Government Senator, David Nakhid, has urged the Senate President to refer Senator Faris Al Rawi to Parliament’s Privileges Committee, regarding the matter involving Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates.
But earlier in the Senate sitting, Senator John-Bates tendered her resignation to Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles.
On Friday morning, Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates informed members of the Upper House that she had offered her resignation to Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles.
During a personal explanation to the Senate, Senator John-Bates maintained that it was never her intention to undermine the work or integrity of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee.
“I remain commited to the principles of integrity, fairness and respect for the rule of law that have guided my professional life and will continue to uphold those values in the service to this country. I hereby inform the Senate and the national community that I have offered my resignation to the honourable leader of the Opposition.”
Her conduct came under scrutiny after it was revealed that she had assisted in drafting or editing a statement for a witness scheduled to appear before the Committee.
She was subsequently removed from the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee.
Later in the sitting, Government Senator, David Nakhid called on Senate President Wade Mark to refer the matter of alleged breaches, to the Privileges Committee of Parliament, noting the involvement of two other members.
“Senator Faris Al Rawi SC has engaged in a conspiracy with Mr. Terrance Deyalsingh and Senator Janelle John-Bates to deceive the Committee. As such, I submit that Senator Al Rawi SC has committed a contempt and a breach of privilege. And I would like to ask that Senator Faris Al Rawi SC be referred to the Privileges Committee of the Senate.”
During debate on the PAAC’s report into the matter, Independent Senator Anthony Vieira highlighted what he described as significant discrepancies.
“The report acknowledges that confidential in-camera proceedings of the committee appeared to have been disclosed publicly, that’s an extremely serious issue. The confidentiality of in-camera proceedings is a cornerstone of the committee system. It is essential to the functioning of committees. Yet the report makes no findings regarding that breach.”
Senator John-Bates was replaced on the PAAC Committee by Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul.