By Sue-Ann Wayow
MEMBER of Parliament for Barataria/San Juan Saddam Hosein has been suspended from the House of Representatives for seven days for behaviour deemed to be “gross” by House Speaker Brigid Annisette-George.
He was suspended following a vote with 19 government MPs voting for his suspension and 17 Opposition MPs against on Monday night.
Hosein was contributing to the debate on the Report of the Standing Finance Committee when the drama played out.
He referred to a judgement given by the High Court on a matter involving Ashton Ford, Andrea Chambers Wilson and Elvin Edwards.
He said the attorney general had stated that the vote for additional sums for his ministry would allow the hiring of additional contract employees and enquired if the vote would be sufficient to hire enough staff to protect the interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, given the judgement involving Ford and others.
Former attorney general and Local Government Minister Faris Al Rawi answered saying he believed that that judgement was under appeal.
When asked to confirm by Annisette-George, he referred to the sub judice rule.
Hosein said he was unaware of an appeal and that he had a copy of the judgement dated March 18.
Under Standing Order 48 (1) including Energy Minister Stuart Young and Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh interjected.
Hosein was allowed to continue.
He said, “Madame Speaker, this is really oppressive what is happening in this Parliament, especially with the Standing Orders that are being raised by the other side.”
Rising to her feet, Annisette-George told Hosein, “Member for Barataria/San Juan, I am speaking to you, please give me the respect of at least looking up. When I rule, I rule. I want you to apologise for what you just said, or you suffer the consequences of not apologising.”
He started to apologise but was cut short.
In a stern voice, Annisette-George said, “That is not an apology. Put down your papers, watch me and apologise!”
At that point Hosein said, “Madame Speaker I would like to end my contribution.” to which the House Speaker replied, “Thank you!”
Finance Minister Colm Imbert was then called upon to wind up the debate but as Hosein was making his way back to his seat he continued complaining about the “highly oppressive” manner.
“Member either you take your seat or leave!” Annisette-George said sternly.
Hosein said loudly, “I am an elected Member. And I find it oppressive what I have just experienced.”
Annisette-George stated that she was going to call to the attention of the House his behaviour which she did while Imbert was speaking since Hosein continued with his complaining.
She said, “Member for Barataria San Juan, I am now going to call to the attention of the House, the behaviour of the Member for Barataria/San Juan which I consider to amount to gross disorder. And in the circumstances, I bring that to the attention of the Members of the Parliament and I, therefore, call upon a Member in accordance with Standing Order 55 (7).”
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds rose on the Standing Order.
“Having mentioned the name of the Member, I move the motion that Member Saddam Hosein be suspended from the service of this House,” he said.
The question was put to the House that Hosein be suspended with the voting subsequently taking place.
The Barataria/San Juan MP can return to the House from next week Tuesday.
