Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates is expected to be replaced on the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC).
The PAAC is currently making inquiries into the State’s acquisition of pharmaceuticals, particularly focusing on procurement by the Ministry of Health and National Insurance Property Development Company Limited (NIPDEC).
Questions have been raised regarding Senator John-Bates’ actions in relation to the examination of evidence which was expected to come before the Committee earlier this week. This comes after allegations that she assisted former Minister of Health Terrance Deyalsingh in reviewing and editing his witness statement ahead of his appearance.
Political Scientist Dr. Maukesh Basdeo outlined the position against Senator John-Bates.
“She is a member of the Committee, and the evidence that is in the hands of the Chair and other members of the committee is that she aided and she was part of a process of reviewing an evidence statement to be submitted by persons to appear before the Committee.”
Dr. Basdeo said the matter has brought both ethical concerns and questions about parliamentary rules into focus.
“That has brought into contention whether there were breaches in the Standing Orders of the Parliament, whether it is quite clear that it is unethical. But the question now is whether there were specific Standing Orders of the Parliament that were breached. Now this Committee is a Joint Select Committee, where it comprises both members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.”