Caption: PNM MPs in the Parliament

Summary

• Opposition Walkout: PNM Members of Parliament walked out of the Chamber in protest after the ruling UNC government prematurely ended a debate on an Opposition Private Members’ Motion.
• Focus of the Debate: The halted motion was addressing the growing socio-economic crisis in Trinidad and Tobago, specifically highlighting mass terminations, contract non-renewals, and rising food insecurity.
• Procedural Shutdown: UNC MP Dr Roodal Moonilal moved to terminate the debate under Standing Order 52(1), a move upheld by the Speaker despite challenges from Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland SC.
• Broken Compromise: The shutdown occurred on Private Members’ Day, which the Opposition had agreed to defer from the previous week to accommodate urgent government legislation.
• “Attack on Democracy”: The PNM strongly condemned the maneuver, accusing the UNC government of weaponizing its parliamentary majority to suppress scrutiny and silence the voices of vulnerable communities.

 

By Prior Beharry

THE Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) staged a walkout from the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, condemning the ruling UNC Government for prematurely shutting down debate on a motion addressing the country’s growing socio-economic crisis.

In a press release issued Friday, the PNM described the government’s actions as a “deeply troubling attack on democracy” and accused the UNC of weaponising its parliamentary majority to silence scrutiny.

The disruption centered around an Opposition Private Members’ Motion that raised urgent concerns regarding mass terminations, the non-renewal of contracts across state agencies and local government entities, and the resulting hardships facing vulnerable communities. According to the PNM, the motion highlighted the disproportionate impact of these job losses on single mothers, female-headed households, the youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It also warned of rising food insecurity, school absenteeism, and mental health strain.

However, the debate was brought to an abrupt halt when UNC MP Dr Roodal Moonilal moved a motion under Standing Order 52(1) to terminate the discussion.

The PNM noted that out of its 13 Members of Parliament, only four were given the opportunity to speak over two sitting days. The debate originally commenced on Friday, January 23, 2026, led by the Mover of the Motion, Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle. St Ann’s East MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly and Malabar/Mausica MP Dominic Romain also contributed during that initial sitting.

Diego Martin Central MP Symon de Nobriga was the only Opposition member permitted to speak before Dr Moonilal moved to end the debate.

Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland SC attempted to challenge the shutdown to enter the debate. However, the Speaker of the House ruled that Dr. Moonilal’s motion did not constitute an abuse of process or a suppression of minority rights, effectively blocking any further participation from the Opposition benches.

The PNM expressed deep frustration over the procedural move, noting the specific timing of the incident. Private Members’ Day, traditionally held on the fourth Friday of every month, is one of the few mechanisms non-government members have to bring national issues before Parliament.

According to the Opposition, last week’s scheduled Private Members’ Day had been deferred—with the PNM’s agreement—to facilitate urgent debate on the Government’s Miscellaneous Provisions (FATF Compliance) Bill, 2026.

“Having accommodated the Government in the national interest, the Opposition was met with the extraordinary spectacle of the UNC Government gagging the Parliament on the very day reserved for Opposition business,” the release stated.

In protest of what they called an “assault on parliamentary democracy,” PNM members vacated the Chamber.

“When debate is deliberately shut down, the communities those Members represent are also silenced,” the PNM stated, urging citizens to take careful note of the day’s events. “A Government that shuts down debate because it is uncomfortable with the truth reveals a dangerous disregard for democratic accountability.”

The Opposition vowed to continue defending the rights of the minority in Parliament and the democratic traditions of Trinidad and Tobago.