The Prime Minister has defended her Government’s choice for Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jagdeo Singh, saying he is legally qualified and committed to public service.
Her comments came following the opening of the 13th Republican Parliament.
Speaking to reporters outside of the Red House on Friday evening, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressed questions about one of her government’s first major appointments – the new Speaker of the House, Jagdeo Singh.
“He’s a very strong person. He’s very learned in law, and on that basis, I think he’d make an excellent Speaker. He’s committed to helping people. He’s done it in his practice, so that’s what we’re about.”
The Prime Minister also dismissed concerns about the Speaker of the Lower House, when asked about his legal history, including charges that were later dismissed.
“Yeah, it was overturned. Therefore, our justice system allows us to have justice. You’re innocent until proven guilty, and he remains innocent. He has never been proven guilty. All the charges were thrown over him.”
And on the selection of the Vice President of the Senate, Kenya Charles.
“Kenya is a very, very strong person. I think she’ll do a great job up there. She has also been the Chair of the women’s arm of my party. And she’s been with us a long time, so I know her well. And I think she’ll do a great job in the Senate.”
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar was also critical of the opposition’s decision to return former Ministers to the Senate.
“I’m sure they are very happy. You know, it points to me where the Opposition is now going. They’re bringing back persons who have been rejected. Of course, that’s okay to bring back into the Senate legally. But they were there for nine years. And all the policies and programs they presided over did not help the people of Trinidad and Tobago. So being in the Senate, I can’t see that giving them and their party any great lift. In other words, it is clear that the 1% is still in charge. When you look at some of the members of the PNM senators’ bench.”
And the Prime Minister also expressed hope for a more respectful and collaborative Parliamentary environment.
“We look forward to collaboration, but in our system of Westminster-style politics, sometimes you get it, sometimes you don’t. So we look forward to collaboration where it is necessary, and where they also see it in the best interests of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
When asked about the absence of Prakash Ramadhar from the Senate or any Ministerial role, the Prime Minister said those are party matters to be dealt with at the party level.
She did, however, confirm that former Senator Jayanti Lutchmedial would have a role in the administration.