Speaker finds PNCR MPs Khan and Kadir in contempt for budget ruckus
Stabroek News
April 8, 2003
Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran has found PNCR parliamentarians, Jerome Khan and Abdul Kadir in contempt of the Assembly and expects the duo to "purge" themselves of this contempt at the first opportunity.
The Speaker also found a prima facie case had been made against a number of PNCR parliamentarians for their role in the disruption outside of, and the invasion of the Assembly during the national budget presentation on March 28. He has forwarded the issue to the Committee of Privileges of Parliament. PNCR MPs were not present in Parliament yesterday as they are boycotting the assembly and have been doing so for more than a year.
Two of the ruling PPP/C ministers, Gail Teixeira and Leslie Ramsammy, yesterday stood up as the assembly reconvened to condemn the attempts to block the access to the Assembly and to hamper them from discharging their obligations. They also condemned the invasion of the assembly by PNCR placard-bearing MPs and called for the matter to be referred to the Committee of Privileges for action.
But PNCR MP, attorney Raphael Trotman, in a letter to the Speaker, sought to distance himself from the invasion of the Assembly and emphasised his right to protest.
"I never shouted, touched any person, any door or other part of the building, attempted to enter the Chamber, or joined any other member of the Assembly in any illegal activity," Trotman told the Speaker in a letter dated March 31.
He took strong objections to any assertion, which sought to impute improper or illegal behaviour on his part, and he asked Ramkarran to ensure that such slander was not perpetuated against him.
"..Please be assured of my continued respect for both yourself and office and for the Assembly that I am proud to serve in," Trotman assured the Speaker.
But Ramkarran, in a response on April 4, circulated in the House along with copies of Trotman's letter, agreed that it was the latter's right to protest but questioned how he could complain when his uncritical participation in such a protest was being criticised.
"I fully agree that you have every right of legitimate protest but it seems rather peculiar that a member of the National Assembly would protest against the same Assembly of which he or she is a member and willingly remain as part of that protest when it becomes so disorderly that proceedings in the National Assembly have to be suspended."
"I cannot understand how such a member can complain when his or her uncritical participation in such a protest is criticised particularly when he or she fails to condemn or clearly disassociate himself or herself from the disorderly behaviour of the protestors and the invasion of the National Assembly," Ramkarran added.
Ramkarran said he was unclear whether Trotman was referring to something he had said in forming the opinion that he, Ramkarran, felt Trotman had behaved in an unbecoming manner and/or engaged in criminal conduct.
"As far as I am concerned, my comments were very restrained. If, however, your complaint is against someone else and which was made outside the National Assembly, I can only suggest that you seek legal advice," the Speaker said. He welcomed Trotman's assurance of continued respect for the House, himself and the Office of the Speaker.
Meanwhile, Teixeira, who rose first on a point of explanation yesterday as the budget debate was about to start, informed the Speaker that as she was attempting to enter the passage leading to the Ocean View Convention Centre where the assembly was convened on March 28, she was obstructed from so doing by a group of persons.
She said she was in the third vehicle queuing for entry but placards were shoved in all of their faces. She said she had waited in the queue for seven minutes before making a backdoor entry into the Assembly. She asked that the issue be referred to the Committee of Privileges, as no one should be prevented from going about his or her duty especially allowing access to the highest forum in the land, the National Assembly.
Ramsammy, who stood in support of Teixeira, said members of the National Assembly were encouraging persons in the protest to impede the passage of others to that forum.
He said PNCR MP Deborah Backer had stood in front of his vehicle and insisted that she was not going anywhere while others surrounded his vehicle, including Trotman. He said that the MPs were encouraging the small group to cross the police barrier and invade the Assembly and this could not constitute a peaceful process but a violation of the forum to which all members of parliament subscribed.
Ramsammy said the Deputy Speaker of the House, PNCR MP Clarissa Riehl and other PNCR MPs Rajkumari Bancroft, James McAllister, Nasser Ali, Drs George Norton and Dalgliesh Joseph had all behaved in a manner unbecoming of law-abiding citizens and this should not be accepted. He argued that while being a member of the National Assembly was a privilege, it also came with a serious obligation. Citing the letter from Trotman to the Speaker, Ramsammy said it was just an attempt at an excuse by Trotman. He said the small crowd behaved in a criminal manner and even if Trotman did not do the acts himself, he was a part of the crowd and was equally to blame.
Yesterday the Speaker cautioned members of parliament not to behave in an unruly manner as they had no immunity from arrest if they so did.
He restated his position that the police had the authority to stop the breach of peace anywhere and at anytime and did not have to await his authority to do so.
