By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Guidelines for the motion pursuant to Section 36 of the Constitution to have President Paula-Mae Weekes removed from Office remains the same for Thursday’s proceedings.
The first Extraordinary Sitting of the House of Representatives is scheduled for today (Thursday) at 10.30am.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar who filed the motion had requested that a debate be held, House Speaker Brigid Annisette-George not chair the proceedings and Independent Senator Charisse Seepersad not be allowed to vote given a potential conflict of relational interest in a letter sent to Annisette-George on Wednesday.
However, in a letter by Clerk of the House Jacqui Sampson-Meiguel, the clerk indicated her letter was written under direction of Annisette-George who acknowledged receipt of Persad-Bissessar’s letter.
The letter which was also dated Wednesday stated, “The term “motion” does not mean that a debate is automatically and always prompted.”
Sampson-Meiguel stated that a motion was defined as a proposal brought before the House for a decision and generally debates were included. There were several exceptions to the general rule.
The letter also states, “It is the Constitution that authorises the making of guidelines/procedures by the Speaker. In this regard, you are directed to Regulations 3 and 23 of the Electoral College Regulations made pursuant to section 28(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
And referring to the assertions of bias regarding Seepersad, Sampson-Meiguel stated, “The Speaker completely rejects the assertions contained in your letter, however, the Speaker shall address the issues in relation to bias comprehensively as the stage.”
