Couva North Member of Parliament Jearlean John has expressed strong support for the Prime Minister’s recent comments regarding independent senators, while criticising the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) for what she described as an attempt to curtail the Prime Minister’s freedom of expression.
John said the Constitution is intended to protect democracy and fundamental rights, arguing that freedom of speech is central to the functioning of a democratic society.
“The Constitution is meant to nurture democracy and protect fundamental rights,” John said, adding that free speech is the “lifeblood of democracy.”
She questioned the criticism directed at the Prime Minister over her comments about senators, arguing that senators, like other public figures, should be subject to public scrutiny and criticism.
John also rejected the suggestion that political debate should be restrained, describing politics as a “crucible” and a “battlefield of ideas and commentary” where strong language can generate strong debate.
According to John, the United National Congress (UNC) will not retreat from its position on crime and public safety, particularly in advocating for victims of crime and vulnerable families.
“The UNC will never retreat from a fight on behalf of innocent lives, weeping mothers and vulnerable families terrorised by criminals,” she said.
John also questioned the circumstances surrounding the appointment of the independent senators, arguing that their positions and decisions should remain open to public scrutiny.
She specifically raised questions about the fact that the independent senators were appointed by a former PNM Minister, former Member of Parliament and former PNM Senator who, according to John, had previously publicly encouraged supporters to “spread the gospel of the PNM.”
Against that background, John questioned whether it was unreasonable for the public and the Prime Minister to scrutinise the independence of the senators when their votes appear, in her view, to align with positions historically associated with the PNM.
She further criticised LATT’s intervention, accusing the organisation of applying constitutional principles selectively and questioning its response to the current political controversy.
John concluded by invoking the words of the late calypsonian The Mighty Sparrow, quoting from his song “Good Citizen” in an apparent criticism of what she characterised as double standards surrounding political speech, accountability and public criticism.