Caption: Speaker Jagdeo Singh
By Alicia Chamely
MEMBER of Parliament for Diego Martin North-East Colm Imbert has lashed out at Chairman of Standing Finance Committee, House Speaker Jagdeo Singh, for inserting himself into and becoming involved in parliamentary discussions.
On Monday, there was a Standing Finance Committee meeting to discuss budgetary supplementation to various departments of Government.
Dealing with Ministry of the Attorney General’s finances, MP for Laventille West Kareem Marcelle asked Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj what percentage of a $54.9 million allocation for the payment of legal briefs, would be used for existing outstanding bills and what percentage would be used for anticipated bills.
Maharaj and Marcelle went back and forth, with Maharaj arguing that it was impossible to say what percentage would be used for future bills and Marcelle reframing the question numerous times.
Eventually, Chairman Singh interjected saying, “I have heard the question asked at least five times. I have heard five iterations of what purports to be an answer. I don’t want to be anymore deprecatory, I understand you have recently been appointed to the Bar. It would be difficult, if not impossible, for anyone to allocate percentile amounts to past and future matters.”
Singh’s statement was met with ire from the Opposition, with Member of Parliament for St. Ann’s East Stuart Young who loudly asked as to whether the Chair was insinuating “only lawyers” could ask questions.
Imbert, who spoke when the chamber settled, said, “Mr Chairman, I have participated in at least 40 Finance Committee meetings. 15, of which, would have been under the United National Congress (UNC). This is the first Finance Committee meeting where I see the Chairman, your good self, venturing opinions, seeking to clarify statements made. It’s simply wrong. Wrong!”
Singh responded, “All I can say is I was simply trying to help the process along.”
Imbert sternly replied, “Chairman, you are not supposed to get involved in the discussions.”
Singh accepted Imbert’s opinion and apologised to the house and Marcelle for any perceived disrespect.
