news conference at the Red House, Port of Spain, following the adjournment of the Senate, Beckles expressed confidence in the new senator’s abilities, including her experience in procurement matters.
The decision to replace John-Bates comes after she became embroiled in controversy in April when it was discovered that, while a member of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) and during an enquiry into the acquisition of pharmaceuticals for the public health service, she had assisted former health minister Terrence Deyalsingh in editing his statement that was to be submitted before the committee. It was also revealed that Al-Rawi was involved in the preparation of the statement, though he had pointed out he was Deyalsingh’s attorney.
Both John-Bates and Al-Rawi were referred to the Parliament’s Privileges Committee over the matter by Government senator David Nakhid though neither faced investigation after the matter effectively lapsed with the end of the First Session of the 13th Republican Parliament on May 22.
John-Bates was removed from the PAAC and the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on National Security. She tendered her resignation from the Senate on May 1 and for weeks Beckles declined to confirm where she would be removed despite criticism from the Government and concerns from political analysts over the delay.
The Opposition Leader yesterday addressed criticisms she had taken too long to remove John-Bates as a senator and said the party had to handle the matter appropriately. She also pointed out that John-Bates was young and that people make mistakes, however this did not mean the end of the former senator’s career.
Responding to some calls for Al-Rawi to also be removed, Beckles noted that the senator was not a member of the PAAC.
Praise for Rose
On John-Bates’ replacement, Beckles spoke about the new senator’s “rich and outstanding record of professional achievement, public service and academic excellence”.
Beckles said Rose’s expertise in governance, accountability and legislative scrutiny will significantly strengthen the Opposition’s contribution in the Senate.
“I am confident that she will serve the people of Trinidad and Tobago with distinction, integrity and commitment,” Beckles said in a statement welcoming the new Senator.
Rose is also a public policy researcher and educator, with internationally recognised expertise in public procurement, governance, commercial law and anti-corruption systems.
In a statement, the PNM described her as a respected professional, whose experience spans both the legal and public policy arenas.
Rose is the holder of a Doctor of Policy Research and Practice from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom, and has advised governments, public institutions, and international organisations on procurement governance, regulatory compliance, and public sector reform.
She has also served as counsel in several high-profile commissions of enquiry and significant matters before the courts, including appearances before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Deep reflection
John-Bates yesterday thanked the party and Beckles for “the opportunity to serve this great nation”.
In a statement, she also wished the Opposition Leader “strength and God’s guidance as she continues, in these difficult times, to defend our democracy and the rule of law”.
“I would also like to convey sincere congratulations to Ms Rose on her appointment as a Senator,” John-Bates stated.
A civil lawyer by profession, John-Bates said she has “reflected deeply on the events of the past several weeks and on the important responsibilities that accompany public service”.
“I remain committed to serving the people of Trinidad and Tobago in any capacity that I am asked to by the Opposition Leader in the future,” John-Bates said.
In the statement welcoming Rose to the Opposition bench in the Senate, Beckles had thanked John-Bates for her service, stating,
“I wish to place on record my gratitude to former Senator Mrs Janelle John-Bates for her commitment and her contribution as an Opposition Senator over the past year. We will all continue to work together to restore good governance to Trinidad and Tobago.”
