Opposition MP Stuart Young says the alleged behaviours of Independent Senators seeking inducement to vote for the Zones of Special Operation Bill is “illegal” and erodes the trust and confidence in the Parliament.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar revealed earlier this week that two Independent Senators asked for personal favours in return for their support of the Bill, which was defeated in the Senate on Tuesday.
“This matter of conversations amongst Senators amounting to “horsetrading” for voting support on the ZOSO Bill that has been raised by the Prime Minister is illegal and is eroding the trust and confidence in the Parliament; it cannot be allowed to simply rest,” Mr Young said.
“The Constitution is clear and any deviation from the above would be a breach of the Constitution,” he added.
Mr Young called on the President to formally request details of the allegations from the Prime Minister and act on the information.
“The President, if she has not already done so, must immediately write the Prime Minister pursuant to section 81 of the Constitution requesting the information surrounding the allegations made by the Prime Minister against two Independent Senators who serve at Her Excellency’s pleasure pursuant to section 40(2)(c) of the Constitution and the Prime Minister has to provide the information in her possession. The President will then act on the information provided,” Mr Young stated.
He noted that Independent Senators serve under the President’s pleasure and the Prime Minister has to provide the information in her possession.
