The Speaker of the House of Representatives has ruled that there is no case for privilege to be brought before Parliament against the Prime Minister and Attorney General.
In an extensive report to the Lower House on Tuesday, Speaker Jagdeo Singh started by adjudicating on the matter raised against the Prime Minister by Member of Parliament for Diego Martin North/East, Colm Imbert.
In his complaint, he asked the Privileges Committee to investigate the recent “cuff you down” remarks made to him by the Prime Minister.
In his ruling, the House Speaker said the complaint did not meet the threshold.
“It was nothing more than banter. Further, no intention to threaten, molest, or intimidate the member from the performance of his duties accompanied the words. Whilst intemperate and inflammatory language ought to be kept in check, the complaint does not meet the threshold.”
Referring to a similar ruling by former House Speaker Barry Sinanan, he said the matter fails on issues which are material to the complaint and is thereby “stillborn.”
The next issue was a complaint from PNM Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, who wanted an investigation into what he said was a homophobic comment made by Attorney General John Jeremie, allegedly caught on an open microphone during recent proceedings.
The Speaker stated that the Hansard contained no reliable evidence linking the AG to the alleged statement, and therefore, the matter did not qualify as a privilege issue.
“As I have said before, there is absolutely no evidence of this. Particulars must be supported by facts. There are no facts to support the material allegations of the complaint. As such, this complaint as well does not meet the threshold.”